BURLESON COUNTY, Texas — New details have been released in the Chester Jackson Jr. investigation. Lawyers for Jackson are trying to obtain records from Burleson County, the City of Caldwell, and the Texas Rangers. They are also trying to obtain personnel files of then Sergeant Robert Baucom and former Burleson County Sheriff Thomas Norsworthy.
Jackson’s lawyer says her client claims he was sexually assaulted during his time in custody at the Burleson County Jail.
"It is important that we get all the info and that they have solid quality reliable evidence to show their allegations against him," said U.A. Lewis, Jackson's attorney.
Lewis said the sexual assault took place when Jackson was thrown by Baucom. She said Jackson's claim is caught on body camera footage.
"I know Chester Jackson in the video himself did make allegations about being assaulted, beyond of what we’ve seen," said Lewis. "He also alleges sexual assault as well."
Jackson’s lawyers and law enforcement say he was in the midst of a mental health crisis at the time of his arrest. The judge has asked both parties to put in writing their positions by the beginning of 2020 so she can make a decision on the records motions made today.
KAGS first brought you this story back in April of 2019 after we uncovered video of Jackson in the Burleson County Jail. We have provided a timeline of events leading up to Monday's hearing.
Jackson was arrested on Friday, April 19 for public intoxication. He was later indicted by a grand jury and charged with assault of a public servant, according to his lawyer.
On April 20, the day after Chester Jackson Jr.’s arrest for public intoxication, body camera footage showed officers transporting Jackson to a different jail cell. A Caldwell police officer let go of Jackson's arm, which his lawyer said caused Jackson to fall to the floor. Jackson remained on the floor yelling up at the officers.
Then, a different Caldwell officer, later identified as Sgt. Robert Baucom, came from around the corner of the jail cell door and it appeared on the video to forcefully push Jackson against the wall. Jackson then hit his head on the metal toilet.
The video showing the altercation between Jackson and Baucom was first reported by KAGS. Warning: the video contains graphic content not suitable for all ages.
WARNING GRAPHIC VIDEO:
Baucom said to Jackson, "you fell."
On that same day, Jackson's lawyer said they were denied access to Jackson when they came to pick him up from jail, saying authorities claimed he was unstable.
Jackson's attorneys said he was in the midst of a "mental health crisis" during his arrest and detainment.
Baucom was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, May 21 as a result of an investigation of this case. Police officers are typically placed on leave during internal affairs investigations and this does not necessarily imply guilt.
On June 18th, a grand jury indicted Baucom. He is charged with official oppression. The Caldwell Police Chief issued a statement to KAGS following the indictment:
"I am aware of the indictment and criminal charges against Robert R. Baucom in the Chester Jackson matter. Sergeant Baucom was under an Internal Affairs investigation within our department. Today (Thursday, June 20), Sergeant Baucom tendered his resignation and he is no longer a police officer for the City of Caldwell. The Caldwell Police Department is charged with upholding the law and will continue to serve this City with professionalism and respect." - Charles Barnes, Caldwell Police Chief.
In the indictment, it claimed Baucom intentionally subjected Jackson to "mistreatment that the defendant knew was unlawful, namely throw said Chester Jackson, Jr. while hands and legs were restrained."
According to the Burleson County DA's office, Texas Rangers found no evidence that Baucom's actions caused the injuries of Jackson. They said they believe he may have sustained the injuries that put him on life support in the four-hours between when Jackson was transported to Cross Creek Psychiatric Hospital and when he arrived at the St. David Medical Center on April 21, two days after his arrest for public intoxication.
During his time at Cross Creek, Jackson was given sedative drugs and had stopped breathing, before he was taken to an Austin hospital and placed on life support, according to 911 audio first obtained by KAGS News.
In an emergency call between staff at Cross Creek and Austin 911 operators, staff said Jackson “became agitated” and was given “2mg of Ativan, 10mg of Haldol, and 50mg of Benadryl,” after he was dropped off by Burleson County deputies. The staff member also said Jackson was “placed in a hold and he’s not breathing.”
The 911 call audio is below. Warning: it may be considered graphic.
This is a developing story. We'll continue to update you as more information is available.
THE CHESTER JACKSON INVESTIGATION:
- Chester Jackson given sedatives and found not breathing, per newly uncovered 911 call
- Chester Jackson Jr’s lawyer calls on Burleson County and Caldwell to “follow the law”
- Exclusive: Chester Jackson's family pleads for him to get help in newly obtained arrest video
- First on KAGS: Video shows Caldwell police officer physically restraining Chester Jackson in Burleson Jail