Prison Board Recommendation Official
by Jonathan Weaver
The six Armstrong County Prison Board members yesterday made a unanimous decision in the search for answers to Robert Crissman’s escape July 30.
As he made public last week, Prison Board President and Commissioner Rich Fink requested an external investigative firm be hired to investigate Crissman’s escape from the Armstrong County Jail in Rayburn Township that led to a tri-county wide manhunt into the next morning before his capture.
Fink clarified with Commissioner David Battaglia that the firm’s search will be conducted through Human Resources Director Daniel Lucovich.
“In the past, they have done that for the County under similar circumstances,” Fink said.
Prison Board members – including County District Attorney Scott Andreassi, Sheriff Bill Rupert, Controller Myra Miller and Fink’s fellow commissioners Bob Bower and Battaglia – did not discuss which firm they hope to select and hopes to make a decision if proposals are received by their next Prison Board meeting Thursday morning.
Solicitor Jason Lewis also responded to District Attorney Andreassi that he has been in discussions with Lucovich in regards to the firm.
“There are no boundaries on this investigation. We literally want everything looked at – policies, procedures, personnel. Everything that occurred prior to and including July 30,” Andreassi said. “We will go to where this investigation takes us – I think that’s essential if we’re going to restore the trust that needs to be restored in our prison.”
Former County Commissioner Candidate Jorn Jensen, of Worthington, was curious why County tax dollars are being requested for the investigation.
Solicitor Lewis responded.
“This Board owes it to the public to show the public that we are doing everything we can a) to find out what happened on the day of the escape and b) to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again – that we’re running a safe and secure facility,” Solicitor Lewis said.
After the meeting, Solicitor Lewis added that officials do not want to have “a knee-jerk reaction without knowing all the facts.”
Other than his escape, Crissman is also charged with murdering local woman Tammy Long, stealing Long’s maroon Chevrolet Silverado and another automobile, and aggravated assault for injuring Pennsylvania State Police Trooper James Karlo’s hand during his capture, among other crimes.
Crissman’s preliminary hearing will be held tomorrow afternoon.
Local News | jweaver August 11, 2015
By jorn jensen, August 11, 2015 @ 8:03 AM
My point was that jail management reports to the jail board - the jail board should investigate and take action with their employees. Using county tax dollars to pass off that responsibility to a third party is just that - spending county tax dollars for someone else to do the job of the jail board. The theory of having an outside, impartial assessment of the situation is a good one, but we should be able to trust our own with that task.
By unclbuck, August 11, 2015 @ 11:12 PM
I AGREE 100/%.
By tiredoftheBS, August 12, 2015 @ 12:44 AM
My guess is they want to make sure that no one can have any reason to accuse them of brushing stuff under the rug because they don’t want to look bad. This incident was very tragic and I find it a very good idea to let a 3rd party look at it and hopefully be impartial, give some answers, try to figure out how they can make sure it never happens again and hold those responsible accountable. Unfortunately any answers that come will be no help to Tammy Long or her family. Sometimes Jorn there are more important things than the bottom line.
By sbmworker, August 12, 2015 @ 6:05 AM
I believe they probably have to do this as Prison Board President and commissioner, Rich Fink, was in Vegas on tax payer money at the time this happened, hence the delay for the meeting, etc.
By jorn jensen, August 12, 2015 @ 7:22 AM
Understand your point tiredoftheBS. The jail committee is a group of taxpayer-paid employees that manage jail management. We are already paying to have this investigation service provided.
Many spendings add up to affect the bottom line. When a contractor is chosen to do the investigation, let’s hear what the cost will be (or the billing after-the-fact).
I agree that a third, impartial party, should encounter no boundaries in arriving at their conclusion, and that would be good. I do say that our jail committee should do the job that they are to do, and are paid to do - we should be able to believe and trust our elected officials.
By ktown_kid, August 12, 2015 @ 11:55 AM
Jail management failed once again while c.o laziness continues. C.O. hill’s disregard for the safety of the public and fellow workers left an untrusted inmate out the door. He should be fired among other people of upper management but dont worry people, they will point the fingers and blame others while the da slaps crissman on the wrist
By Rainbow Rider, August 13, 2015 @ 12:24 AM
Is it possible jensen is doing a little grandstanding and using this tragedy to try to further his political career? You know, the one he’s going to have in fantasy land, after that hot place freezes over. You watch and see, write in campaign in the fall and I predict he’ll get less than 522 votes.
