MART, Texas — A former youth development coach at a juvenile correctional facility in Mart was arrested for sexual assault, according to executive director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, Camille Cain.
Jatavian Smith, 22, was immediately suspended without pay from the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility and was terminated Monday after an initial investigation, Cain said.
Smith was arrested for sexual assault Wednesday. He was booked into the McLennan County Jail, and the case was referred to the special prosecution unit.
"I am outraged by this allegation, and my heart breaks for the youth," Cain said. "The safety of our youth is my highest priority, and I will not have that trust betrayed by rogue staff members. TJJD has zero-tolerance for such behavior, and when such allegations occur, we will always act swiftly and pursue the highest possible penalties under the law.”
Cain said Smith had been working for the TJJD since June.
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