Clearfield Co., PA (WJAC) — Earlier this month, officials from Clearfield County made the decision to fire the prison's warden David Gallagher.

On Tuesday, 6 News attended the county’s first prison board meeting since the decision, where residents voiced their complaints about how the prison has been operating.

David Gallagher started working as the warden in October of last year. Since then, the Clearfield County jail has faced backlash from the community due to drug overdoses inside and even inmates escaping.

County Commissioner Dave Glass says that they cannot comment on the particulars as to why he was fired, but says it was a 'personnel matter.’

The county announced on December 7th that Deputy Warden Susan McQuillen will serve as the prison’s acting warden.

At the prison board meeting on Tuesday, Commissioner Dave Glass said that they have hired Krisha Oates as the second deputy warden. Oates previously worked at the Jefferson County Jail.

Gallagher and other members of the jail staff are currently being sued by the estate and family of 31-year-old Kaitlyn Evans, who officials say died from a fentanyl overdose in July while incarcerated.

During the prison board meeting, two women spoke during the public comment portion claiming their children were mistreated by the county jail while others seemed to get off easy.

“This takes a village, so where did that come from? She got privileged treatment for breaking the law and nothing ever came of it,” said Julie Hamilton.

The prison board says they are looking into these issues. Commissioner Dave Glass talks about how they are hoping to hire a new warden in January.

“Obviously we’re looking for a warden, so we’re going to work on that in January; We’re working on it now, but I don’t anticipate any movement over the holidays.”

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