The Montana Department of Corrections said Monday that the warden responsible for the state prison in Deer Lodge is on leave, but declined to provide further information about the situation.Montana State Prison Warden Jim Salmonsen’s leave started Jan. 14, according to department spokesperson Carolynn Stocker. Stocker said Monday she could not provide more information about the reason for Salmonsen’s leave or how long it could last.Associate Warden Scott McNeil is acting as warden, Stocker said.Salmonsen, who has worked for the state prison for three decades, was named warden in late 2020.His leave comes as the administration of Gov. Greg Gianforte is asking the state Legislature for $150 million to expand the state prison, which has struggled with capacity issues in recent years. CoreCivic, a private prison contractor, announced last week the state would be sending an additional 240 inmates to its Mississippi facility, meaning about 600 Montana inmates are being held at out-of-state CoreCivic facilities.As of Jan. 19, the state prison held 1,571 inmates, according to a department dashboard. LATEST STORIES The Session: Week 2 | New website, new problems, and how to get engaged Host Shaylee Ragar discusses tech issues at the Capitol with reporters Austin Amestoy and Zeke Lloyd. They break down what that means for how the public and reporters alike can follow and engage with the action in Helena, along with the bigger picture of public comment during committee meetings and a new development on legislative junque files. by MTFP Staff 01.20.202501.20.2025 Forest Service authorizes controversial land swap along the eastern portion of the Crazy Mountains The Forest Service’s authorization of the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange will allow the agency to move forward with a land swap proposal that involves six private landowners spread across three counties. by Amanda Eggert 01.20.202501.20.2025 Montana state senator backs off controversial contract Montana state Sen. Jason Ellsworth is being accused of entering into an inappropriate contract. He counters that he’s the subject of political attacks. by Tom Lutey 01.20.202501.20.2025 The post Montana State Prison warden on leave appeared first on Montana Free Press.