HOUSTON — A mentally ill inmate left unattended for weeks in his filthy Harris County jail cell will receive a $400,000 settlement. Harris County Commissioners on Tuesday approved paying Terry Goodwin, over his physical and emotional suffering.
County Judge Ed Emmett says it’s important to make sure this never happens again. Federal authorities are also investigating. Goodwin was jailed in 2013 on a marijuana charge while on probation when he was found in his shredded uniform amid trash and feces.
Two sergeants were indicted in April on charges of tampering with a government document. They allegedly indicated Goodwin was in good condition and regularly checked. Both sergeants were relieved of their duties. Six jailers were fired.
Goodwin is currently serving time in a Dallas-area state jail for burglary and assaulting a guard.
