Minority Leader’s Statement on Probation Department Report

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today after having the opportunity to read the report regarding patronage at the Probation Department.

While I have not finished reading through the Independent Counsel’s report on the Probation Department what I have read paints a profoundly disturbing picture of an abuse ridden agency in need of a complete overhaul.

Today’s report, which details widespread “abuse and systemic corruption'' serves as yet another black-eye on state government.

It is clear that the public trust has been violated in addition to the policies, procedures and likely the laws of the Commonwealth. As such the Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies should, with all due haste, pursue by any and all means necessary swift and severe action against those involved.

This report would make even Boss Tweed and the Tammany Hall machine blush.