Shake up at Hall County Jail

GAINESVILLE - One jailer has resigned and three others have been suspended after last week's escape of an inmate on a trash detail at the Hall County Jail.

Hall County Sheriff's Colonel Jeff Strickland said the jailer resigned rather than be terminated following a preliminary internal investigation of the incident. The suspended jailers will serve three days suspension without pay for their policy violations.

Col. Strickland said, "The investigation also revealed that jailers had deviated from policy during the head count procedure in the trusty area of the jail."

The inmate, Obiel Pineda-Pardo, walked away from the exterior of the jail on Friday, January 16. He remains at large, but is not considered dangerous.

The Jail Commander has voluntarily stepped down from his position and will assume the duties of Lieutenant, according to Col. Strickland.

Sheriff Steve Cronic appointed 1st Lt. Mark Bandy to the rank of Captain; Bandy is now the Hall County Jail Commander. Capt. Bandy is a 16 year veteran of the Hall County Sheriff's Office and was serving as the assistant Jail Commander prior to the appointment.

Col. Strickland said the investigation into the escape continues.