By jorn jensen, August 13, 2015 @ 7:37 AM
Rainbow Rider, you wouldn’t be under investigation, would you? “using this tragedy”? This tragedy wouldn’t have occurred if government systems, in place, were managed properly.
By jorn jensen, August 13, 2015 @ 7:52 AM
You’re well-written, Rainbow Rider. Just start your shift at 12:24 AM at the jail or the 911 center? Busy night?
By watchdog15, August 13, 2015 @ 11:00 AM
Some observations from the KP news. The DA with some other elected officials announces at a press conference a full investigation by his office into the escape and he would make a full report to Prison Board. Rich Fink, President of Prison Board comes back to the County from vacation and announces an independent investigation by an outside firm which is recommended by Prison Board. Will there be both going on simultaneously? Which should we believe?It’s apparent there are some issues with how the system should work and the discrepancies among elected officials. Should the taxpayers expect elected officials, especially those being paid huge salaries, to be more informed and following the rules of the system. Absolutely! Way to go Fink. I’m assuming you are trying to keep the elected officials inline and following the rules.
But as we have followed over the past 3.5 years you have had your hands full.
By mad-2010, August 13, 2015 @ 1:33 PM
His Political moves are all over this tragedy, you called it right Rainbow Rider…..
By blutoblutarsky, August 13, 2015 @ 5:11 PM
rainbow rider- Jorn’s been quiet since he stuck his foot in his mouth regarding guns in another thread on this tragedy. Whether he embarrassed himself enough to realize he was way out of line or he’s decided to stop arguing on here… I won’t complain.
At least he’s been acting normal for a few days. I’ll take that over the old ignorant comments of his any day. Kudos to you Jensen. Seriously, keep it up.
By jorn jensen, August 14, 2015 @ 12:06 AM
See there, Rainbow Rider, you’re in good company.
By Just sayin, August 14, 2015 @ 9:28 AM
jorn , it seems like you are commenting to a horse—“See there…” (I have the Dayton Fair on my mind). Seriously, it is refreshing that you are making your points without adding the liberal horse crap.
By mad-2010, August 14, 2015 @ 9:52 AM
Ah, The new leaves of a budding politician. However, don’t forget to check his sleeves. LOL
Not so fast Bluto. Time will tell.
By Rainbow Rider, August 14, 2015 @ 11:08 AM
When someone with political aspirations shows up at meetings and acts like a taxpayer watchdog, that person is promoting themselves for political purposes. Simple Fact
Doing so at a discussion where a tragedy is involved, well that’s just classless.
I’d return your slur about being in good company but I can’t think of another person so low as yourself.
By blutoblutarsky, August 15, 2015 @ 1:48 PM
Mad- If that’s his new strategy, he may not realize his old comments are online for all to see. Regardless if he starts his nonsense again, I’ll enjoy the quiet of the present time.
By blutoblutarsky, August 15, 2015 @ 1:50 PM
Rainbow Rider- “Doing so at a discussion where a tragedy is involved, well that’s just classless.”
100% correct. I couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately politicians have been doing this for quite some time and people just can’t see through it.
By Just sayin, August 16, 2015 @ 2:31 PM
A quote from AP, Lafayette, La.—“A man who lost his family, home and businesses as he spent years angrily espousing right-wing extremism on television, the Internet and to anyone else who would listen did not say a word as he opened fire on strangers in a darkened movie theater…”
I could not help but think of someone who comments on threads quite frequently and inappropriately about liberals after reading this story a while ago.
By Just sayin, August 16, 2015 @ 2:32 PM
Hatred is scary. Electing people full of hatred is even scarier.
By Rat_Smeller, August 17, 2015 @ 12:17 PM
Just Sayin - You can bash JJ on his opinions, political views and his poor attempt at a run for County Commissioner until the cows come home and I will not say a word. Stating someone that is passionate about their conservative views is pretty much a serial killer waiting for an opportunity is irresponsible, reprehensible, ignorant, vile, evil, and scary in their own right. You say hatred is scary. You must be awfully scared of yourself.
