Youth prisons
suspend four more on sexual assault charges

Texas's juvenile prison system said Monday it suspended four more officials in a probe that began after allegations surfaced of sexual abuse of inmates.

The officials were suspended with pay until the outcome of the investigation, according to the Texas Youth Commission.

The allegations included failing to follow agency policy, failing to notify law enforcers and parents of an accusation of sexual assault, and inappropriate use of state resources.

The agency incarcerates about 4,700 offenders ages 10 to 21 who are considered the most dangerous, incorrigible, or chronic. It operates 15 prisons, nine halfway houses, and treatment and counseling centers.

Since the allegations of sex abuse surfaced in February, the agency has been placed in conservatorship, and state lawmakers have pushed for a complete overhaul.

A former principal and assistant superintendent at the West Texas State School in Pyote have been indicted on charges they sexually abused teenage inmates. Both have pleaded not guilty. (AP)