Colorado Parole Director Who Handled Evan Ebel Case Placed On Leave

DENVER (CBS4) - CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has learned that the embattled director of Colorado's parole department has been placed on administrative leave.

Tim Hand has been under fire for his department's handling of the Evan Ebel case and a number of other parole issues. He was placed on leave Wednesday after a conversation with acting Department of Corrections Director Roger Werholtz.

Hand oversees hundreds of parole officers along with community corrections.

A department spokesperson told CBS4 the paid administrative leave for Hand is "indefinite" and came after a meeting initiated by Werholtz.

The move came just hours before a CBS4 investigation aired that had several lawmakers saying Hand's department had taken some "inexcusable" actions.

RELATED: Records Show Dangerous Parolees Downgraded Due To Budget Issues

Steve Hager, the warden of the youth offender system, will step in as interim director of the parole department.

Statement Sent To DOC Employees About Tim Hand

After careful thought and discussion over the past several days, I am ready to advise you that Mr. Hand will be away on a temporary leave of absence. In his absence, I have requested Steve Hager to assume leadership of the Division of Adult Parole, Community Corrections and the Youthful Offender System. I would ask each of you to give Mr. Hager your full support and cooperation and to give Mr. Hand the support and consideration that he deserves. It is important that we remain focused on our primary responsibilities as we undergo the system reviews that are currently taking place.

Roger Werholtz, Interim Executive Director

- Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com