Arizona facility has new warden after prison break
KINGMAN, Ariz. -- A former Illinois and Arizona warden has been hired as the new boss of the private prison that houses 3,500 inmates in Golden Valley, Ariz.
Jerry Sternes was named administrator by Management & Training Corporation, the Utah-based company that operates the prison. His appointment was approved by Arizona Corrections Director Charles Ryan.
Sternes replaces Darla Elliott, who remains on paid administrative leave in the aftermath of the July 30 escape of three dangerous inmates that led to the slayings of an Oklahoma couple in New Mexico.
An investigation of the prison break determined that Management & Training Corporation and the Arizona Department of Corrections were responsible for several security failures at the corrections facility.
In a memo to employees, MTC executive Al Murphy said Sternes has 25 years experience in corrections and is coming out of retirement to oversee the prison.
"Mr. Sternes came up through the ranks and has been a warden in the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Corrections," Murphy said.
