MADISON, Wis. – A major scandal has shaken the Wisconsin prison system, with nine individuals arrested in connection to the deaths of four inmates at the Waupun Correctional Institution. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement, emphasizing the need for accountability for the actions and inactions of state employees involved in the incidents.
Among those arrested is the warden of the Waupun Correctional Institution, Randall Hepp, who now faces charges of misconduct in public office. The other eight individuals are facing felony charges related to inmate abuse. Sheriff Dale Schmidt expressed his dismay over the treatment and deaths of these inmates during a press conference where the arrests were revealed.
The situation escalated further as Warden Randall Hepp was unexpectedly jailed just hours before a scheduled news conference to discuss the investigations into the in-custody deaths at the facility. State Senator Van Wanggaard disclosed that Hepp and several others would be arrested and charged with crimes linked to their roles at the prison. Wanggaard, chair of the state Senate committee overseeing prisons, shared that the arrests would include felony charges.
Hepp had recently announced his retirement plans, with Deputy Warden Brad Mlodzik set to take over his role. The unexpected turn of events, however, led to Hepp’s incarceration in the Dodge County Jail, causing a cloud of uncertainty over the facility and prison system as a whole.
Investigations by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office into the multiple inmate deaths at Waupun have been ongoing, with details expected to be revealed during a news conference. The deaths of four inmates since June 2023 have raised significant concerns, with family members of the deceased inmates seeking justice and accountability for the alleged failures in providing adequate care and preventing tragic outcomes.
The ripple effects of the scandal have extended beyond the inmate deaths, with reports of a suspected smuggling ring involving prison employees at Waupun. Governor Tony Evers’ office confirmed that federal investigators were examining the matter, leading to suspensions of at least 11 prison employees. The lockdowns and allegations of prohibited items being obtained have further tarnished the reputation of the state’s prison system.
As developments continue to unfold at the Waupun Correctional Institution, concerns over inmate welfare, security, and the overall operation of maximum-security prisons in Wisconsin have come under intense scrutiny. The challenges faced by the prison staff, administrators, and lawmakers in addressing these issues remain a critical priority in restoring public trust in the corrections system.