Jail chief retires amid controversy after 32 years at Tarrant County Sheriff's Office

GREAT VALUE – Tarrant County's jail chief is retiring as controversy continues to swirl over recent inmate deaths.

Chief Deputy Charles Eckert “has retired very honorably” and ends 32 “stellar years” with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, a news release said Wednesday.

Eckert has led the daily operations of the prison since December 2020.

“He (Eckert) just won Texas Administrator of the Year and has many other positive accomplishments during his tenure,” the sheriff's office said in the release. “We will miss him and wish him the best in his retirement.

“Anyone who would speak negatively about Chief Eckert’s service is clearly misinformed or divisive.”

In a statement, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa L. Simmons said Eckert's departure was an “important but necessary first step in addressing the alarming increase in jail deaths in the Tarrant County Jail.”

In April, Simmons called for federal investigation after recent deaths of two Tarrant County inmates. Another prison death reported this week. An investigation is currently underway.

“Even though the longtime prison warden will be leaving after 32 years, systemic problems remain within the prison,” Simmons said. “Ultimate responsibility for these issues lies with Sheriff Bill Waybourn.”

Simmons said Waybourn should lead “efforts to implement meaningful reforms that ensure the safety of people in custody and uphold their civil rights.”

She said the commissioners “bear responsibility for this outbreak of jail deaths and the Sheriff’s Office’s lack of adherence to standard operating procedures, processes and protocol.”

“We must work collaboratively to ensure our facilities are safe and our staff is adequately trained to meet the highest standards of care and constitutional rights,” Simmons said.

“…I hope my colleagues on the court will join me in taking decisive action to prevent further loss of life and restore public confidence in our county’s justice system.”

Last week, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill E. Waybourn walked CBS News Texas anchor Doug Dunbar. through the moments surrounding the controversial death of inmate Anthony Johnson Jr..

Johnson's family had previously expressed outrage after sheriff released video of in-custody death.

CBS News Texas will provide additional information as it becomes available.