Second Jailer Arrested in Inmate�s Death

LONGVIEW � The investigation into the death of a Gregg County jail prisoner has resulted in five jail employees being fired and two of them being arrested. Arrested were Tomeka Cross, 34 and Brian West, 30.

Amy Lynn Cowling, 33, of Gilmer, was found unresponsive in a separation cell at the North facility before midnight last Tuesday. Cowling was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center and was dead on arrival early Wednesday morning.

Sheriff Maxey Cerliano said all documents, reports, logs, and electronic recordings pertaining to Cowling were secured and reviewed by investigators. It was discovered that a jail observation log had been falsified by a Gregg County Jail staff member. This information was forwarded to Texas Ranger Brent Davis and presented to the Gregg County District Attorney�s Office. An arrest warrant was issued by District Judge David Brabham charging Cross with tampering with a government document. She had been employed at the jail just over four months. Last Friday Cross was fired and booked into the Gregg County Jail. She appeared before Justice of the Peace B.H. Jameson and bond was set at $2,500. Brian West, 30, of White Oak was also arrested and charged with tampering with government records. The sheriff did not rule out more arrests or additional charges in the case.

Investigators determined that other employees were involved in conduct that was in direct violation of the Gregg County Sheriff�s Office general orders, code of conduct, and jail operational guidelines. Fired as a result of these violations were Corporal Kashena Davis, jailer Jacqueline Smiddy, jailer Gary Lewis, and jailer Brian West. During the investigation jailer Darrell McClenton resigned.

Sheriff Cerliano said information regarding the jail observation log as well as additional information was forwarded to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. The Commission determined that the jail was in Non-Compliance effective December 30, 2010. This finding resulted in the transfer of all Smith County contract inmates at the Gregg County Jail to the Upshur County Jail. Since Smith County is under a remedial order, those inmates can only be housed in a county jail in Compliance.

Sheriff Cerliano added that the investigation is ongoing and the autopsy report is pending. The Gregg County Sheriff�s Office, Texas Rangers, and Gregg County District Attorney�s Office are conducting the investigation. Sheriff Cerliano stated that if anyone has done anything improper regarding the incarceration of Cowling or has failed to follow medical standards established to safeguard the health of all inmates, that employee will be dealt with quickly and severely.