Fort Bend County Woman Arrested After Alleged Neglect at Unlicensed Boarding House

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a woman for operating a boarding house without a permit, following an investigation prompted by a call about an aggressive loose dog.

The incident occurred on February 23, 2024, around 6:45 am, in the 13700 block of New Village Lane, Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas. Deputies responded to a report of an aggressive loose dog and found individuals inside a residence seeking law enforcement assistance.

Upon investigation, deputies discovered nine individuals inside the residence showing signs of neglect and possible injuries. Five of them were taken to medical facilities for further evaluation and treatment.

The owner and operator of the group home, 51-year-old Samatha Renee Morris, arrived at the scene later and was placed in custody by a Fire Marshal Investigator. She was transported to the Fort Bend County Jail and booked for Operating a Boarding House Without a Permit.

The case remains under active investigation, with both the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office conducting parallel investigations. The Fire Marshal’s Office is looking into the operation of the group home without a permit, while the Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of neglect and possible injuries to the residents.

Sheriff Eric Fagan emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The operation of a group home without a permit is not just a violation of the law; it’s a betrayal of trust, neglecting the well-being of residents who deserve safety, care, and dignity. We will ensure that those responsible face the consequences for compromising the welfare of vulnerable individuals.”