Barr removes Federal Bureau of Prisons acting director after promising 'accountability' in Epstein's death

Attorney General William Barr on Monday removed the Federal Bureau of Prisons' acting director a week after saying he was "appalled" and "angry" over the death of Jeffrey Epstein.

Hugh Hurwitz has been reassigned after taking over as the acting director of prisons in May 2018, reports The Associated Press. Barr did not mention the Epstein case in his announcement, in which he thanked Hurwitz for his "dedication and service." Kathleen Hawk Sawyer is to take over Hurwitz's position, which she previously held from 1992 through 2003.

This comes after Epstein, the convicted sex offender who was facing federal sex trafficking charges, was found dead in his jail cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on Aug. 10, with reports later emerging that he was not checked on for hours prior to his death and that two guards fell asleep on the job and falsified paperwork. The warden of the jail was later reassigned, with the guards being placed on leave. "Additional actions may be taken as the circumstances warrant," the Justice Department said last week. An autopsy has since confirmed that Epstein died by suicide.

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Barr in a speech following Epstein's death blasted the "serious irregularities" at the prison, saying they are "deeply concerning" and "demand a thorough investigation."