CHESTER, Ill. (AP) - A new warden is in charge of the maximum-security Menard Correctional Center in southern Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Corrections said Wednesday that Kim Butler has been named to the position. She’s the first woman to head the prison and the second woman to be appointed warden of an all-male, maximum security prison in Illinois.
Butler graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She started at IDOC as a correctional counselor and has been with the department for 20 years.
The previous Menard warden retired.
The prison has been on lockdown since April 4, when a cache of crude weapons and homemade alcohol was found. IDOC officials say the lockdown will continue until all security and investigation procedures are complete.
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