By jorn jensen, August 17, 2015 @ 2:25 PM
Interesting Rat_Smeller - I had not read Just Sayin, Bluto, Marc and the other liberal ‘haters’ comments because they only choose to attack me rather than the subject matter of the article.
These liberals are ‘BIG’ on here, but I didn’t see any of them (at least I didn’t recognize them by their pseudonym) at any of the public meetings on this topic. I attended and gave my input, and I will continue to attend and give my input. Hate me all you want, but I truly care about this area and I hold all public officials accountable for their actions, including spending actions.
Should I go back up through these 21/22 comments and read what the haters have to say?
By Rainbow Rider, August 18, 2015 @ 12:33 AM
” had not read ” had not spent more than $250 on my campaign, had not passed go and collected $200, you got the lying part of being a politician down pat. Back to acting like Mother Theresa on another thread and painting yourself as a victim.
It’s getting deep. lol
By mad-2010, August 18, 2015 @ 3:51 AM
Same Old Broken Record, ON & ON & ON…
By mad-2010, August 18, 2015 @ 3:58 AM
The pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes.
I,I,I & Me, Me, Me….. The Truth….
By mad-2010, August 18, 2015 @ 4:11 AM
“Not every story a narcissist tells is one of victory. But even in the stories of tragedy or failure, there’s an air of entitlement and victimization.”
Narcissists will often tell stories about themselves — sometimes repeating the same story over and over again — and many times, the story will be about an instance of personal heroism or an exploit.
“But even when a story is of something negative that happened, it’ll never be the narcissist’s fault. There’s “more emotional victimization,”
By blutoblutarsky, August 18, 2015 @ 7:37 AM
Jorn- We know you read every comment on this site. That being said, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt in my previous comments.
I see you’re back to the liberal this, liberal that nonsense. The other posters were right. I spoke too soon.
By Just sayin, August 18, 2015 @ 8:56 AM
Rat_Smeller: It is good to see that you know how to use a thesaurus.
If you ever read my previous comments on other threads, you would have seen that I AGREED with “jorn jenson” sometimes and gave him compliments. “JJ” can CHOSE to state his opinions in a friendly way (not just during election time). I don’t give a crap about how much he spent on his campaign. Good for him that he was thrifty. But, I’m guessing he had so much confidence in himself that he didn’t need to spend money.
However,I am thankful he didn’t get elected for the ballot because, despite his claiming that he cares so much for the county, his character and actions are far from noble. It would be VERY scary to have him overseeing anything, let alone our county. He does NOT treat all people fairly. Do your homework before you stick up for him. I tried to be FAIR with him. He just couldn’t imagine such an “irresponsible, reprehensible, ignorant, vile, evil, and scary” liberal person such as myself being on his side, at times.
“JJ” can have his opinions about liberals, but when he “bashes” them with such hatred and on threads such as Tammy Long getting MURDERED, he crossed the friggin’ line, and THAT is scary. I”M NOT the scary one. It’s scary that YOU would defend such actions of his.
JJ has MORE than a passion about conservatism — he is OBSESSED about it. I don’t call conservatives names. He calls liberals atrocious names.
I have asked him to BEND on some of his views, such as I do. But he won’t.
“Blessed are the flexible, for they won’t get bent out of shape.”
By futureconcerned, August 18, 2015 @ 9:30 AM
Admin - why are you approving these comments from fifth-graders attacking on each other? What does any of have to do with the jail break? I like to read opinions on these sites, not this garbage.
By Marc, August 18, 2015 @ 9:46 AM
Actually Jorn, I did not comment at all on this article until now.
In fact, the last time I commented on this site at all was when you started “having fun” by commenting about guns on the article that first mentioned the poor woman who was killed during the escape. Someone who truly cares about this area wouldn’t be so classless.
Mad- No matter how hard he tries to look good he’s not going to get close enough to sniff a commissioner’s seat because a)few people really knows who he is and b) those who know who he is know HOW he is.
