A Time for Change

Deteriorating Conditions at County Jail Forced Terminations

WAYNE TOWNSHIP — Security issues and safety hazards were blamed for the recent ouster of the Clinton County prison warden and assistant warden.

The county prison board met Wednesday at the correctional facility in Wayne Township and provided more information on last week’s termination of Warden Jackie Motter and Deputy Warden Wayne Bechdel.

Commissioner Jeff Snyder, now acting as a temporary warden, had a lot to discuss about the overall well being of the prison complex. “There were security issues as well as dangerous hazards involving the well being of the prison.” Snyder showed the board over 40 pictures of hazards throughout the prison. There ended up being over 200 pictures taken of damages and mold within the prison, however Snyder said, “there could have been more pictures taken, but this was all they needed to take action.”

Lieutenant Ryan Boatman was in charge of breaking the ice to the board and the public, the issues said to have been surrounding the prison for numerous years. Officials said maintenance and repair work has deteriorated over the years due to a lack of accountability and leadership.

Boatman stated, “There have been no issues with any inmates or staff.” and continued, “everyone from maintenance and staff members, to kitchen crews and inmates have stepped up to the plate over the last few days. Morale is up from 5% to 95% and everyone is really working together well to try and help steer the prison in the right direction.”

Boatman informed the board members, “more accomplishments have been made in the past 6 days, than in 6 years.”

Correctional Officer and Union Representative, Michael Young said, “the staff finally feels as if they have a voice.” With the upcoming Department of Corrections inspection much work needs to be done to pass, Boatman said, “with the current supplies we have we have been able to do a lot of much needed cleaning.”

Snyder confirmed that more money will need to be spent in order to get the prison back up to speed with things, although no numbers have been established as of yet. According to Snyder, “the board is currently prioritizing and processing ideas but it’s a process and we are currently working on it.”

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