Warden Jailed, More Arrests Expected
A Wisconsin prison warden was arrested just hours before a planned press conference where officials were expected to announce additional arrests related to ongoing investigations into inmate deaths at the facility.
Randall Hepp, warden of the Waupun Correctional Institution since 2020, was booked into Dodge County Jail on Wednesday morning. Details on the charges he may face remain unavailable.
Troubled Prison Faces Scrutiny
The arrest comes amidst heightened scrutiny of Waupun, Wisconsin’s oldest operating prison. Since last June, four inmates have died at the facility, sparking investigations at multiple levels, the state Department of Corrections is investigating prison operations, federal lawsuit alleges negligence in the death of inmate Dean Hoffman, and Governor Evers requested involvement from the U.S. Department of Justice in March due to suspected employee smuggling.
Deaths and Lawsuits
Four inmate deaths have plagued Waupun in the past year:
- Dean Hoffman died by suicide in solitary confinement in June 2023. His family alleges a lack of adequate mental health care.
- Tyshun Lemons and Cameron Williams died in October 2023; one from a fentanyl overdose, the other from a stroke.
- Donald Maier’s death in February 2024 remains under investigation.
Federal Involvement Deepens
Governor Evers’ office confirmed ongoing federal investigations into a suspected smuggling ring involving Waupun employees.
