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Inmate’s wife ‘completely surprised’ by removal of ban on in-person visits at Texas prisons

SAN ANTONIO – For the first time in a year, inmates at Texas prisons are being allowed to have in-person visits after a ban was imposed when the pandemic began last spring. Busby’s husband has been at the Dominguez State Jail since November 2019 for a parole violation. AdVisits at the state jail are done through glass windows. Busby said as she awaits her scheduled visit, she applauds the removal of the ban. “TDCJ has done a remarkable job turning around this visitation opportunity,” she said.

In-person visits in Texas prison system to resume next week

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Inmates in all Texas prisons and state jails will be allowed to resume in-person visits on Monday, March 15, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. All in-person visits were halted when the coronavirus pandemic swept the state last spring. All visits must be scheduled in advance, and inmates will be allowed only two visits per month. When asked whether inmates in the Bexar County Jail would be allowed in-person visits, Sheriff Javier Salazar said, “We haven’t really done in-person visits in several years.”Instead, he said, inmates will be allowed to continue remote video visits through a system upgraded during the pandemic. AdHe said the sheriff’s office has also provided just over 660,000 free phone calls from inmates during the pandemic.

Woman creates app to give newly-released prisoners vital connections

Now, one woman is using her 25 years of experience in the tech industry to help break the prison cycle. The problem is nobody shares information that makes it hard for them to work together,” said Louise Wasilewski, CEO of Acivilate. Their Pokket app gives newly released prisoners vital connections. They’re going to need help and resources and support if they’re going to make it,” said Colleen. It’s paid for by the probation or parole department, not by the individual.

Woman convicted in hit-and-run that left soldier disfigured will no longer serve 10-year prison sentence

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman who left a solider to die after a hit-and-run will no longer have to serve the rest of her 10-year prison sentence, according to online records. Hit-and-run victim to driver: ‘I wish her no ill harm’In August, Ross was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Katie Belknap said she was happy with how court went, and how they built the punishment. I’m really happy with how court went. “Ross will also have to complete drug court, according to Judge Jennifer Pena, who presides over the 290th State District Court.

Genene Jones’ Bible returned in accordance with plea agreement

SAN ANTONIO – As part of the plea agreement in the Genene Jones murder case, prosecutors promised to return Jones’ Bible, an address book and several other personal items. As the agreement was being reviewed by District Judge Frank Castro Thursday, the District Attorney’s Major Crimes Chief Catherine Babbitt told Castro that the state had made good on its promise to return the items. ‘Killer Nurse’ Genene Jones pleads guilty, gets life in prison“They’re in a box," Babbitt said. “There is some handwriting of Genene Jones in the Bible...some references to children and to sin,” Babbitt said last fall. ‘Killer Nurse’ Genene Jones deemed competent to stand trialIn November of 2019, Jones petitioned the court to have the Bible returned.