SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) -- The State Penitentiary is searching for its next warden.

In an email to Department of Corrections staff, the director of prisons Amber Pirraglia announced that Teresa Bittinger would no longer hold the position as Warden of the Sioux Falls complex.

"The decision was made after careful consideration and in alignment with our goals and standards as a department," the email said.

"We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining security of the facilities at this time," Pirraglia wrote.

Pirraglia will serve as the interim warden. There is a nationwide search for Bittinger's replacement.

On Monday, State Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko briefed the Legislature's Government Operations and Audit Committee on Monday about contraband found during a recent lockdown which lasted more than two weeks.

She described the search process as very thorough, very targeted and well led by high officers in the system's chain of command. Legislators' questions were held back for the closed session that followed Wasko's public presentation.