Settlement Reached in Clinton County Prison Warden Termination Case

WILLIAMSPORT – A settlement is reported in a longstanding civil suit from a former warden at the Clinton County Correctional Facility.

A jury trial had been scheduled to begin on Monday of this week in federal Middle District Court in Williamsport, previous warden Tom Duran claiming he was terminated in 2012 because of “discriminatory animus” toward his disabilities. The county has maintained he was let go because of poor management at the county lock-up.

Three days had been set aside for the trial but the record-online has learned it did not take place because of a settlement between the two sides. As there has been no agreement signed between the two parties, no information has been made available as to settlement terms. It is understood that at least two Right to Know requests have been filed to learn the terms, but a county spokesperson said until there is an executed settlement agreement, there is nothing to disclose.

Duran served as prison warden from 1993 to 1997 and from 2000 to 2012. His allegations against the county include a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act and age discrimination. He had a series of serious health issues while under county employ.

The county countered with allegations claiming Duran failed to pursue possible over-billing for prison medical services provided by Clinton Medical Associates, did not adequately negotiate housing rates with the state Department of Corrections, and did not properly respond when questioned about a proposed sizeable increase in the prison budget from 2012 to 2013.