Marlon Skeen, he’s been CEO of the Kolbe managed prison since it was privatized in 2002 – in fact he’s listed as a co-founder of Kolbe, but as of today, he’s no longer the boss. Best information to us is that Skeen resigned yesterday afternoon. A terse press release from the Kolbe Foundation this morning confirms that. It says simply, “Mr. Marlon Skeen has tendered his resignation as Chief Executive Officer to pursue other interests....his years of service have positively influenced the staff and prisoners alike.” As we understand it, the agreement was that Skeen would stay on for two more weeks to assist in the transition, but that may now be shortened.
But to whom will he transition? Kolbe Foundation Chairman John Woods told us that the Board’s team of management will pick up the slack and work along with Deputy CEO Murillo. We have confirmed that a job has been offered to retiring Assistant Commissioner of Police Crispin Jeffries, but that is to work as chief of security.
And that brings up the other issue at Kolbe. Former principal officer in charge of security Jose Ack reportedly resigned last week. And that’s because, our reports say, he and Skeen had been having some issues with Rose Kelly, a senior security officer who is a favourite of Chairman John Woods. And that deference to Kelly may have created some of the tension that led to Skeen’s quite sudden departure.
We also understand that three weeks ago there was a the search of the cell of a high profile inmate which turned up a cell phone that had the phone number of key security staff and suspect text messages sent to that person. Sounds a bit kooky, but as we understand it, all these things factored into friction at the top of the management structure. But whatever the case, Skeen left on his own terms and we were unable to reach him today despite numerous attempts. As he leaves, three inmates that went missing last week are still at large.
