The suspension of Brian Clark, Dauphin County’s director of corrections, is unrelated to two recent deaths at the prison, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said Monday.
Chardo said his office is involved in a review of circumstances that led to the suspension, and it doesn’t appear to be something that will result in criminal charges. If that holds true, Chardo will notify the county prison board, which will then “undertake an appropriate, administrative review,” he said.
County spokeswoman Amy Richards said Monday that Clark is being paid during his suspension. She called it a “personnel” matter and said she couldn’t provide additional information.
Other details about the latest turmoil at Dauphin County Prison also remained vague on Monday.
County officials on Saturday had announced Clark’s suspension. In a separate announcement Saturday, they said the county prison board is investigating the deaths of two inmates who died within about a week.
Herbert Tilghman, 46, died Aug. 20 of what county officials called a “fatal medical event.” He had been jailed on drug charges. Jimmy King Jr., 50, died on Saturday at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. County officials said he had been stricken at the prison a few days earlier. King had been serving time for retail theft, escape, and an accident involving damage to a vehicle.
There are separate sets of investigations into the deaths, Chardo said Monday.
One set is being done by Chardo’s office, which investigates any time an inmate dies. The purpose is to learn whether criminal conduct at the prison contributed to the death, Chardo said.
The other is being carried out by the county’s prison board, which will look at whether shortcomings in medical care contributed to the deaths.
The county said Tilghman was “receiving treatment” prior to being stricken, and staff tried to revive him, but the county gave no further details.
Acquaintances of Tilghman who protested outside the prison following his death said they believe he was addicted to drugs and experienced withdrawal at the prison. They contend he wasn’t given adequate medical attention while in withdrawal, which can be fatal.
However, Chardo said Monday that prison staff was aware of Tilghman’s medical situation and he was under “observation.” He said statements he wasn’t given prompt medical attention “just isn’t true.”
County officials said King was taken to the hospital after he was found “minimally responsive.” They gave no further details. Chardo said King had previously spent 24 years in state prison.