Texas Jail Standards 15 Day Letter — Williamson County Death Investigations

Texas Jail Standards 15 day letter filings related to Williamson County reveal how death-in-custody investigations intersect with public information requests and law enforcement objections to disclosure.

This page documents an official 15-day letter submitted to the Office of the Attorney General regarding withheld records tied to Williamson County Jail investigations.

For additional context, review the systemic timeline and live evidentiary record.

External reference: Texas Public Information Act

Source document:

:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Agency information and contact details

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) oversees compliance, inspection, and reporting for county jail operations across Texas.

Executive Director: Brandon S. Wood
P.O. Box 12985
Austin, Texas 78711

Voice: (512) 463-5505
Fax: (512) 463-3185
Website: http://www.tcjs.state.tx.us

Purpose of the 15 day letter

This filing was submitted under Government Code §552.301(b) requesting an Attorney General ruling on whether certain records should be withheld.

The request centers on whether disclosure would interfere with active criminal investigations.

Specifically, it relates to death-in-custody cases tied to Williamson County Jail.

Background of the records request

A public information request submitted by LeRoy Nellis sought multiple categories of oversight and investigative records.

• Complaints from inmates, staff, or families
• Investigation reports and enforcement actions
• Correspondence between TCJS and Williamson County
• Death, injury, and hospitalization documentation
• Inspection reports and non-compliance notices
• Administrative population data

Initially, procedural issues delayed delivery. However, the request was later clarified and processed.

Subsequently, TCJS forwarded materials to the Texas Rangers to determine whether disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations.

Texas Rangers objection to release

The Texas Rangers responded that active criminal investigations were underway involving the deaths of:

• Alexis Oliva-Garcia
• Caleb Matney
• Robert Hill

They requested that records be withheld under Government Code §552.108(a)(1), citing potential interference with ongoing investigations.

Accordingly, TCJS issued a 10-day letter and subsequently this 15-day letter requesting formal guidance from the Attorney General.

Legal basis for withholding records

TCJS asserts that death-in-custody records may be withheld due to:

• Active criminal investigations
• Incomplete administrative investigations
• Potential interference with law enforcement proceedings

Supporting authorities include:

• Texas Government Code §552.108
• Attorney General Opinion MW-575 (1982)
• Open Records Decision No. 493 (1988)

Additionally, Texas Administrative Code §269.1 outlines procedures requiring independent investigations and final reports before completion of review.

Investigation process and documentation

As part of its review process, TCJS examines:

• Booking documentation
• Suicide screening forms
• Observation logs
• Continuity of Care Query (CCQ)
• Magistrate notifications
• Video evidence
• Medical records
• Autopsy reports
• Final investigative reports

However, the Commission states it cannot complete its review until it receives final investigative reports from the Texas Rangers.

Conclusion and request for ruling

TCJS formally requested an Attorney General ruling to determine whether the statutory exceptions apply and whether the records may be withheld.

This page preserves the full context and structure of that request.

This is documentation of process—not interpretation.