GALVESTON, Texas — Two former correctional officers assigned to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ) Hospital Galveston Unit have been arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving female inmates.
According to TDCJ officials, Kenneth McDaniel Jr. and Kamron Kirk were taken into custody on June 18 after an investigation by the agency’s Office of Inspector General identified them as suspects in alleged sexual misconduct involving two women housed at the facility. Both men have been charged with Civil Rights Violation/Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody, a second-degree felony under Texas law.
The investigation began after a female inmate reported that she had been sexually assaulted by two correctional officers while receiving treatment at Hospital Galveston. Authorities said the complaint led investigators to McDaniel and Kirk, who were employed by TDCJ at the time of the alleged incidents.
Both officers were relieved of duty during the investigation and were later terminated following the conclusion of an administrative review. TDCJ officials have not released additional details regarding the allegations, citing the ongoing criminal case.
Reports indicate that concerns involving the same officers had surfaced earlier this year when female inmates alleged sexual assault at the Galveston medical facility, prompting a broader investigation by state officials.
Hospital Galveston, located on the campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch, serves as a secure medical facility that provides specialized treatment to incarcerated individuals from across Texas. The hospital reportedly treats more than 3,000 inmates each year.
The case has renewed scrutiny over inmate safety and staff accountability within correctional facilities. Under Texas law, incarcerated individuals are legally unable to consent to sexual relationships with correctional staff because of the inherent power imbalance between officers and those in custody.
As of Friday, McDaniel was being held in the Galveston County Jail on a $125,000 bond, while court records regarding Kirk’s custody status were not immediately available. Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
