Harrison County, Texas - Transport Deputy Roger Valentine Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Inmate

Harrison County Deputy Under Investigation For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Inmate in Transit

A transport deputy in Harrison County has been arrested after an inmate accused him of sexually assaulting her while she was being transported between facilities.

The inmate says that Transport Deputy Roger Valentine sexually assaulted her in Corsicana while she was being transferred from the Linda Woodman State Jail in Gatesville to the Harrison County Jail on March 22.

The Texas Rangers are in charge of this investigation. Valentine was immediately suspended from duty and reportedly confessed to the alleged assault before resigning from his position. He was arrested on Wednesday, April 3 and is currently being held at the Harrison County Jail.

The inmate was brought to Tyler for a sexual assault nurse exam. DNA was collected from her and will also be collected from Valentine.

Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault by Prison and Jail Employees

Attorney contributor Marc Lenahan helps victims of sexual assault find justice through civil lawsuits. Here are a few of Marc's thoughts on the legal options available to inmates who have been sexually abused by prison and jail employees:

Inmates have rights, and no inmate should have to suffer the traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted by a jail or prison employee. But unfortunately, it's common for corrections officers, deputies, and other employees to be abusive towards inmates. Many victims of sexual abuse in jails and prisons may feel they have no recourse because of the fact that their abuser is in a position of authority, but this isn't necessarily true. Victims of sexual assault in the corrections system may have the option to fight back by filing a lawsuit.

An experienced sexual assault survivors lawyer can help you understand your legal options if you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted as an inmate. These cases are complicated, but with the right legal guidance, you can find justice for what happened to you and hold your abuser accountable for the pain they've caused. A lawsuit can even provide legal recourse when the criminal justice system fails, as the standard of proof during a civil lawsuit is lower than in criminal courts.