Assault allegations made against Sheridan County Detention Center

An investigation is underway into allegations of sexual assault against the Sheridan County Detention Center.

Teresa Hendrix, Hot Springs, Arkansas, made the allegations publicly via social media May 23. 

According to Hendrix’s media post, she was booked on May 18, and alleges the sexual assault took place in the detention center sometime that evening. Hendrix wrote that she was kept in a room until May 19, the date she said deputies officially booked her into the jail. 

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, WHP trooper Kristin Wetherbee pulled over and made contact with Hendrix at 8:41 p.m. on May 19, after Wetherbee observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in her rearview mirror. Wetherbee activated her rear radar and documented the vehicle traveling 121 mph in a 75 mph zone. 

After making contact with Hendrix, Wetherbee smelled what she suspected was alcohol and administered a series of field sobriety tests, all of which Hendrix failed. According to WHP, a portable breath test yielded a blood alcohol content of 0.18, well above the 0.08 legal limit. 

Hendirx was charged on suspicion of driving under the influence, speeding, driving under suspension, reckless endangerment and interference with a peace officer. 

Hendrix pleaded guilty to all charges during an appearance in Sheridan County Circuit Court on May 21. 

Hendrix then turned to social media, publicly stating that after her court appearance, a detention deputy “started a fight” with Hendrix. After Hendrix punched a door, she alleges three SCDC detention deputies entered the room and, using excessive force, broke bones, including her pelvis. 

Sheridan County Sheriff Allen Thompson confirmed that medical treatment was administered to Hendrix both at the detention center and Sheridan Memorial Hospital, but was not able to confirm Hendrix’s alleged injuries. 

Thompson also confirmed that the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations has opened an investigation on the allegations. 

During an appearance on Public Pulse, Thompson was unable to comment on the investigation but said policy is being reviewed.