CLEVELAND – Two top administrators at a state juvenile correctional facility were fired Friday involving allegations of an “unsafe environment for youth,” authorities said.
The Ohio Department of Youth Services began an investigation at the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility in Massillon stemming from attacks and misconduct from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. The center houses youths from across the state, including many from Northeast Ohio.
Superintendent James Darnell was fired because he “was negligent in his supervision of administrative staff, his assigned administrative duties and in the use of his assigned state cellphone,” according to an department spokesperson.
Gang intervention specialist Shawn Anders was also fired for misusing state equipment and creating “an unsafe condition for staff and youth.” He used his assigned state cell phone for personal use, including having several inappropriate images of naked women and women in bikinis saved on the device.
Deputy Superintendent Charles Wilson was demoted because he “was negligent in his supervision of a unit management administrator, his assigned administrative duties and in the use of his assigned state cell phone,” according to a department spokesperson.
Officials said all three were on administrative leave since Sept. 23. Charlie Ford remains as the acting superintendent.
In October, 12 youths were arrested at the facility during a barricade incident. It began when a youth gained keys to the housing unit from a staff member. The inmate then began unlocking the doors to other teens’ rooms in the facility, and they barricaded themselves in the building.
Some of the youths involved in the incident made complaints regarding their housing unit, known as the I-Unit.
According to a department investigative report, which includes interviews from 16 youths, the list of quality-of-life complaints is extensive.
“Some staff would not let (a youth) out of his room for restroom calls and, at times, (a youth) would relieve himself in a milk carton or bottle,” the report says.
Other concerns listed in the report include youths failing to receive hygiene products; daily recreation; behavioral healthcare; and correctional program services.
“It has been determined that no behavioral healthcare providers were assigned to the treatment needs on I-Unit during the months of August and September 2022,” the report reads.
Youth specialists at the facility were also interviewed and described the unit as “a mess and chaotic” and not safe for staff, as well. The report shows that staff cited a lack of programming and activities for the youth.
“It was reported by multiple (staff members) that youth often did not receive what they needed or earned,” the report said.
A parent of one of the 12 youths involved in the incident said she spoke with her son over the phone while he was inside the facility.
Quanisha Morrison of Cleveland said her son told her the youths wanted to bring attention to the way they are treated by staff.
“He told me ‘Mama, we’re just trying to make a statement.’ These kids are treated like dogs,” she said in an interview in October. “The place isn’t being ran right. They are supposed to be rehabilitated. We are still concerned parents.”
