Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 | 9:51 a.m.
Porfirio Duarte-Herrera
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Nevada Department of Corrections Director Charles Daniels has resigned at the request of the governor, after a state prison escape that went unnoticed for several days.
Six corrections officers have also been placed on administrative leave following murderer Porfirio Duarte-Herrera’s escape from the Southern Desert Correctional Center, according to Gov Steve Sisolak’s office.
William Gittere, the department’s deputy director of operations, will serve as acting director, effective immediately.
Duarte-Herrera was taken back into custody by Metro Police on Wednesday as he was preparing to board a bus for Mexico.
His escape was discovered Tuesday, though corrections officials later determined he had been gone since the previous Friday.
“My office will continue to work closely with the team at the Nevada Department of Corrections to ensure the safety and well-being of both NDOC employees and inmates who are in the state’s care,” Sisolak said in a statement.
“Corrections institutions across the nation are facing severe staffing shortages and together, we are working with NDOC to look at innovative ways to increase recruitment at all facilities within this state,” Sisolak said.
The Department of Corrections has not released details about the escape or the delay in discovering it. Sisolak’s office said an investigation is ongoing.
The governor will gather a small group of advisers to investigate the Southern Desert Correctional Center in particular, reviewing recent incidents and making recommendations for improvement.
