Littlefield Police Chief put in charge of troubled Bill Clayton Detention Center

The police chief in Littlefield, Texas has resigned amongst and internal investigation and has taken over control of the troubled Bill Clayton Detention Center, according to a news story from KCBD ("Littlefield Police Chief Abel Cantu resigns," January 19) in Lubbock, Texas:

"Littlefield Police Chief Abel Cantu resigned on Thursday following an internal investigation conducted by the Littlefield Police Department. [...]  

Following his resignation, Cantu was given another job with the City of Littlefield, as administrator for the Bill Clayton Detention Center. He was given that position temporarily so he could fulfill the time required for his retirement on June 15, 2013."

The Bill Clayton Detention Center has been a headache for Littlefield, TX, since 2008, when Idaho cancelled their contract with the formerly GEO Group-operated prison after two men commtted suicide there.  GEO Group pulled out in 2010, leaving the town's citizens without revenue and responsible for an $11 million building project that they have yet to pay off (as covered by NPR).  The town tried to auction the empty facility in 2011, but the only bidder pulled out.

It's still unclear what led to Cantu's resignation or whether he'll soon have incarerated men to oversee.  We'll continue to update you as more details come in.