News Release

Sharon McBride

SOUTH BEND — After an investigation of Sharon McBride, ex-director of the DuComb Center, a South-Bend based correctional facility, has been fired.

The investigation, launched earlier last week, was opened due to multiple of allegations, which included staffing issues, overtime abuse and unethical financial transactions.

McBride entered the commissioner’s spotlight after suspicions arose around Delores Walker’s, the facility’s kitchen director, six-figure salary. Rafael Morton, DuComb Center board member, revealed Walker occasionally worked up to 20 hours per day to keep the facility running legally. Walker is McBride’s mother.

The St. Joseph County Commissioners has named Julie Lawson as the center’s interim director effective immediately. Lawson has experience with the center as she has served as program manager for the last two years.