Understanding Polunsky Unit and the Death Row Transfer Process (for Families)
If your loved one has been sentenced to death in Texas, things can move fast. Here's what you need to know about the Polunsky Unit—where it is, how quickly transfers happen, and recent reported allegations of staff misconduct.
The Polunsky Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility in Livingston, Texas. It's where male death row inmates serve their sentences.
Transfer timing varies, but it can happen quickly. In one documented case, William George Davis arrived at Polunsky on Oct. 29 - just two days after receiving his death sentence.
You'll often hear "Polunsky" and "Huntsville" mentioned together. Here's the distinction: male death row inmates serve their sentences at Polunsky, but executions take place in Huntsville.
You may come across news coverage about staff conduct at Polunsky. In one recent case, a correctional officer - Charlicia Pearl Augustine - was arrested and charged with violating an inmate's civil rights in a sexual manner. According to the same reporting, she was booked into Polk County Jail and held on a $15,000 bond.
The reporting cited an arrest affidavit describing a review of security footage. That footage reportedly showed Augustine performing sexual acts on an inmate near the kitchen at Polunsky.
Note: The details above are based on reported allegations in news coverage and an arrest affidavit described in that coverage. Treat them as claims under investigation, not as proven facts beyond what has been reported so far.
One thing is clear under Texas law: sexual contact between correctional staff and people in custody is illegal. If you hear anything suggesting this kind of misconduct - whether it involves your loved one directly or affects their safety - take it seriously and get qualified legal help right away.
Practical Steps
- ✓ Track updates through official TDCJ communications and reliable local reporting, especially if you’re trying to understand where your loved one is in the transfer process.
- ✓ Write down what you’re hearing (dates, names, exact wording) and keep copies of any messages or notices you receive.
- ✓ If your loved one has an attorney or defense team, contact them with your questions about transfer timing, housing, and safety concerns.
- ✓ If you’re hearing allegations or rumors, pause and verify before you act - misinformation spreads fast around high-profile cases.
- ✓ If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, treat it as urgent and involve their legal counsel right away.
Before you travel: Confirm current visitation rules, schedules, and any unit-specific requirements through official TDCJ sources or your loved one’s attorney before you make plans.
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