By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn announced he would no longer participate in briefings about jail deaths called by County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, citing the commissioner’s “hostile and unprofessional” treatment of county staff. Waybourn’s decision came after multiple missed briefings and followed public criticism of his handling of over 70 in-custody deaths since 2017, including cases that have led to lawsuits and criminal charges. The sheriff’s office maintains it already releases information via press releases and public records requests, while Commissioner Simmons argued the briefings are for the public and that the sheriff should be present to answer questions. Recent events such as the starvation and dehydration death of Kimberly Phillips and the suicide of Charles Stephen Johnson, have fueled the call for more action.
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Tarrant County TX sheriff refuses to give briefings requested by Commissioner Simmons on jail deaths, and the situation paints a rather bleak picture, doesn’t it? It’s truly astounding to consider a scenario where so many individuals die while in custody, especially when coupled with a cascade of lawsuits and accusations. To hear that the sheriff reportedly attributes these deaths to pre-existing conditions, as if that absolves him of responsibility, raises serious questions about his suitability for the role. This individual, by all accounts, seems to be falling short of the necessary standards of conduct and care for the people in his custody.
Now, it’s understood that running a jail is no easy feat. But when such high numbers of deaths occur, coupled with accusations of a lack of accountability, it really does seem like the root of the problem is with the sheriff himself. And the location of all of this, Texas? Well, it adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As mentioned, it suggests there’s a high likelihood that there may be little in the way of justice or fair treatment for marginalized groups, and this is deeply concerning.
The accounts and comparisons made regarding other jurisdictions, specifically Florida’s Frostproof Jail under Grady Judd, further underscore the gravity of the situation. The allegations of questionable practices, like concealing deaths and downplaying the circumstances, are alarming. One story mentioned a man placed in a cell with a known murderer and murdered. The older woman’s case, written off as being due to age, is quite disturbing. If these accounts are true, they reflect a deep-seated problem of corruption and indifference to the lives of those incarcerated.
The fact that the sheriff is apparently dressing the part of a “Wild West” figure and appearing more concerned with outward appearances than accountability speaks volumes. The refusal to be held accountable by not giving requested briefings to Commissioner Simmons, coupled with the lack of an apparent enforcement mechanism to compel his compliance, highlights a dangerous erosion of the rule of law. It’s almost as though he’s modeling his behavior after those at the highest levels of government who are also exploiting this loophole.
The comments mention the role of Trump’s administration and its impact, which appears to have emboldened figures like this sheriff. This is another step on the road to autocracy. His apparent nonchalance, the suggestion that he might have lost count of the deaths, is deeply disturbing. If he won’t explain these deaths, what’s the next step? The question of who can actually compel him to be held accountable is a valid one. His apparent indifference to the seriousness of the situation, demonstrated by prioritizing his “silly hat” over human lives, is something that needs to be addressed.
The idea of putting him in jail until the situation is resolved is a dramatic thought, but it brings the point of the seriousness of the situation to a head. The descriptions of the situation as turning into “Russia” are quite vivid. The notion of firing the sheriff and the description of the “Tarrant County tyrant” are reflections of the frustration and anger surrounding the situation. The profile of the sheriff, as a “corrupt, white, male law enforcement officer in Texas,” is very concerning. He is possibly mirroring the example set by former figures in positions of power, such as Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who received a pardon for his actions.
The reference to the “Constitutional Sheriff” movement underscores the underlying problems, as do the comparisons to the situation in Alabama, where the suggestion of organ harvesting from inmates is beyond troubling. It is worth noting that the comments raise serious questions regarding prisoner treatment, the potential for exploitation, and a lack of accountability. The reference to “slavery still alive and well down here” should raise alarm bells.
The comments address that there appears to be no easy way to force the sheriff to respond. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who watches the watchers? The problem is also amplified by the claims that even whistleblowers are being silenced. The mention of Alabama’s prison system, where inmates allegedly work for little compensation while the state profits, reinforces the sense of injustice and exploitation. The suggestion that denial of parole and sudden inmate deaths are used to harvest organs is absolutely horrifying.
These observations coalesce into a powerful critique of the situation in Tarrant County, exposing not only a potential pattern of misconduct but also a broader context of systemic issues, questionable ethics, and potentially serious violations of human rights. It underscores the need for thorough investigation, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the principles of justice and human dignity.