JUNEAU, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors in Wisconsin have downgraded a felony misconduct charge against former Waupun Correctional Institution warden, Randall Hepp, involved in two inmate fatalities to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement. Court records reveal that Hepp was initially charged with felony misconduct in office in June 2024 concerning the deaths of inmates Cameron Williams and Donald Maier. Following the charges, Hepp announced his retirement just days prior.
As of Monday, court documents indicate that the misconduct charge has been reduced to a violation of state-county institution laws, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, in contrast to the felony charge, which could lead to three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine. On the same day, Hepp was scheduled for a joint plea-sentencing hearing at the Dodge County Circuit Court, with a plea agreement filed for the court's consideration early Monday morning.
Hepp’s attorney, Michael Steinle, did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press on Monday morning, leaving details surrounding the plea arrangement unclear. The implications of this legal decision may have deeper roots in accountability within the correctional system given the context of the charges against Hepp.
In addition to Hepp’s charges, eight members of his staff faced allegations of abuse or misconduct linked to the inmate deaths, with some cases still pending. Earlier this month, charges against one staff member were dismissed, while another pleaded guilty in September to a lesser misconduct count and was fined $250. The considerable number of staff implicated indicates systemic issues within the institution at the time of the incidents.
Both Williams and Maier's deaths raise serious concerns about the treatment of inmates at Waupun Correctional Institution. Williams passed away from a stroke in October 2023, with reports suggesting that his condition was ignored prior to his death. he had informed an inmate advocate of needing medical intervention, and there were instances of him collapsing without documentation or check-ups from staff on duty. In contrast, Maier died from dehydration and malnutrition in February 2024 after reportedly not receiving necessary medication for eight days. Allegations arose that guards had turned off Maier's water supply, leading to further questions about inmate treatment protocols.
The Waupun Correctional Institution, established in 1854, has been criticized historically, becoming a focal point for discussions about prison reform due to a rise in inmate deaths—seven fatalities since 2023. Among these deaths, one inmate’s suicide and another's overdose have compounded concerns over the facility's management and the well-being of its population. Additionally, the Federal Bureau has initiated an investigation into smuggling activities linked to the prison, which has already led to at least one former employee pleading guilty to these allegations.
Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, including public outcry over conditions at the facility, Wisconsin's Democratic Governor Tony Evers has determined not to close the Waupun Correctional Institution. Instead, he emphasizes the need for broader criminal justice reform aimed at addressing the fundamental issues plaguing the state’s penal system, including the proper management of its nearly 1,700 inmates.
The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in Wisconsin’s correctional facilities as systemic issues continue to surface following the tragic deaths of inmates. The evolving legal situations of Hepp and his staff will likely be closely observed as further actions are taken.
