The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office has terminated a Liberty County Jail correctional officer following an internal investigation into the July 18 escape of inmate Yorlan Rafael Reyes from HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood.
Investigators continue to actively pursue leads in the search for Reyes, 31, who escaped custody at approximately 5:30 a.m. July 18 while under the supervision of a Liberty County Jail correctional officer at the Kingwood hospital.
According to Capt. John Bennett, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, since the escape, investigators have worked continuously to locate Reyes and follow up on information received from the public and law enforcement partners. Multiple agencies are assisting with the investigation and search efforts, including the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
As part of the ongoing review of the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office conducted an internal investigation into the actions of the transporting correctional officer. The investigation reportedly determined that the six-year Liberty County Jail employee violated multiple jail policies during the transport and supervision of Reyes.
The correctional officer was immediately placed on administrative suspension following the escape. Upon completion of the internal investigation, the employee’s employment with the Liberty County Jail was terminated.
The search for Reyes remains active, and law enforcement agencies continue to dedicate significant resources to locating and apprehending him.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to remain vigilant. Anyone who sees Reyes or has information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Multi-County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-392-7867. A reward is being offered for information leading to Reyes’ arrest.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office thanked its law enforcement partners and the public for their continued assistance and cooperation as the investigation and search remain ongoing.