Wed. Nov 6th, 2024

The Montana Women’s Prison in BIllings (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

A captain for the Department of Corrections’ Billings Probation and Parole has been hired as warden at the Montana Women’s Prison in Billings, the DOC announced Tuesday.

Katie Weston will assume her new post on Nov. 18, the Department of Corrections said in a news release.

“We’re excited to have Katie in this new position as warden at MWP,” said DOC Director Brian Gootkin in a statement. “She comes to the post with 12 years of experience in the DOC’s Probation and Parole Bureau, much of that in supervisory roles. Katie brings the enthusiasm we need to be effective as we build the future of corrections in this state.”

As captain for the DOC’s Billings Probation and Parole region, she oversees about 60 employees across 13 counties, the DOC said. Prior to that, she served as a probation officer and as a sergeant.

“I am thrilled to take on this new opportunity and look forward to continuing my career with the DOC,” Weston said in a statement.

The DOC said the Montana Women’s Prison houses approximately 240 inmates.

The DOC said Weston is active in the community, coordinating events including Tip-A-Cop, and collaborating with other agencies to participate in community-oriented activities.

“Katie’s connections in the Billings community are essential to the work the department wants to do over the next several years,” said DOC Deputy Director Cynthia Wolken in a statement. “Those relationships will be key as we move into the 2025 Montana Legislative Session and work to manage our prison population challenges.”

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