Head Of Florida's Prison Agency Steps Down

Ken Tucker, who took over the Department of Corrections last year, said in a video message he is leaving because he's approaching a mandatory retirement date.

Tucker's last day is Dec. 28, although he will be on annual leave until that date.

Tucker was picked in August 2011 to run the prison agency after Gov. Rick Scott forced then-Secretary Edwin Buss to resign. Tucker had been the deputy commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Tucker said he has some remorse in leaving during a time when the agency is struggling.

The department is caught up in a legal battle over privatization. Plus there is also an ongoing investigation into allegations of excessive force at a north Florida prison.

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