Pocono News Section

Hyder Keeps Prison Job After 3-2 Vote

Hyder Keeps Prison Job After 3-2 Vote - Monday, January 28, 2008 at 10:12PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Jan 28, 2008 @10:12pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Some call it a cloud of controversy - a lingering Luzerne County scandal that won't go away. Now a man at the center of it all, Deputy Warden Sam Hyder, keeps his job.

At the Prison Board Meeting, there were major calls for change for county policies across the board. Also at the meeting, one of the central figures in the county's debit card scandal retains his job.

While some crammed into this jailhouse meeting room to vent, the prison guards, media and others were interested in the course of an on-going scandal. Luzerne County Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla said, “This reappointment sends a very wrong message. I believe as a leader in this county, I have an obligation to the residents that will bring confidence in our government.”

In a narrow, two-to-three vote, deputy prison warden Sam Hyder managed to keep his job as number-two man at the Luzerne County jail. Commissioner Steve Urban said, “I don't have any faith in Mr. Hyder any more to lead this facility because of his conduct. I cannot support this.”

Hyder used a county-issued debit card to charge a round of drinks at a Las Vegas strip joint. A fallout over trust followed, eroding confidence in county government. “I don't need the secret service to come in here and tell me a policy was grossly abused. I have not heard one legitimate excuse for what I consider to be inexcusable actions,” added Petrilla.

Commissioner Greg Skrepenak said, “Not once have you heard anyone say anything about his job performance. Unfortunately, people want his head on a silver platter.”

Hyder will have to turn over the keys to the prison vehicle he's been using. The warden says he used it to make surprise visits to staff at the jail on weekends. But Commissioner Petrilla says she wants the vehicle used exclusively for the prison for which it was purchased.

Also county leaders decided to make policies and procedures at the prison identical to those at the courthouse.