2019-10-20 prohibited item
Potter County corrections officer arrested for bringing inmate prohibited item
POTTER COUNTY, Texas — On Sunday, October 20, 2019, a corrections officer at Potter County Detention Center was arrested for bringing in prohibited items to an inmate.[1]
Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas said that a corrections officer was seen bringing a tobacco product into the jail and giving it to an inmate.
The corrections officer was identified as Tracy Montano.
The inmate is identified as Matthew Wayne Austin.
Sheriff Thomas said that Montano was immediately fired and booked into the jail on a charge of prohibited substance in a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
Montano was released two days later on a $3,500 bond.
The inmate who received the prohibited substance, Matthew Wayne Austin, was also given the same charge.
Charge outcome
Tracy Montano
- 12/20/2019 - A criminal complaint against Montano filed
- 04/16/2020 - An information filed
- 04/20/2020 - Plea hearing, placed on 5 years deferred adjudication
- 02/06/2025 - Completed probation
Matthew Wayne Austin
- 10/20/2019 - no record of offense; likely refused or dismissed