Florida corrections secretary is resigning

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — 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.