Madison, Wisconsin – The warden at a troubled Wisconsin prison near Madison has announced that he will be stepping down later this month. This decision comes amidst ongoing federal investigations, multiple inmate deaths, and lockdown conditions at the Waupun Correctional Institution.
Randall Hepp, the current warden, made his resignation known in an email to prison staff. He expressed that while it was a difficult decision, he believes it will ultimately benefit the institution. He also mentioned that progress has been made towards improving safety within the prison.
The State Department of Corrections confirmed that Hepp’s departure is due to retirement, not a resignation. Brad Mlodzik, a former deputy warden at Waupun, is set to take over as warden on June 30th.
A shortage of guards at the prison forced the Department of Corrections to implement lockdown measures, although they prefer to refer to them as “modified movement” restrictions. These measures have been in place not only at Waupun but also at other prisons in the state, including Green Bay and Stanley.
Inmates at Waupun had previously filed a lawsuit alleging that the living conditions amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. While some restrictions have been eased, issues persist, such as limited visitation and recreational time. The Department of Corrections has provided inmates with electronic tablets for communication.
Furthermore, federal authorities are investigating a suspected smuggling ring involving Waupun staff. Several employees have been suspended in connection with the probe. Since June 2023, four inmates have died at the prison due to various causes, including suicide, drug overdose, and stroke.
Hepp, who began his career in the state prison system in the 1980s, took over as warden at Waupun in 2020. The situation in the troubled prison continues to unfold, with investigations ongoing and changes in leadership on the horizon.