Texas Democratic Party: Moving Texas Forward

The newly appointed ombudsman for the Texas Youth Commission resigned Monday after being indicted on a felony charge for allegedly smuggling a weapon into an East Texas lockup for teenage lawbreakers.

Catherine S. Evans, a former Dallas state district judge, was indicted on a third-degree felony charge for carrying a prohibited weapon — a folding knife — into a correctional facility, said Gina DeBottis, director of a special unit that prosecutes prison crimes statewide. If convicted, Evans would face two to 10 years in prison.

Evans said in a statement that she was “surprised and dismayed” by the indictment. Though she said she expects to be cleared of the charge, Evans resigned immediately.

“Security officers found a very small Swiss Army knife that I had completely forgotten was in my handbag,” Evans said. “What should have been the simple matter of disposing of it has now become a much more serious issue.

“It was a regrettable mistake. I am very sorry it happened, but I am now prepared to defend myself until this is resolved. I am confident that I did not violate the law.”

Evans also said lax security at Youth Commission lockups was “one of the most disturbing” issues she found as ombudsman. Since she alerted Youth Commission officials, she said, security screenings have improved.

Youth Commission officials had been investigating allegations of at least one other contraband episode said to involve Evans and an iPhone, prescription medicine and cash. No other charges have been filed.

Within hours after the indictment was made public, Gov. Rick Perry — who had appointed Evans to the post in September — said he had accepted her resignation and would appoint a replacement soon.

“It is clear that Catherine Evans’ bad judgment and the indictment have hampered her credibility and effectiveness in this role,” said Allison Castle, Perry’s press secretary, noting the importance of the post to both the agency and its incarcerated youths.

The indictment, handed up last week by a Houston County grand jury, was unsealed Monday.

To read more go to the Austin American-Statesman article.