The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office has appointed a new jail administrator, overseeing operations in a system long criticized for in-custody deaths and mistreatment allegations.
Shannon Herklotz brings decades of experience, having served as chief deputy of detention services in Dallas County and head of the Harris County Jail, as well as a 20-year tenure at the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS).
Despite his record, Herklotz’s tenure at the Harris County Jail also faced challenges, including a record number of deaths in 2022 and subsequent notices of noncompliance.
Herklotz’s hire follows the retirement of Charles Eckert in May 2023, shortly after the death of an inmate, Anthony Johnson Jr., which resulted in murder charges against two jailers. Under Sheriff Bill Waybourn’s leadership since 2017, nearly 70 people have died in Tarrant County custody, alongside mounting lawsuits alleging abuse and neglect.
Herklotz steps into his role amid growing public and legal scrutiny. His leadership will be pivotal in addressing systemic issues within the jail and restoring trust.
For Miranda’s Suarez’s complete story, visit KERA News.
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