A Texas Youth Commission employee recently appointed to look after the interest of inmates has been indicted.

Ombudsman Catherine Evans is accused of trying to smuggle contraband into TYC facilities.

Last week, a Harris County grand jury indicted her on a third-degree felony charge for carrying a knife into one of the prisons.

If convicted, she could be sentenced to two to 10 years in prison.

Evans has denied the accusations. Gov. Rick Perry appointed Evans to be the TYC ombudsman in September.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.