Bureau of Prisons No. 2 official who was pardoned for drug crimes abruptly departs

TL;DR

Josh Smith, a pardoned drug offender and deputy director of the BOP, has resigned without stating a reason.
Smith, pardoned in 2021 and appointed in 2025, aimed to overhaul staffing and enhance prisoner rehabilitation.
His tenure was controversial due to his criminal record and was met with tension from some BOP employees.
Questions have been raised about contracts awarded during his time, including one with a firm run by Anne Precythe, with whom Smith's media company released a documentary.
Smith stated he had no role in facilitating visits for reality TV star Todd Chrisley, who was also pardoned by Trump and visited BOP facilities.
Union officials expressed concerns that Smith's policies prioritized inmates over staff and created a "toxic" environment for management.
Smith acknowledges his approach was challenging to bureaucracy but expresses pride in changing executive staff and focusing on leadership development.
He plans to return to his nonprofit, Fourth Purpose Foundation, and its affiliated media company, Prison Life Media.

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