Former Harris Co. inmate claims she miscarried after jailer’s assault, other inmates gang-raped her

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Harris County Jail faces renewed scrutiny as a woman files a lawsuit alleging physical and sexual assault during her incarceration, leading to a miscarriage. This revelation coincides with reports indicating ongoing non-compliance with state standards.

Mikayla Savage’s ordeal during her three-month stint at the Harris County Jail in summer 2022 stands as a traumatic period, as outlined in her federal lawsuit against Harris County. She claims to have endured multiple assaults, including a miscarriage resulting from an altercation with a guard. Her attorney, Miriam Nemeth of Rights Behind Bars, detailed a harrowing account of abuse, including solitary abortion and gang rape.

Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office stated that exhaustive investigations failed to substantiate the claims.

Despite Savage’s case, systemic issues persist within the Harris County Jail, as highlighted during a recent briefing to county commissioners. The jail, while nearing compliance, still falls short of state standards.

Commissioners were briefed on staffing challenges, with approximately 190 vacant positions reported. Moreover, data revealed prolonged lengths of stay for some inmates, with a few exceeding 1,000 days in custody.

Advocates for jail reform voiced concerns during public commentary, urging exploration of alternatives to incarceration and highlighting the detrimental impact of extended detention on individuals’ rehabilitation prospects.

Efforts to address longstanding issues include improvements to medical care access and the implementation of radio communication infrastructure across jail facilities by May’s end.

Commissioners pressed for specific timelines and benchmarks to guide corrective actions moving forward, with further updates anticipated in subsequent meetings.