Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Jan 11/02) - Jeannie Marie Jewell has been suspended with pay from her warden's job at the Territorial Women's Correctional Centre in Fort Smith.

She's on a paid leave of absence following a review, her boss said.

"There are some decisions that have to be made," said John Dillon, NWT's director of correctional services. He wouldn't elaborate, calling her employment an internal matter.

Jewell, a former Thebacha MLA hired for the job just six months ago, won't say much either.

"I want to respond to the correspondence I have. It doesn't indicate I'm no longer an employee," she said.

Jewell's leave of absence has no end date.

"The leave will last as long as it's needed," Dillon said. "I expect a fairly quick resolution."

Don Blaquiere from the correctional centre has been named acting warden.

The centre consists of two buildings and usually houses about 10 inmates.