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Higher-up in prison system resigns

"Personal reasons" is the explanation given for the departure of regional director Allen Clark, who rose under Secretary James Crosby.

By STEVE BOUSQUET
Published September 13, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - A senior official in the Florida Department of Corrections has resigned without explanation.

Allen Clark, regional director for 14 North Florida prisons, submitted his resignation letter last week. It is effective Oct. 14, after the use of accrued leave.

"It is with great regret that I hereby resign my position," Clark wrote to his boss, Corrections Secretary James Crosby. "I have learned a lot and contribute much of my career to your guidance."

Gov. Jeb Bush said he knew more about Clark's resignation, but declined to provide details. "How am I going to tell you that? I mean, that's a no-no, trust me," he said.

Crosby, who has promoted Clark through the ranks, would not comment except to say Clark resigned "for personal reasons."

Clark, 40, of Sneads, is a onetime supervisor of the year in the prison system who has worked at Florida State Prison in Starke and neighboring New River Correctional Institution.

Six years ago, while at New River, Clark was the subject of an internal investigation over whether he used prison labor and materials to renovate his garage. Clark said the charges were unfounded.

The agency would not comment on the matter. A permanent replacement for Clark has not been named. As Region I director, Clark supervised 14 major institutions across the Panhandle with nearly 24,000 offenders.

--Times staff writer Joni James contributed to this report.

[Last modified September 13, 2005, 01:45:22]