East Central Reporter

State Representative Adam Niemerg has called for the resignation of Latoya Hughes, the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Niemerg's demand comes after his visits to the Robinson and Lawrenceville Correctional facilities in October 2024, where he aimed to address concerns regarding working conditions and safety issues faced by prison guards and staff.

Niemerg expressed dissatisfaction with Hughes' management, stating, "She’s been terrible. We keep having Department of Corrections employees put in the hospital because of incompetent management and bad policies that favor the inmates over the safety and security of the corrections officers and employees."

The representative highlighted that correctional employees had previously staged pickets at Illinois prisons last October to advocate for improved working conditions. Reports indicate illegal drugs are being smuggled into prisons through visitors and mail.

"I have been contacted by current and retired DOC employees for nearly a year asking for help and finding a fix for these problems," said Niemerg. He mentioned offering solutions to improve mail processing to prevent drug entry into prisons. Niemerg emphasized, "The bottom line is Governor Pritzker’s hand-picked director is responsible for the proper administration of the Department of Corrections, and the assaults and drug smuggling are still unsolved problems. Ms. Hughes must go!"

Niemerg invites individuals with information on this issue to contact his district office or visit RepNiemerg.com.