http://www.officer.com/online/articl...ion=1&id=41694

Maryland Corrections Head Fired After Guns Go Missing

Posted: Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Updated: June 4th, 2008 12:53 PM EDT

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. --

The director of the Prince George's County Department of Corrections was fired after four handguns went missing from the Department of Corrections armory this week, county officials announced on Wednesday.

Alfred McMurray was fired and internal and police investigations were initiated after four 9 mm Beretta handguns were discovered missing from the Department of Corrections armory on June 2, according to a statement from the Office of the County Executive.

Earlier this year, there were incidents at the corrections facility involving misplaced handcuff keys, cell phones being brought into the facility and an accusation that some corrections officers were engaging in sexual acts with inmates, county officials said.

McMurray began his career as a correctional officer with the county in 1982 and rose through the ranks to become director of the department in 2007.

He managed inmates, housing units and staff and also served as an investigator for Internal Affairs, county officials said.

In a statement from the county, Public Safety Director Vernon Herron thanked McMurray for his service, but said, "... in light of a series of incidents over the past few months at the corrections facility that have impacted operations, we feel it is appropriate at this time to relieve Director McMurray of his duties."

Mary Lou McDonough, who currently serves as deputy director of corrections, will be interim director until a permanent replacement is found.