Former Montgomery County Jail detention officer arrested for assault of inmate, MCSO says

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- A now-former detention officer was arrested for assaulting an inmate while working at the Montgomery County Jail, investigators said on Friday.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, 27-year-old Miguel Cortez-Gonzales had been employed with the sheriff's office for 14 months before he was arrested on Friday in connection with the assault.

Authorities said Cortez-Gonzales was working as a detention officer at the jail when he assaulted a 25-year-old male inmate on July 24. Officials said the inmate, whom MCSO said it will not identify to protect his privacy, suffered minor injuries and is expected to be OK after receiving medical treatment.

MCSO said an internal investigation began immediately after the incident and told ABC13 that Cortez-Gonzales was placed on suspension during the investigation. Cortez-Gonzales' last day of employment was Friday, when MCSO's Major Crime Unit detectives arrested him in connection with the assault, officials said.

Cortez-Gonzales is charged with violation of civil rights of a person in custody, which is a third-degree felony, authorities said.

“The care and safety of every person in our custody is not only a constitutional responsibility, but one I take personally,” Montgomery County Sheriff Doolittle said. “We are committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the public’s trust. No one is above the law. This type of behavior is not tolerated, and it will not be accepted within the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.”

MCSO officials said the investigation remains ongoing.