ST. LOUIS – The head of the St. Louis City Justice Center, Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah, is on leave as of Sept. 19.
The mayor’s office remains tight-lipped about the details, citing city code that keeps personnel records confidential. Despite repeated calls from aldermen for her removal, no official explanation has been provided for her sudden leave.
“If she went out on medical, it’s more of hoping she’s okay. But if it wasn’t medical, it’s concerning to know, or actually not to know, why she’s out on leave,” Alderman Rasheen Aldridge (Ward 14) said. “How do we relay that as an alderperson? How do I relay that back to people in my community when they ask me questions about it?”
Clemons-Abdullah, who was appointed by Mayor Tishuara Jones three years ago. She has faced mounting criticism over her tenure, which has been marred by riots, poor inmate healthcare, multiple deaths, and a hostage situation.
“There have been ongoing issues in the justice center—a lack of transparency, a lack of communication—this is not new,” Alderwoman Cara Spencer (Ward 8) said. “It’s just another in a long line of non-transparent actions in the part over here at the justice center.”
Tammy Ross has been named the acting corrections commissioner, stepping into the role during a time of intense scrutiny following a recent state audit of the facility.
“I’ve continued to call for Clemons to step aside because I think there was a lot going on under her watch,” Aldridge added.
The audit confirmed widespread staffing issues that have contributed to unsafe conditions for both inmates and staff, further adding pressure to the embattled justice center.
As more information unfolds as authorities continue their investigation, city leaders are left wondering how the leadership shakeup will affect the ongoing crises at the jail.
