Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Gov. Henry McMaster has named Freddie Pough the director of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.
Pough is currently the acting director, and has been submitted for state Senate confirmation by the governor.
“Mr. Pough has worked tirelessly during his time at DJJ to implement needed changes at the agency, demonstrating his ability to lead with the vision and determination necessary for achieving DJJ’s core mission - rehabilitating and protecting the juveniles in its care,” said McMaster. “I look forward to continuing our work together to find new, innovative, and effective ways to reduce juvenile recidivism and set those in the agency’s care on a path towards leading productive and fulfilling lives.”
Pough has previously served as a juvenile correctional officer and inspector general for DJJ and lieutenant in the Midlands Investigative Region for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
“I look forward to continue leading DJJ into a future of reform and the best interests of juveniles and South Carolina. Our entire DJJ team is dedicated and selfless,” Pough said. “I am humbled and thankful for Governor McMaster’s faith in me to lead DJJ.”
Since taking office on January 27, he has implemented 91 percent of the changes recommended by the Legislative Audit Council’s early 2017 report, and proposed a regionalization effort to keep juveniles closer to home.
