The state Department of Corrections confirmed to Montana Free Press Wednesday that Montana State Prison Warden Jim Salmonsen, who was on leave from his position for 47 days starting Jan. 14, reassumed his role on March 3. The department has not released a public announcement of Salmonsen’s return. Department spokesperson Carolynn Stocker declined to comment on the reasons for Salmonsen’s leave or return.
Gov. Greg Gianforte responded to a question about the warden’s leave during a press conference on Thursday, March 20.
“I don’t have all the details here. This is a personnel matter,” Gianforte said. “My understanding was there was a third-party investigation and he was cleared.”
The corrections department again declined to provide additional details after Gianforte’s statement.
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Montana State Prison warden on leave
Warden Jim Salmonsen’s leave started Jan. 14 and Associate Warden Scott McNeil is acting as warden. The leave comes as the governor’s administration is asking for $150 million to expand the Deer Lodge facility.
Associate Warden Scott McNeil served as interim warden during Salmonsen’s leave. McNeil has now returned to his role as associate warden, Stocker confirmed.
Salmonsen has worked at the state prison for three decades and was named warden in late 2020.
This story was updated March 20, 2025, to include a statement by Gov. Greg Gianforte.
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