A convicted child rapist was mistakenly released from Galveston County Jail, sparking outrage and fear. He was recaptured 16 hours later near The Woodlands.
The victim's family was shocked and terrified when a convicted child rapist was momentarily released from Galveston County Jail. The incident happened last week when a clerical error released 46-year-old Settlemire, a three-time offender found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse on a child.
Jeremy Boucher, whose family has been directly affected, remembers his anxiety upon learning of Settlemire's release via the Texas VINELink system. "This man lives where we do. Boucher remarked, "It was terrible."
Settlemire’s wrongful release happened due to failing to submit Settlemire's charges into the jail system, according Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset. It was due to a human error and they were not aware of the grave charges on hold for the convict.
Sixteen hours later, eighty miles from The Woodlands, authorities recaptured Settlemire.
The anguish of the Boucher family grew worse when Settlemire vanished from the Galveston jail records days later. Following several calls from the family and KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel, it was verified Settlemire had been sent to a Huntsville prison.
"We finally got confirmation he's in prison," said Boucher, expressing relief but frustration over the system's shortcomings.
