Schuykill County Prison fires corrections officers

There’s a revolving door at the Schuylkill County Prison, and it’s not for inmates.

During a meeting last week, the Schuylkill County Commissioners approved the termination of County Prison Lt. Phillip Chattin of Pottsville, who has held that post since 2011, and the termination of Nicole Conway, Llewellyn, a corrections officer hired in March 2019.

The commissioners took the formal action following a special meeting of the county prison board, convened earlier that week.

At the end of January, the commissioners approved the resignations of corrections officers Jennifer Crisafulli of Minersville, effective Feb. 6, and Jeffery Moyer, of Pottsville, effective Feb. 3.

Two weeks prior, the Schuylkill County Prison Board fired full-time corrections officer Patricia Pancerella. Pancerella was hired as part-time in 2018 and promoted to full-time in July 2019.

In December 2019 the Schuylkill County Prison Board fired part-time corrections officer Pamela Smith. Two full-time officers were fired during the year, Keith Wittig in January and Kyle Jones in March. On March 27, the county rescinded Jones’ termination and changed it to a resignation.

Officials have not commented on the terminations or resignations. When at full staff, the county prison has 45 full-time officers and 15 part-time officers; currently there are openings for three full-time and 10 part-time officers.