Austin Man Arrested for Sexual Assault at Mental Health Facility

Austin Man Arrested for Sexual Assault at Mental Health Facility

AUSTIN — A troubling incident at a mental health facility has led to the arrest of an employee on charges of sexual assault. The suspect, identified as Jerry Wayne Johnson Jr., a 48-year-old staff member at the Judge Guy Herman Center for Mental Health Crisis Care, was taken into custody on August 21, 2024.

Details of the Incident

The allegations date back to January 20, 2024, when Johnson is accused of sexually assaulting a fellow patient at the facility. Court documents reveal that Johnson allegedly exploited the woman’s emotional dependency in order to force her to participate in the act. Details shared by the victim indicate that she had previously been a victim of sex trafficking and was fearful of retaliation due to Johnson’s position of power within the facility.

According to the victim, she had no initial intent to engage in any sexual activity once admitted to the mental health facility. She had never met Johnson prior to the incident and stated that had he not held a position of authority, she would not have considered having any kind of relationship with him.

Investigation Findings

Following the allegations, a DNA search warrant was issued on April 15, leading to the collection of Johnson’s DNA. Investigators compared this sample to DNA obtained from the victim’s sexual assault examination, and the evidence indicated that Johnson could not be excluded as a potential contributor to the DNA profile.

Response from the Facility

The Judge Guy Herman Center for Mental Health Crisis Care is operated by Integral Care, an organization committed to providing mental health services. In a released statement regarding the incident, Integral Care emphasized that the safety and well-being of its clients and staff are their top priorities. They noted that as a Joint Commission accredited healthcare organization, they adhere to high standards of care and undergo rigorous monitoring.

Integral Care stated, “We have been made aware of the incident. We routinely evaluate procedures, training protocols, and other safety measures to maintain the highest standards.” However, the organization did not provide further details about specific actions taken in response to the allegations against Johnson.

Current Status of Johnson

As of now, Johnson remains in Travis County jail, with a bond set at $30,000. His attorney has not made any public statements regarding the case, and it is unclear if Johnson has entered a plea.

Moving Forward

The community has been left rattled by the allegations, underscoring the importance of safety in mental health facilities. As the investigation continues, patients and families are reminded of their rights and encouraged to speak up if they feel unsafe.

The situation remains sensitive, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.