Monday, Dec. 19, 2011

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The Department of Juvenile Justice has released the names of the three employees who were terminated from the Augusta Youth Development Campus Friday.

Natasha Neeley, Christopher Cann and Sharon Taylor were among the fired employees.

In addition to terminating these three employees, the DJJ also demoted Paul Cloutier and Kendra Strowbridge from their positions. Cloutier and Strowbridge, who were assistant directors at the facility, were relieved of their duties and offered demotions and transfers.

According to the news release, the reason for the terminations is for “violations of policies and procedures that compromised the safety and security of the youth committed to DJJ.”

While investigating the death of 19-year-old inmate Jade Holder, three officers and a counselor admitted to violating DJJ policy and procedures and/or their violations became apparent. The release went on to say the violations compromised the safety and security of the institution.

The DJJ says they will take all appropriate measures, including referrals for criminal prosecution, if they find any evidence of staff or youth misconduct, gross negligence or criminal activity.