Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato fired seven workers at the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center yesterday as part of an investigation into the suicide attempt of an inmate last month.

A teenager was found lying unresponsive in his room by a child care worker within the 15-minute window of room observation checks, as required by the state. But that particular worker had failed to check the room every five minutes as required of Shuman workers, said William "Jack" Simmons, director of the Lincoln-Lemington facility.

The investigation into the May 24 incident by the county and the state Department of Public Welfare found that the seven workers "were deliberately violating the procedures," Mr. Onorato said.

Six child-care workers and a chief supervisor were terminated. None of them were on duty when the suicide attempt happened.

The two employees who were on duty that day have been suspended without pay. Mr. Simmons declined to comment on the duration of the suspension.

The fired workers include: Richard Pipkin, 42, a supervisor who has worked at the facility for two years; and child care workers Frank Morgan, 59, an employee for 13 years; Jacques B. Taylor, 39, an employee for 11 years; Levi E. Taylor, 43, an employee for four years; and Andre J. Turner, 25, a two-year employee.

Two others were not named because county officials could not reach them yesterday to notify them of their termination.

The investigation, which included a comprehensive review of Shuman employee practices and of the center's 24-hour video surveillance system, found that some workers were filling out room observation logs, but they were not actually checking the rooms to see the teenage inmates.

Mr. Onorato said he has also asked county police to conduct an investigation that could lead to criminal prosecution of the fired workers.

The center, which opened 35 years ago has 160 employees -- 120 of them child care workers -- and has 118 youths in detention. The facility has a capacity to hold 130 youths.

Last year, the Department of Public Welfare issued a six-month provisional certificate of compliance for Shuman after an inspection found myriad problems. At that time, the state found inadequate staffing, building disrepair and poorly documented medical records, among other issues.

The state restored the facility's full license in December.

Mr. Onorato said the investigation continues. He threatened to close down the facility if another incident like last month's suicide attempt occurs.

"If this type of negligence continues, I will not hesitate to close the facility," Mr. Onorato said, adding that he has notified state officials of his actions.

Officials of the Local 668 of the Service Employees International Union, which represents Shuman workers, expressed concern about the terminations in a news release last night.

"The fact that Chief Executive Onorato has threatened to close and privatize the facility may be a violation of state labor laws, and the union will be reviewing the statements released to the media. It also appears that the county may have violated workers rights to union representation during the investigation," the union said.