By Rat_Smeller, August 18, 2015 @ 9:55 AM
JJ - I will stand up for anyone that is defamed in that manner. Liberal or conservative. It comes down to what is right and what is wrong. What “Just Sayin” said was flat out wrong. Morally and factually. Just like exploiting someone’s death to further an agenda or a cause is wrong.
By steve, August 18, 2015 @ 4:22 PM
Jensen announced back in June that he was running a write-in campaign. So there’s that..
By Just sayin, August 18, 2015 @ 5:03 PM
Re the AP quote:
I just find it scary when someone is obsessed with anything.
Then something sets them off (loss of job, loss of family, etc.) and tragic things can happen. It can happen to anyone who snaps, but especially to someone who is rigid in his/her thinking and who is full of hatred about certain values and ideas.
This is likely to happen to anyone with extreme thinking or with narcissistic characteristics.
People have to be careful how they portray themselves. It will come back to haunt them.
I’m not a “hater,” Rat_Smeller. I don’t even hate you for being childish and calling me names. You don’t know me. If you did, you wouldn’t have written that.
By Just sayin, August 18, 2015 @ 5:42 PM
Rat -Smeller :
Quote from Jorn Jensen,June 24, 2015, 7:31 a.m.:
“Liberalism is more of a disease than anything else.”
Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines DISEASE as :
1: TROUBLE 2: a condition of the living animal or plant body or one of its parts that impairs normal functioning:SICKNESS, MALADY 3: a harmful development (as in a social institution)
Thanks, Jorn.
By sbmworker, August 18, 2015 @ 9:47 PM
People need to focus on the issue here…not JJ…we have a very corrupt system here. We have a commissioner who has no idea what went on as he was on vacation on OUR money! Probably the reason for getting an ‘outside company’ to look at this. Fink has no idea what went on. Ask him how Vegas was? His buddy “Skamai” is a puppet. Anyone who votes for him is a joke too! People seem to focus everything they write on JJ. You need to focus on the issue!!!
By jd718, August 18, 2015 @ 11:28 PM
Free Speech Lives…. Thanks KP
By jd718, August 18, 2015 @ 11:33 PM
(Tattletales) is an American game show which first aired on the CBS daytime schedule on February 18, 1974. It was hosted by Bert Convy.
Free Speech Lives…. Thanks KP
By Just sayin, August 19, 2015 @ 12:15 AM
Futureconcerned: Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Skip over the comments you don’t like and accept that it is a free country. We are allowed to write what we want.
Most of the complaints on these threads are recycled thoughts from the same people. It gets quite boring after a while. Same thoughts, different scene…
And some people purposely change the subject and get off track to attempt to upset people. I guess it’s working.
If you don’t want the occasional focus to be on JJ, suggest to him to stop interjecting his crap about liberals. It could stop, but peace doesn’t work with the guy.
Do your homework, sbmworker. Go back and read what JJ wrote that is off-topic. Many of his on-topic views seem like he’s pressing rewind.
Rat_Smeller: You just don’t get it; do you?
By jd718, August 19, 2015 @ 12:44 AM
The whole state is Corrupt, where you from? Just vote for the person you feel will do the best job. If you don’t like what they are doing don’t vote for them, sounds easy enough, right?
Free Speech Lives… Thanks KP
By jorn jensen, August 19, 2015 @ 7:27 AM
Very good sbmworker - focus on the topic. One reason elected county management folks attract lawsuits is because of mismanagement.
Think about it - the jail and 911 center used to be in town - highly visible. Now they’re out in the country - out-of-sight, out-of-mind.
Those who enjoy bashing JJ will eventually catch on to why he objected to the elected county management spending our tax dollars to hire a third party investigative unit to do the job that we are already paying our elected county management folks to do.
Get it, yet?
By Just sayin, August 19, 2015 @ 8:52 AM
Rat_Smeller: Do you get it, yet?
I never said JJ was a serial killer. The part about the killer “angrily espousing right-wing extremism…on the Internet” reminded me of Jorn’s actions. I should have explained myself further. Characteristics like that can POSSIBLY lead to tragedies and people snapping.
Just that alone is scary.
I worked in the field of psychology for many years.
Lighten UP!
