Waupun, Wisconsin – Following a rigorous investigation, the Warden and eight others at the Waupun Correctional Institution faced arrest and charges. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to address the investigations into four deaths at the facility, revealing that nine individuals were taken into custody.
Among those arrested was Warden Randall Hepp, who was booked into the Dodge County Jail before the press conference. The charges were related to two of the deaths, with no filings at the current time for the remaining two cases. The individuals arrested included a mix of staff, including nurses, correctional officers, and sergeants.
The suspects had court appearances scheduled, with the Sheriff’s Office providing detailed information on each of the deaths. One incident involved a significant delay in discovering a deceased inmate, while another was related to neglect in providing meals, resulting in a tragic outcome classified as a homicide.
The prison had seen four inmates pass away since 2023, including incidents of suicide, drug overdose, and stroke. The Dodge County Medical Examiner highlighted the causes of death for some of these cases. In response to these events, recommendations were made to close and replace the Waupun Correctional Institution and the Green Bay Correctional Institution.
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections was urged to implement stricter standards, similar to those mandatory in county jails. The DOC clarified that the accused individuals were either no longer employed or on leave, with no legal representation provided by the department or state. The events highlighted a concerning pattern of incidents and led to calls for improved oversight and accountability in the correctional system.
The developments at Waupun Correctional Institution underscore the importance of maintaining safety and welfare standards within correctional facilities. The outcome of these arrests and charges will play a crucial role in shaping future practices and policies in the state’s correctional system, ultimately impacting the well-being of inmates and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.