Madison, Wisconsin – Charges have been filed against the Warden and eight staff members of Waupun Correctional Institution, Wisconsin’s oldest maximum-security prison. The Warden, Randall Hepp, is accused of misconduct in public office, while the other eight face felony inmate abuse charges, with three also facing misconduct charges. The charges stem from investigations into multiple deaths at the facility.
According to authorities, the guards at Waupun Correctional Institution failed to provide basic care for inmates who died under their watch. Instances included a death from dehydration and another where the body wasn’t discovered for at least 12 hours after the inmate died of a stroke. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, leading the investigation, described the operation of the prison as “dangerous and reckless.”
Hepp could face up to 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted, and he had previously announced plans to retire at the end of June. The state Department of Corrections continues to investigate the facility’s operations, following concerns raised about multiple inmate deaths. The sense of urgency was heightened after federal lawsuits were filed related to three out of the four deaths at the prison.
In addition to the investigations and charges filed against the warden and staff members, the state Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy mentioned that internal investigations are ongoing, with several individuals placed on leave or terminated following the probe that began a year ago. The governor requested further investigations from the U.S. Department of Justice into contraband smuggling at the facility, indicating broader concerns about operations at the prison.
The deaths of inmates like Tyshun Lemons, Cameron Williams, and Donald Maier have raised serious questions about the care and conditions at Waupun Correctional Institution. Investigations revealed negligence and potential misconduct on behalf of the staff members responsible for the inmates. The gravity of the situation has prompted calls for accountability and reform within the prison system.
As the investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the systemic failures and deficiencies that have led to tragedies within the prison system. With the community and lawmakers demanding justice and change, the future of Waupun Correctional Institution hangs in the balance, awaiting transparency, accountability, and meaningful reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates under state care.