By Just sayin, August 19, 2015 @ 8:56 AM
“Liberalism is more of a disease than anything else.” Jorn Jensen
By Marc, August 19, 2015 @ 9:02 AM
Speaking in the 3rd person? How narcissistic. I’d rather make sure there is no way any of this garbage can be covered up by a self investigation.
I also wouldn’t use tragedies as talking points for political gain!
By Just sayin, August 19, 2015 @ 9:10 AM
Don’t pretend you’ll work with liberals to get elected, Jorn. That is dishonest.
You need to apologize for the quote above.
That and your liberalism comment on Tammy Long’s murder thread are what made me think negatively about your character.
Don’t be fake. That is NOT real and trustworthy.
Re Trump: “Men of quality are not threatened by women for equality.”
Those for Trump are the laughing stock of the world. Controversy/rudeness sells to any fool who will buy it.
If Trump somehow manages to get elected (the billions help), we will be set back 60 years or more as far as rights go. I can’t even believe I have to write this. The MEDIA elected him IF he gets elected. So sad and EVIL!
By scott_starr, August 19, 2015 @ 9:10 AM
@Futureconcerned:
Amen!
By jorn jensen, August 19, 2015 @ 9:10 AM
Sooo, the plot thickens. Now, something is up with the jail committee solicitor - either quitting or being fired. Special jail committee meeting Thursday at 1 PM.
By scott_starr, August 19, 2015 @ 9:26 AM
@JJ:
So you expect the Board ,which approved the current policies and procedures leading to this tragedy, can really investigate themselves?
While I hope an independent investigator will do a more thorough job, I have reservations.
By Rat_Smeller, August 19, 2015 @ 9:35 AM
Just Sayin’
“A quote from AP, Lafayette, La.—”A man who lost his family, home and businesses as he spent years angrily espousing right-wing extremism on television, the Internet and to anyone else who would listen did not say a word as he opened fire on strangers in a darkened movie theater…”
I could not help but think of someone who comments on threads quite frequently and inappropriately about liberals after reading this story a while ago.”
You put in a quote stating that a guy that espoused “right wing” views to anyone that will listen finally got fed up, blew as gasket and shot up a theater. Then in the very next sentence you say it reminds you of someone that comments on threads and is not nice to liberals.
What am I missing here?
By jd718, August 19, 2015 @ 10:31 AM
Some Fool left the barn door open and another Fool wasn’t watching the monitors and it cost a persons life! File a Big Lawsuit and make them Fools pay through the nose. Bottom Line!
By Just sayin, August 19, 2015 @ 11:51 PM
Now , the fellow who pretends not to read all the comments has to apologize for calling me a moron on another thread.
By Just sayin, August 19, 2015 @ 11:52 PM
Your inaction (no apologies) speak louder than words.
By Just sayin, August 19, 2015 @ 11:57 PM
Mr. Rat_Smeller: I can’t make you understand what I wrote. Reread my comments until you understand or drop it.
What are you missing? I don’t know. You tell me. Perhaps a few marbles?
By Just sayin, August 20, 2015 @ 12:02 AM
By the way, Rat_Smeller, when I made my username, it would not allow me to put an apostrophe at the end of the word, “sayin'” I tried.
By blutoblutarsky, August 20, 2015 @ 7:20 AM
Scott- I agree with you. Actually I’m not sure why anyone would think they could investigate themselves and come up with an honest answer. In a case like this, doing the right thing may be worth the expense.
By jorn jensen, August 20, 2015 @ 8:46 AM
Well, Scott_Starr, the people elected these people - we pay them lots of money - they surely must be qualified to do the job - so, yes, I expect them to investigate their own operations.
But I share your reservation.
I believe that with the jail and 911 center ‘out in the country’, they are ‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’. I highly doubt that any of our elected leaders pay much attention to that, out there. Let’s see a jail ‘visitors’ list (sign-in sheets, dated) of sign-ins and see how regularly our leaders check on the place.
I would expect monthly visits from more than one.
Maybe the paid 3rd party will investigate that, also.
By steve, August 20, 2015 @ 4:52 PM
Paying someone “a lot of money” is a good reason to have them investigate themselves in a case where they may have made a mistake that led to someone’s murder?
Fantastic logic Jensen. Maybe once you lose your write in campaign you can offer your services to FC council. You may fit right in.