Employees of a contracted facility in Texas who were supposed to care for female foster children who are victims of sex trafficking were discovered to be trafficking the same children, a new report alleges.
This revelation was brought to light during an emergency court hearing called forth by U.S. District Judge Janis Jack on Thursday.
A report from an employee of the facility uncovered that nine alleged perpetrators victimized seven girls between the ages 11 to 17. The children then remained in the facility for over a month after the abuse was first reported before they were removed.
The report claimed the children were sexually and physically abused and suffered from neglectful supervision and medical neglect while at “The Refuge,” a facility located in Bastrop, Texas.
The facility was contracted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, according to a report from a current Refuge employee who reported the abuse to state authorities on Jan. 24.
The court and the court monitors, who are supposed to be watchdogs of the foster care system appointed by the judge, weren’t notified about the abuse until Thursday.
According to a letter from DFPS filed on Thursday notifying the court about the incident, the whistleblowing employee said a former staff member sold nude photos of two children in the facility’s care and used the proceeds to purchase illegal drugs and alcohol that were then supplied to the children.
Local law enforcement and the Texas Department of Public Safety were immediately notified the letter said.
In a statement released last night, Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas Rangers will lead the investigation and arrest and pursue charges against any suspects related to the Refuge allegations.
