Westmoreland Co. looking for new director of juvenile detention center; former head quit after altercation

The director of Westmoreland County’s juvenile detention center resigned this week — a month after he was injured during an altercation between two teens at the facility.

Controller Jeff Balzer, who serves as chairman of the county’s juvenile detention board of directors, confirmed Friday that Carlos Alejandre, who has served as the facility’s director since October 2017, left the job. County officials are seeking a replacement.

“I liked him and thought he did a fantastic job. We had a situation, and now we’re dealing with it,” Balzer said.

Alejandre earned $62,278 a year. He was responsible for both the 16-bed detention center and an 8-bed shelter program that are both housed at the Regional Youth Services Center in Hempfield.

County Park Police Chief Henry Fontana said Alejandre was listed as the victim in a violent incident that occurred Jan. 19 involving two 17-year-old residents at the detention center. Both teens were charged with simple assault and this month were adjudicated delinquent, the juvenile court equivalent of guilty, by Common Pleas Court Judge Michele Bononi.

Both have been transferred to other facilities, Balzer said.

Citing personnel issues, Balzer declined to further discuss Alejandre’s injuries or his resignation.

The county is seeking applicants through March 6 to fill the director’s job. Alejandre was the fifth person to serve as the juvenile detention center director since 2012.

Nicole Kramer, Alejandre’s deputy, will serve as interim director until a permanent replacement is hired, Balzer said.