TDCJ Supervisor Faces Termination Review After Alleged Racist Social Media Post

By Staff Writer

HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS — A Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) supervisor, who allegedly identified herself as a parole supervisor online, is facing termination proceedings after allegedly posting a racially charged comment on social media regarding the conviction of Anthony Karmelo. Karmelo was convicted of murdering 17 year old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Fresco, Texas.

The employee, identified as Donna Robinson, is a Program Supervisor II assigned to the Huntsville Release & Placement office. According to agency records, she began her employment with TDCJ on April 27, 2015.

The controversy stems from an online comment allegedly attributed to Robinson, in which she allegedly wrote:

“I am a Parole Supervisor at TX DCJ. Karmelo will be ok — I can almost assure you he will be protected on the inside. I for one don’t give a f*k about the family’s loss. It’s about time these [SLUR CENSORED] feel the pain they’ve inflicted on other groups of people since the beginning of time. I’m just glad we didn’t have to bury another Black child. Let them start burying some of theirs for a change. F’em — I said what I said.”

The comment post circulated widely, prompting public criticism and calls for disciplinary action. A copy of the comment posting was even posted to our social media page.

In response, TDCJ released a formal statement to media outlets emphasizing the agency’s expectations for employee conduct:

“The Texas Department of Criminal Justice holds all employees to the highest standards of professionalism. TDCJ employment carries significant public trust and requires decisions free from personal bias. Following review of recent public statements by an individual identifying as a TDCJ Parole Supervisor, her employment has been terminated. These statements are incompatible with TDCJ policy and values. They demonstrate bias and a lack of the impartiality essential to the fair administration of justice in Texas. Discriminatory or inflammatory conduct that erodes public confidence in the criminal justice system will not be tolerated.”

Despite the agency’s public statement referencing termination, TDCJ employees are usually not immediately dismissed upon recommendation for removal.

Under TDCJ Human Resource policy:

• Employees recommended for termination are first suspended.
• They are then entitled to a grievance process.
• Final termination occurs only after the administrative review and mediation are completed.

It is unknown if Robinson will pursue the agency’s mediation and grievance process to attempt to remain employed with the agency.

As standard practice, never assume profiles commenting are in fact that person, as online profiles are easy to clone. Investigations should always be conducted to establish online identity.

Under Texas Penal Code § 33.07, creating a fake online account or profile using another person’s name or persona without consent is a crime if done with intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten. The crime is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.