Texas Board of Criminal Justice
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Ombudsman
Cassandra McGilbra
PREA Ombudsman
In accordance with Section 501.172 of the Texas Government Code, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Ombudsman coordinates the agency's efforts to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment of offenders in TDCJ correctional facilities. The PREA ombudsman serves as an independent office to review or conduct administrative investigations of allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment, as well as provide a point of contact for elected officials, the public, and offenders to report allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment, or inquiries related to the PREA.
Contact:
PREA Ombudsman Office
PO Box 99
Huntsville, TX 77342-0099
Phone: (936) 437-5570
Fax: (936) 437-5555
prea.ombudsman@tdcj.texas.gov
E-Mail Contact Form
The PREA Ombudsman is appointed by the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and reports directly to its chairman.
Responsibilities of the PREA Ombudsman
- Monitor the agency's efforts to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment in TDCJ correctional facilities.
- Ensure the agency's policies and procedures are in compliance with federal and state laws and standards.
- Respond to public inquiries regarding allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in TDCJ correctional facilities.
Reporting Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment
Family and friends of inmates, and the general public, are encouraged to report allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment that occur in TDCJ correctional facilities to the PREA Ombudsman Office or the TDCJ Ombudsman Office. Public inquiries regarding allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment are referred to the PREA Ombudsman Office for investigation and response. All allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment received in the PREA Ombudsman Office are referred to the Office of the Inspector General for possible criminal investigation.
When reporting allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment, please provide the following information, if possible:
- Name of the unit where the alleged victim is assigned.
- Date and time the alleged incident occurred.
- Name and TDCJ number of the alleged inmate victim.
- Name and TDCJ number of the alleged assailant and witnesses.
- A brief summary of the allegation.
- Copies of any correspondence that could assist in the investigation.
For expediency with the reporting process, any allegations unrelated to sexual abuse, sexual harassment, or the PREA, should be reported directly to the TBCJ Office of the Independent Ombudsman.