Following an investigation into the deaths of four prisoners in the previous year, the warden of Wisconsin’s oldest prison as well as eight other prison staff members were taken into custody.
Shortly before he was scheduled to give a press briefing on the status of the investigation into the fatalities, Randall Hepp, the warden of the maximum-security Waupun Correctional Institution, was taken into custody.
One inmate died from malnourishment and dehydration, according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, after guards repeatedly refused him food and water. It took almost twelve hours for the body of another man who suffered a stroke to be found.
“It infuriated me seeing the things that were happening in that prison,” Sheriff Dale Schmidt stated to reporters on Wednesday.
“These people were not cared for,” he added. “And we are going to hold those responsible accountable.”
The accusation against Mr. Hepp is misbehavior in public office. Eight other staff members are accused of abusing the detainees. In addition, three of them are accused of official malfeasance.
Last week, Mr. Hepp declared his intention to retire at the end of June. Over three years in prison are ahead of him.
Two individuals, Cameron Williams, 24, and Donald Maier, 62, are the subjects of the charges.
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According to authorities, Mr. Williams suffered a fall and then died from a stroke. Prior to the tragedy, he had complained of medical distress on several occasions, but prison staff personnel are alleged to have disregarded him.
