Update: Former Cherokee County Jail Officer Arrested After TXAN 24 Report With Inmate

UPDATE: CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of 34-year-old Kayley Garcia of Alto on three counts of Prohibited Substance/Item in a Correctional Facility, all third-degree felonies.

TXAN 24 previously reported that Garcia, a former jailer, was under investigation after admitting to engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate connected to a high-profile homicide case. Sources also told TXAN 24 that Garcia allegedly provided contraband, including smokable tobacco and her personal cell phone, while on duty inside the jail.

According to CCSO, Garcia worked at the jail from June until her termination in August, when the allegations first surfaced. Officials emphasized that her actions do not reflect the professionalism of the Sheriff’s Office staff, adding that misconduct will not be tolerated.

Garcia was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on September 3, 2025.

TXAN 24 will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as court proceedings move forward.

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EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) - The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is facing new scrutiny after a jailer was terminated for alleged misconduct involving an inmate accused in a quadruple homicide case.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the former jailer — identified by CCSO sources as K. Garcia — admitted to engaging in an inappropriate relationship with the inmate. In addition, Garcia allegedly provided him with contraband items, including smokable tobacco and cell phones.

Multiple sources told TXAN 24 News that Garcia expressed personal feelings for the inmate. She was terminated following the allegations and is no longer employed with the Sheriff’s Office. Garcia’s husband, who also works at the jail as a jailer, was not implicated.

Due to ongoing staffing shortages, Garcia had not previously attended jailer school to fill critical positions inside the Cherokee County Jail. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Garcia was not immediately arrested following her termination.

However, individuals familiar with the situation tell TXAN 24 News that an arrest warrant has now either been issued or is in the process of being issued, with booking expected as early as tomorrow.

Concerns from within the Sheriff’s Office suggest that inmates may be exerting outsized influence within the facility, further complicating already strained operations.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has not issued a formal public statement as of this report.

TXAN 24 News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.