Texas Inmates Charged with Exploiting Disabled Man in Jail

POLK COUNTY, TX — Five inmates, and a woman, face felony charges after allegedly exploiting and assaulting a fellow inmate with disabilities in Polk County Jail, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 

The investigation began on Nov. 11 after a jail captain reported the alleged abuse. Authorities said the suspects manipulated the inmate into sharing his debit card and personal information, which was linked to his Supplemental Security Income and disability benefits. The inmate’s funds were drained by the woman, who also financed the commissary accounts of several inmates, the sheriff’s office said.

The victim was coerced into sharing his PIN for his jail commissary account, enabling the group to further exploit his finances and control his access to jail resources, including the phone system.

A total of 14 felony warrants were issued against the following suspects:

• Michael Allen Riggins: Injury to child/elderly/disabled, exploitation of child/elderly/disabled, engaging in organized criminal activity.
• David Clough: Injury to child/elderly/disabled, exploitation of child/elderly/disabled, engaging in organized criminal activity.
• Blake McCreight: Injury to child/elderly/disabled, exploitation of child/elderly/disabled, engaging in organized criminal activity.
• Trevon Mallard: Exploitation of child/elderly/disabled, engaging in organized criminal activity.
• Kenneth Lamar Lynch: Engaging in organized criminal activity.
• Carrie Jo Wilson: Exploitation of child/elderly/disabled, engaging in organized criminal activity.

Additional charges could follow as more evidence is uncovered.