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Florida corrections secretary is resigning

His resignation comes amid a slew of investigations into inmate abuse and unresolved deaths

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Department of Corrections Secretary Michael Crews, speaks during a news conference about an investigation into the death of a mentally ill prisoner Darren Rainey at the Dade Correctional Institution, Thursday, July 10, 2014, in Florida City, Fla.

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Michael Crews is resigning at the end of the month.

Crews notified Gov. Rick Scott on Monday of his plans to step down. He said he has taken another position in the criminal justice field.

The department has been under scrutiny for prison deaths, abuse and allegations of cover ups.

Scott immediately appointed deputy secretary Tim Cannon to serve as interim secretary.

Cannon has worked at the department for more than two decades, including as assistant secretary of institutions and as a prison warden.

Crews was appointed to the position two years ago. He began his career with the state as a corrections officer in 1984.