The head of prisons in Newfoundland and Labrador has been removed from their position following the uncovering of “financial and administrative irregularities” at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, prompting the province to involve the auditor general.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety informed CBC News on Tuesday that an internal investigation has been initiated into the financial and administrative procedures at St. John’s largest correctional facility. The department released a statement via email acknowledging the irregularities and emphasizing their immediate response to such incidents.
Dan Chafe, who has been the Superintendent of Prisons since 2020 and was previously the high sheriff for five years, oversaw five correctional facilities and two lockups in the province. The department declined to provide details on Chafe’s current status, citing confidentiality around human resources matters.
Susan Green, the former provincial manager of institutional programs, has assumed the role of acting Superintendent of Prisons as of August 12. The department has enlisted the Office of the Comptroller General to aid in the review process and anticipates receiving the findings once concluded.
Furthermore, the Office of the Auditor General has been notified of the situation. While the department informed them of potential fraud on Monday, it is yet to be determined if an investigation will be launched by the auditor general.
Chafe did not respond immediately to CBC News’ request for comment via his official government email.