COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The director of South Carolina's Department of Juvenile Justice has resigned following a report that criticized her agency as still unprepared to prevent riots.
Gov. Henry McMaster accepted Sylvia Murray's resignation Friday, effective at day's end.
Previous Coverage: DJJ Failed to Properly Report Juveniles' Deaths, Audit Says
Murray says in her letter, provided to The Associated Press, that her decision "did not come easily," but she's decided to "pursue other career options."
"We thank Director Murray for her service to South Carolina," said McMaster in a statement. "We recognize the critical importance of continuing to strengthen this agency, and we are committed to ensuring that is done in the safest and most effective way possible."
State auditors said in a report released Thursday that DJJ remains understaffed; its officers are not properly trained; its security policies are outdated; and its police department is ineffective.
Murray told a House panel she disagreed with the findings.
Legislators were incensed. They have been critical of the agency since a string of gang-related riots in 2015 and 2016 involving fires and property damage.
DJJ Inspector General Freddie Pough will serve as acting director.