Tarrant County jailers fired after in-custody death reinstated, put on leave

Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn announced on Thursday that two jailers, Rafael Moreno and Lt. Joe Garcia, who were terminated last week following the death of Anthony Johnson, Jr. in custody, have been reinstated.

Waybourn stated that he initially terminated Moreno for using a technique not sanctioned by the sheriff’s office and Garcia for allowing the technique and failing to respond adequately to the situation. However, the terminations were withdrawn after attorneys from the Civil Division of the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office advised further steps be taken to comply with Civil Service rules.

“While I disagree, out of an abundance of caution, I withdrew the terminations to ensure the completion of the process and the gathering of all evidence for administrative purposes,” Waybourn explained.

Last week, Waybourn described a situation where officers engaged in a lengthy struggle with Johnson during a routine cell search, leading to his subsequent unresponsiveness. He mentioned that Moreno restrained Johnson with his knee on his back until leg restraints could be applied.

Although detention officers are permitted to use their knee to restrain individuals until restraints are in place, Waybourn emphasized that Johnson should have been promptly placed in a recovery position once restrained. He also noted that medical assistance should have been summoned immediately.

The investigation into Johnson’s death continues, with the Texas Rangers conducting a criminal investigation independently. Jeremy Sherrod, Texas DPS Regional Director, urged patience, stating that there are still crucial details to uncover.

CLEAT, representing one of the terminated officers, intends to appeal the decision, citing the need for the medical examiner’s report and highlighting what they perceive as a hasty response to public interest in the case.