The Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas- The Justice Department is investigating allegations of civil rights violations at a juvenile detention center.
Authorities will examine conditions and inmate treatment at the Evins Regional Juvenile Center in South Texas, according to a letter sent to Gov. Rick Perry from Wan J. Kim, assistant U.S. attorney general.
The letter, sent earlier this month, did not explain what prompted the investigation.
Officials at the Texas Youth Commission, which runs the center, welcome the investigation, spokesman Tim Savoy told the Monitor of McAllen for a story published Saturday.
“Only good can come from them looking at the operations of the facility,” Savoy said.
The relatives of three inmates sued for $4.5 million in federal court this year, claiming guards caused severe injuries by excessive force.
In 2004, inmates threw computers and other equipment at staff members and flooded the dorm. A commission report found instances of abuse after the melee.