TDCJ states the decision to reactivate the facility stems from a rise in the states’s prison population and the need for additional beds.

According to TDCJ the former State Jail was shuttered in 2017 due to a declining inmate population. The Unit was managed under contract by the former Correction Corporation of America (CCA), which is now Core Civics.

Prior to the State Jail’s closure the facility was a topic of controversy after allegations and a lawsuit was filed over the alleged sexual hazing of an inmate.

“This reopening is positive for both TDCJ and the city of Bartlett,” TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said. “The Bartlett Unit will not only enhance public safety by providing secure housing for inmates but also contribute to the economic growth of the community.”

The Bartlett Unit will have a capacity of 1,049 inmates and is set to operate as what TDCJ describes as an “innovation unit” for the agency. TDCJ stated “it will offer a new approach to programs and services designed to support successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society upon release.”

“The Barlett Unit opening will bring a significant boost to our local economy by offering much-needed jobs, from corrections officers to support staff,” City of Bartlett Mayor Chad Mees said.

The Bartlett Unit is hosting a hiring event that will take place on the unit July 23, 2024, and July 24, 2024, at 1018 Arnold Dr., Bartlett, Texas. The unit’s projected opening date is early October 2024.

Although TDCJ would not respond to our press inquiry regarding if the facility would be managed by TDCJ or under private contract, we found several job postings by TDCJ. Those listing included state jobs for correctional officers and maintenance positions at the Bartlett Unit.

On April 19, 2024 the Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 10000 block of Twin Circles in Montgomery, Texas regarding to a deceased person. A forensic investigation uncovered the victim died from a lethal dose of Fentanyl. Members of the Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team (MOCONET) were involved in the investigation.

MOCONET is a Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force that includes the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Walker County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Through the course of the investigation, MOCONET identified Keian Cormier as the suspect allegedly responsible for providing the Fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose.

Cormier, who was already in custody at the Montgomery County Jail, was facing a Murder charge for a previous Fentanyl-related death that he allegedly caused in March of 2024 involving a 21 year old male victim.

Cormier is now facing charges for a second count of Murder that he allegedly caused in April of 2024.

Cormier is no stranger to the danger of drug overdoses. In April of 2017, Cormier’s friend Jeremy died from a narcotics overdose. Ironically Cormier’s Murder charge booking photo features Cormier with a tattoo on his neck that says “RIP-Jerm” commemorating his friend’s death.

Cormier is now facing two first degree Murder felonies under the new law. As of September 1, 2023, the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislator passed House Bill 6, which states that a person can be charged with “Fentanyl Murder” if they supply or distribute Fentanyl and it leads to the death of an individual. Cormier may face up to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for each count of Murder.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice along with Brazoria County law enforcement conducted a massive search for a TDCJ prison escapee. Kidanny Robles a 33 year old inmate, was discovered missing from the Clemens prison near Angleton during their midnight count on Sunday, June 23.

Robles is believed to have walked away from the trusty housing area outside of the main prison unit. Robles is serving a 20-year sentence for aggravated robbery, robbery and burglary of a habitation out of Bexar County as well as a subsequent 180-day sentence for possession of a controlled substance out of Nueces County from 2022. After being granted parole in 2021, he returned to TDCJ for violating his parole.

Robles will face felony escape charges. TDCJ thanked local Brazoria County law enforcement, state law enforcement and the Office of the Inspector General assisted in the search.