Jail Warden Hire Possible “In Very Near Future”
Interviews have been conducted this week and the search for a new warden at the Armstrong County Jail may conclude “in the very near future.” (KP File photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
The Armstrong County Jail may have a new Warden soon.
Since Warden David Hogue’s suspension in mid-August, Hogue’s deputy, Matt Roofner, has led jail operations.
But yesterday, Prison Board officials said the job search may be coming to a close.
County Sheriff – and Prison Board Chairman– Bill Rupert said interviews are being conducted this week for the vacancy. He expected a decision to be made “in the very near future.”
Roofner – a deputy warden since 2006 – indicated yesterday that he has applied for the full-time Warden vacancy, but did not know the other applicants.
Roofner said he was concerned that the State has only contracted Armstrong to house nine State parole violators in 2016 instead of 30 like last year, and has already come up with some solutions.
Effective Monday, February 1, booking fees will rise $10 – from $40 to $50 – and Roofner is also looking into increasing medical fees.
“Hopefully, we get some revenue off that,” Roofner said. “I’m looking at ways to create revenue that we’re losing.”
Warden Hogue was first suspended without pay August 13 following his monthly report due to the ongoing criminal and internal investigations after Robert Crissman escaped from the Rayburn Township prison July 30.
The Armstrong County Jail warden since 2006, Hogue then resigned effective November 12.
To monitor the 155 total inmates (31 females and 124 males), there are currently 34 full-time corrections officers, five full-time lieutenants and 11 part-time corrections officers.
A corrections officer job vacancy was posted at the end of December.
County District Attorney Scott Andreassi is Vice-Chair and Commissioner Pat Fabian is Secretary.
Local News | jweaver January 15, 2016
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