The head of prisons in Newfoundland and Labrador has been removed from their position following the uncovering of “financial and administrative irregularities” at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary. The Department of Justice and Public Safety has initiated an internal review into the financial and administrative procedures at the St. John’s correctional facility, the largest in the province.
An official statement from the Department of Justice and Public Safety acknowledged the irregularities at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary and emphasized the seriousness of the situation, leading to prompt action being taken. Dan Chafe, who has been serving as the province’s Superintendent of Prisons since 2020, is currently under scrutiny, although the department declined to provide details on his status citing privacy concerns.
In the interim, Susan Green, the former provincial manager of institutional programs, has been appointed as the acting Superintendent of Prisons effective August 12. The department has involved the Office of the Comptroller General in the review process and anticipates receiving the findings upon completion.
Additionally, the Office of the Auditor General has been informed of the situation. While potential fraud was reported to the auditor general’s office, it is yet to be determined whether a formal investigation will be conducted. Despite repeated requests, Chafe did not respond to requests for comment via his government email.
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