The warden of Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, Randall Hepp, was unexpectedly jailed just hours before a scheduled news conference to discuss investigations into multiple deaths at the facility. Hepp was booked into the Dodge County Jail on Wednesday morning, with no specific details provided on the reasons for his arrest or potential charges he might face.
State Senator Van Wanggaard revealed that Hepp and several others would be arrested and charged with crimes related to their roles at the prison. Wanggaard, who chairs the state Senate committee overseeing prisons, mentioned that the charges could include felonies, although the exact number of individuals to be charged and the nature of the charges were not disclosed.
A letter from Jared Hoy, head of the state Department of Corrections, indicated that over 20 individuals were under internal investigation, with some placed on administrative leave and others terminated or retired since the probe began a year ago. The ongoing investigation involves more people being put on administrative leave as new information surfaces.
Hepp had recently announced his retirement, praising the progress made in enhancing safety and order at the prison while acknowledging that more work remained to be done. The Dodge County Sheriff planned to hold a news conference to address the investigations into multiple inmate deaths at Waupun, including incidents involving suicides and drug overdoses.
In addition to the deaths, concerns have been raised about a suspected smuggling ring involving prison employees, leading to federal investigations. The lockdowns imposed at Waupun and other prisons due to guard shortages have also sparked legal challenges from inmates citing cruel and unusual punishment.
Despite some easing of restrictions, including limited recreation time and electronic communication options for inmates, the situation at Waupun remains under scrutiny. The facility, one of five maximum-security prisons in Wisconsin, continues to grapple with staffing issues and ongoing investigations into various incidents.
