Police in Texas are searching for a man who was accidentally released from jail instead of being transferred to state prison. Now, authorities are asking the public to stay alert and report any sightings.
Who Is Troy Dugas?
Troy Dugas, 36, was supposed to start serving a prison sentence, but due to a clerical error, he was mistakenly set free. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Dugas was released around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Here’s what we know about him:
Age: 36
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: 215 pounds
Race: Black male
He had been in custody since Thursday, August 14, for several charges. Some of those charges were later dropped, but jail staff failed to properly document that Dugas still had two other prison sentences pending.
Sentences He Was Supposed to Serve
Dugas was scheduled to serve:
5 years for assaulting a family member in Fort Bend County
2 years for evading arrest in Brazoria County
Even though the other charges were dismissed, he was not eligible for release. However, jail staff mistakenly believed he could go free, leading to the early release.
How Did the Mistake Happen?
The sheriff’s office admitted that there was a serious documentation error. Officials did not properly note the active prison sentences in Dugas’ records. As a result, jail staff processed his release along with other inmates whose charges had been dropped.
The HCSO stated:
“A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to Dugas’ erroneous release from jail.”
What You Should Do If You See Him
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has asked the public to be alert and not to approach Dugas. If you see him or have any information about where he might be, you should call 911 immediately.
Authorities Under Pressure
This incident has raised serious concerns about jail management and procedures. With Dugas still missing, law enforcement agencies are under pressure to find him and prevent any further risks to public safety.
