LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The warden at a Nebraska prison where two inmates escaped is retiring.

The Department of Correctional Services announced Friday that Mario Peart is stepping down from the helm of the Lincoln Correctional Center, effective July 1.

Peart was reassigned to the department’s central office after convicted sex offenders Armon Dixon and Timothy Clausen escaped from the Lincoln prison earlier this month. Both have been recaptured. Director Scott Frakes has said the inmates escaped because staff members failed to follow security procedures.

Peart worked in the department for 39 years in a variety of roles at the Lincoln Correctional Center and the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

Frakes says Peart requested to retire. He extended his appreciation to Peart for his years of service.