Armstrong County Jail Warden Suspended
Armstrong County Warden David Hogue (sitting, on left) has been suspended without pay during an ongoing investigation after the escape of Robert Crissman, a trustee inmate who was to be serving breakfast the morning of July 30. Deputy Warden Matt Roofner (standing, on right) was appointed Acting Warden yesterday morning. (2015 KP File Photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
Due to the ongoing criminal and internal investigations after the Robert Crissman escape July 30, Armstrong County Jail Warden David Hogue has been suspended without pay.
The decision was made unanimously this morning by members of the Armstrong County Prison Board - which include the three County Commissioners, District Attorney Scott Andreassi, Sheriff Bill Rupert and Controller Myra Miller.
The announcement was made officially by Solicitor Jason Lewis of Kittanning after his recommendation during an executive session during this morning’s regular meeting to discuss personnel. It will be “until the outcome of the investigation.”
The news was first reported on WTYM Radio AM 1380 during Thursday’s “Morning Show” with David Croyle and Michael Johnston.
More information from the Prison Board meeting will come in tomorrow’s Kittanning Paper.
Local News | jweaver August 13, 2015
By Just sayin, August 13, 2015 @ 2:35 PM
Why don’t they suspend whomever was in charge of the Pittsburgh Renewal Center for allowing Lester Bowser, of Kittanning, to escape?
In my opinion, he shouldn’t have been in a “renewal” center. He should have remained in jail. This guy is dangerous. He’s not on the Megan’s Law website when he should be. He is a violent criminal. I hope they catch him soon, as he may travel back to familiar territory or hurt someone anywhere. We don’t want a repeat of what happened in Kittanning recently.
By Just sayin, August 13, 2015 @ 2:38 PM
Weak or inattentive moments just can’t happen in jobs like these. There is no room for error.
By blutoblutarsky, August 13, 2015 @ 5:04 PM
The Bowswer escape just happened. They may or may not suspend someone.
By worthingtonman, August 13, 2015 @ 6:46 PM
That’s a good start, but I think some on the Prison board need looked at also.
By mad-2010, August 13, 2015 @ 8:21 PM
Should there be more (personnel) than just the warden being suspended?
By ktown_kid, August 14, 2015 @ 8:20 AM
There should be no suspending of anyone, fire the bums!!! Lets start with hogue, hicks, hill and a few others. How many times has hill been been in trouble acting like a tough guy, how many shady dealing hicks had that were thrown under the rug. Hogue just looks the other way. I almost feel bad for the new commissioners, they have to deal with these bums. First thing I would do is fire them all!!
By steve, August 14, 2015 @ 9:39 AM
ktownkid, Are you a former CO or inmate?
By Hazzard, August 14, 2015 @ 12:20 PM
ktown_kid - Maybe you should direct your criticism at the officials that make the policy for the prison instead of the people that work there. I would think it’s a tough job overseeing ~150 or so people that are pissed off at themselves or the system and looking to take it out on the people that represent authority. Maybe you should consider the old adage:
I’m not the one who drives the train.
the whistle, I don’t blow.
I’m not the one who says how fast
Or far the train will go.
I’m not allowed to work the brakes,
or even ring the bell.
But let the damn thing jump the track;
Then see who catches hell.
It’s easy to blame others. The truth is that policy is set by the higher ups and the employees act to enforce it.
So instead of the knee jerk reaction you state should happen - “First thing I would do is fire them all!!” the prison board decided to investigate and see where the problem is and most likely correct it.
It’s really easy to cast stones but the tried and true way to deal with issues as they arise is the path the prison board is on in my opinion.
By Just sayin, August 15, 2015 @ 10:34 AM
I wouldn’t want to be guarding a bunch of addicts that don’t have a proper way to withdrawal (and could die because of it).
Addicts know that there is always a chance of going to jail and paying the many consequences.
I think the small-time addict should be placed somewhere else if he/she didn’t commit another offense. Rehab jail?
By worthingtonman, August 20, 2015 @ 9:21 PM
I have no compassion for an addict suffering from withdrawal while in jail for committing a crime. Jail is not for comfort. Maybe a painful unpleasant detox will make them think twice before sticking that needle back in their arm.
By ktown_kid, August 21, 2015 @ 8:14 AM
I know the system quite well hazzard and no im am not a former inmate. There are procedures in place and there are quite a few employees with some shady dealings going on. Thats very obvious. How about the study done a few yrs ago and the outcome that they were all underpaid. That got swept under the rug. How about the shady dealings with co/inmate relationships, swept under rug, co’s beating on inmates that came in under the influence and was totally unaware of anything going on but the wannabe tough guy co put the boots and billy club to them just so he had another mark on his so called record. The county doesnt want to report the lawsuits in the works over his bs. Yeah they maybe underpaid but they chose that line of work, their lack of dedication to their job caused someone to escape and he murdered someone. There is more than hogue that needs booted. Hicks, hill and a few others need held responsible also.