New prisons secretary Jon Litscher pledges to restore trust

MADISON — The new Department of Corrections secretary is telling a state Senate committee that he wants to restore public trust in the agency in the wake of abuse allegations at Wisconsin's youth prison.

Jon Litscher began a Senate judiciary hearing on confirming his appointment as secretary by acknowledging many people have lost faith and trust in Corrections.

Allegations of abuse at Lincoln Hills first came to light in December when state agents began an investigation into claims at the Lincoln Hills youth prison ranging from sexual assault to misconduct in office.

Former Corrections Secretary Ed Wall resigned on Feb. 5. Gov. Scott Walker announced a week later that he had appointed Litscher to the post.

Litscher served as Corrections secretary from 1999-2003. He most recently worked as schools superintendent in Cambria.