By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Corrections Commissioner Donal Campbell and several other top prison officials receive free housing from the state and a $250 utility allowance each month. Reports say Campbell lives near Tutwiler Prison for Women at Wetumpka. His neighbor is Associate Commissioner Ruth Naglich. She also reportedly occupies a state-owned home free of charge. The department's second-in-command, Deputy Commissioner Greg Lovelace, also lived for several years rent-free on Kilby prison property until he moved recently. State prison spokesperson Brian Corbett says the state originally built homes at or near prisons, so wardens could be close in case of emergencies. A survey of neighboring states found that free housing for anyone other than wardens is rare. Louisiana opens up housing to some maintenance and security staff, but not to top administrators. Campbell served as corrections commissioner in Tennessee before he moved to Alabama in 2003.