Illinois youth corrections director resigns

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice has announced her resignation.

A news release from Gov. Bruce Rauner's office on Friday says Candice Jones is "transitioning out of the administration" and will leave June 1.

Rauner named agency operations director Jesse Montgomery as acting director.

The release did not say why Jones is resigning after two years. A spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rauner said in the release that Jones "has enhanced the outcomes for at-risk youth while improving public safety."

Jones was in the spotlight this spring after Rauner announced plans to close the 15-year-old youth corrections facility in Kewanee. Rauner later agreed to re-use the center for adult inmates after lawmaker objections.

The position pays $120,300.

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Online: http://www.illinois.gov/idjj/