Armstrong County Jail suspends trustee program after inmate's escape

ARMSTRONG COUNTY, Pa. — During an executive session held behind closed doors Wednesday, the Armstrong County Jail prison board decided to suspend the prison’s trustee program, Channel 11’s Joe Holden has learned.

Holden also learned that a third-party firm will likely be called in to conduct a review of prison operations following inmate Robert Crissman’s escape.

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Prison board Chairman Richard Fink told Channel 11 it makes sense it bring in outsiders to take a better look at the situation.

“I truly believe we need an outside eye to look,” he said. “Not saying any indication that something was done wrong, but I think it needs to be evaluated from eyes outside the county.”

Authorities said Crissman fled through an unlocked door at the jail Thursday during a work-release program. They allege that he beat and strangled 55-year-old Tammy Long after escaping.

Crissman was captured Friday and charged with homicide, theft, escape and aggravated assault.

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