Former prison guard wonders about job after being acquitted of drug charges
Terminated corrections officer Gerald Hall approached the Fayette County Prison Board on Wednesday to learn the status of his quest to retain his former position, after an acquittal on criminal charges of offering to bring drugs to an inmate. Hall, 35, of New Salem was found not guilty of a single charge of criminal attempt to deliver a controlled substance during a trial earlier this month. Judge Conrad B. Capuzzi threw out a second charge before the start of the trial.
The charges stemmed from an Oct. 23, 2001, incident in which Hall allegedly accepted $150 from inmate Donald Klink and reportedly told Klink he would get him marijuana. After the charges were filed, Hall was dismissed from his position.
During the trial, Hall testified that he offered to get the marijuana for Klink only to obtain the money, which was contraband. He said he never intended to bring Klink marijuana.
The Rev. Eric Johnson, who accompanied Hall to the meeting, said he was there to inquire about Hall’s status.
“He’s been off work for two years. His life is hanging in the balance. He needs to know what to do,” Johnson said.
Human resource director Dave Rodgers said the issue has proceeded to mediation and is in the hands of an unbiased third party. Judge John F. Wagner Jr. said the issue has advanced beyond the prison board level.
In another personnel item, Rodgers reported that prison employee Mark Schiffbauer has filed a grievance regarding a three-day suspension. Rodgers said Schiffbauer has indicated that he plans to take the issue to the next level.
County Controller Mark Roberts reported that he has learned that Barry Croftcheck, promoted last month to the position of deputy warden of treatment/inmate welfare, does not possess the behavioral science degree needed to hold the position. Roberts said that after contacting Slippery Rock University, he learned that the degree in community health/health services administration that Croftcheck obtained is not a behavioral science degree.
Roberts said he is concerned from a liability standpoint because the degree requirements are strictly defined. Rodgers said every single degree from every single university can’t be listed in the job requirements, but he said Croftcheck’s degree qualifies him for the position. Medlock said he spoke with the state inspector and learned that it is not a problem. Wagner said Croftcheck was clearly one of the most qualified candidates.
Rodgers agreed to check with the state inspector to determine if Croftcheck meets the qualifications.