CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) ó North and South Carolina are among the states that allow early release of dying inmates. But the policy draws complaints from some victims’ family members.

The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday that a terminally ill inmate from Currituck County was sent home to die. Officials said 41-year-old Jeffery Cooke had liver disease and was serving a one-year sentence as a repeat drunk driver.

A 2007 study showed that North Carolina spent $34 million on health care for inmates older than 50. That is a 35 percent increase from 2006.

Prison officials are wrapping up treatment plans for three other inmates who will be released to die at home. Three or four others may be released under the program.

Similar programs exist in more than half of the states, including South Carolina.