Prison officials deny reports of officer strike at Holman prison

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Officials with the Alabama Department of Corrections are denying reports of corrections officers at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility participating in a strike.

In a news release Tuesday, ADOC public information manager Bob Horton called the reports of a strike "unofficial and erroneous."

The Free Alabama Movement released a statement Saturday saying an emergency situation developed at the prison when all of the workers assigned to the "second shift" didn't report for work.

Horton confirmed nine officers didn't report to work for the "third shift" Saturday. However, Horton said the officers didn't make any demands or specifically say they were participating in a strike, and most of the workers reported to work Sunday.

ADOC officers from other facilities were brought in to assist the staff at Holman, Horton confirmed.

The Free Alabama Movement says officers have "complained about overcrowding and the need for a mass release, more education and rehabilitation programs, as well as issues with disease and filth."

A correctional officer at Holman died at a Mobile hospital on Sept. 16 after being stabbed earlier in the month by an inmate. Kenneth Bettis, 44, of Monroeville had worked at the prison since 2009.

According to ADOC, inmate Cleveland Cunningham stabbed Bettis after being denied an extra tray of food at lunch. Cunningham is charged with murder.

ADOC confirmed Monday a correctional officer at Holman was arrested Sunday after allegedly having controlled substances, cellphones and other contraband when he reported for work. He's facing multiple charges and is no longer employed with ADOC.

On Sept. 9, about 45 Holman inmates participated in a work stoppage. Horton said it was a peaceful demonstration and ended the next day.

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