(Richmond, IN)--An investigative report authored by Tony Cook is running in several Indiana Gannett newspapers.  It was compiled with contributions from Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News and outlines the lengths Wernle Youth and Family Service’s Board and its attorney went to to protect CEO Darrell Gordon last fall, even as the organization was collapsing.  Last September, two key Wernle administrators – in a letter of resignation – begged the Wernle Board to take action before being shut down by DCS.  They called the environment "toxic" due to Gordon’s lack of leadership.  While the Board and Attorney John Maley added the two to a long list of what they’ve described as poor or disgruntled employees, Board Member Bethany Reid began to talk to employees against Maley’s advice.  The following month, she was effectively dismissed from the Board.  Just a few months later, the prediction of the two administrators came true and Wernle’s 140-year run came to an end.  Wernle had been under the microscope of the Department of Child Services for five years after Wernle failed to address a series of issues and crimes involving its residents.  A recent document from the state outlines some of the final incidents that brought about its downfall.  Here is some of what the state found occurred in the last year:  During an altercation, a staff member slammed a child’s face into a concrete wall.  Regulators also say Wernle denied around-the-clock medical care to the children it housed.  Last September, the residents were kept in their units for nearly a week and given only cold food because Wernle staffers were preparing the gym for a fundraiser.  The state also outlines the failure of Wernle to report numerous issues as required.