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| Ex-Warden to Head Fla. Corrections Department |
| By South Florida Sun-Sentinel |
| Published: 01/08/2003 |
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The former warden of a Florida prison where a Death Row inmate was beaten to death in 1999 was named Monday to head the state Department of Corrections by Gov. Jeb Bush. The appointment of James Crosby Jr., a regional prison official with strong GOP ties to Gov. Bush and President Bush, was praised as 'Christmas come late' by a union representing state prison officers. But prison watchdog groups sharply criticized the move, and some officials called the selection shocking. Crosby, 50, was warden of Florida State Prison when Death Row inmate Frank Valdes was found apparently beaten to death. Five prison officers were charged with murder. They were acquitted of criminal charges. But Crosby is among state officials named in a federal lawsuit still pending in U.S. District Court in Jacksonville, and he is scheduled to be questioned under oath in the case. 'There was a level of violence at Florida State Prison on his watch that can't be condoned by anyone, and to have him as secretary of corrections sends a message -- the wrong one,' said Randy Berg, executive director of the Miami-based Florida Justice Institute. Crosby succeeds Michael Moore, a tough-talking Texan who turned in his resignation last month after a stormy four years heading the department. Gov. Bush said Crosby has strong experience, understands the culture of the department and said he is 'honored to have Jimmy join my leadership team.' 'His experience and knowledge of the system will be valuable to the agency and the men and women who place their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe,' Bush said. The head of a statewide police group that represents most of the state's 20,000 prison officers praised Crosby's appointment, noting that he came up through the ranks in prisons to become warden. 'He's a product of the system and he understands it,' said Florida Police Benevolent Association Executive Director David Murrell. 'He's from Florida. He's pretty close to the rank and file. And he's supportive of the officers.' Crosby currently is regional director of institutions for the department. He began his career in 1975 as an inmate classification specialist and also has been a probation supervisor, superintendent of four institutions, and warden. |
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