Harris County officials announced changes to the county's ankle-monitoring program. Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia announced the changes with county criminal justice officials. The changes include faster notices of possible violations and more coordination among Pretrial Services, monitoring contractors and law enforcement.
Commissioners court approved about $1.4 million in September to expand monitoring to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Pretrial Services Executive Director Natalie Michailides said three of the 15 additional officers needed have been hired. They are in training, which takes about six to seven months.
The changes follow the May escape of Lee Gilley, who was released on bond while awaiting trial in the alleged murder of his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer. Gilley removed his ankle monitor on May 1 and left the country. County officials said they did not learn of his departure for about 60 hours. An Italian court ruled he cannot be extradited on the current capital murder charge, though extradition on a lesser charge remains possible. Michailides said staff followed the procedures in place at the time and could not say whether the new changes would have prevented the departure.