Attorney General Greg Abbott has finally sprung into action over the allegations of rampant sexual and physical abuse within Texas Youth Commission. A grand jury in Ward County handed down indictments against two former employees of the now-infamous West Texas State School in Pyote. Almost immediately, Texas Rangers arrested both men.

Former Superintendent Ray Brookins faces two counts of improper relationship with a student, punishable by up to 20 years per count, and two counts of improper sexual activity with a person in custody, which carries a maximum two-year sentence. Former Principal Ray Hernandez was charged with one count of sexual assault, a second-degree felony; nine counts of improper sexual activity with a person in custody; and nine counts of improper relationships with a student.

However, before anyone starts applauding the speed to action when the indictments were handed down, remember it’s been:
– A week since the 43rd Judicial District Court gave Abbott sole power to investigate and prosecute all allegations about the Pyote facility,
– Two months since the issue was first raised in the Legislature,
– Three months since Ward County DAs asked the Attorney General’s Office for assistance,
– Two years since the original Texas Rangers report into the alleged crimes at Pyote.

This article appears in April 6 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.