williamson county jail

Two Justice Complex listening sessions upcoming

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Williamson County will host two come-and-go community feedback sessions for its Justice Complex project this coming week.  Both meetings will be held at the Williamson County EMS North Campus, 3189 SE Inner Loop in Georgetown. Meetings will be held: Saturday, August 22, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
A portion of the kitchen in the Williamson County jail is undergoing renovations. The dishwasher is currently damaged by the jail’s hard water. This is on of the many construction projects in the jail. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

A portion of the kitchen in the Williamson County jail is undergoing renovations. The dishwasher is currently damaged by the jail’s hard water. This is on of the many construction projects in the jail. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Inside Williamson County Jail

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, June 22, 2026
For a building that houses those accused of committing crimes in Williamson County, the Williamson County Jail has the uncanny ability to hide in plain sight.
James Headrick, organizer for NotByOurSchools, which is a group of Georgetown residents who want the new Jail and Justice Center to be on a different property, speaks on why the current 248-acre site is not a good idea. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

James Headrick, organizer for NotByOurSchools, which is a group of Georgetown residents who want the new Jail and Justice Center to be on a different property, speaks on why the current 248-acre site is not a good idea. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Residents push back against potential jail site

Nalani Nuylan
Friday, May 8, 2026
Residents from six different Georgetown neighborhoods aired grievances Tuesday, May 5, about Williamson County’s plan to build a new jail and justice center on 248 acres on SE Inner Loop.
Cameron Glass, director of justice for Kitchell/CEM, Inc., presents the Phase 1 update for the new Jail and Justice Center during the December 17 County Commissioners Court meeting at the historic courthouse. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Cameron Glass, director of justice for Kitchell/CEM, Inc., presents the Phase 1 update for the new Jail and Justice Center during the December 17 County Commissioners Court meeting at the historic courthouse. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Jail, Justice Center could move into new facilities by 2031

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Williamson County is working to move the county jail and justice center operations away from downtown Georgetown by 2031. Located at 306 West Fourth Street in Georgetown, the current jail opened in 1989 and can hold more than 1,000 inmates.
A vacant church in Bartlett was scorched due to arson, June 11. Photo courtesy of Bell County Fire Marshal’s Office.

A vacant church in Bartlett was scorched due to arson, June 11. Photo courtesy of Bell County Fire Marshal’s Office.

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Suspected Bartlett arsonist arrested

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, July 28, 2025
The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office arrested Carlos Crathers, of Temple, as a suspect in connection with one of four recent structure fires in Bartlett.Fire Marshal Mike Lugo told the Sun that no details on the motive or other suspects have been confirmed.
Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Williamson County begins Phase 1 of new jail project

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Williamson County Commissioners continued discussions about the county’s future jail during a meeting Tuesday, July 22. They directed planning and management firm Kitchell/CEM Inc.
County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

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Commissioners divided on potential new jail property

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Williamson County is looking for properties that could house the county’s next jail, but planning hit a snag Tuesday, July 15, when county commissioners were divided on a potential contract for a property near Florence.
Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney's Office.

Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney's Office.

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Professor convicted of having child porn

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, May 12, 2025
A Williamson County jury found Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock, guilty of possession of child pornography in five cases last Thursday, May 1. Following the verdict, Mr. Villarreal was sentenced to serve a total of 12 years in prison and fined $10,000.
Commissioner Valerie Covey, center, explains the need for a Program Manager for the Justice Center project during the October 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Commissioner Valerie Covey, center, explains the need for a Program Manager for the Justice Center project during the October 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Jail update expected by 2030

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
 Williamson County commissioners could hire a program manager to head an effort to update and expand the county jail and justice center in downtown Georgetown.
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