The warden of a troubled Wisconsin prison has stepped down amidst lockdowns, a continuing federal inquiry, and several inmate fatalities.
Waupun Correctional Institution Warden Randall Hepp has announced his resignation, as reported by the Wisconsin State Journal. In an email sent to prison staff, Hepp acknowledged that the decision was not an easy one, but he believes it will ultimately benefit the institution. He further noted that the prison has made significant progress in enhancing safety.
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The Associated Press sent an email seeking comment to state Department of Corrections media officials and Gov. Tony Evers spokesperson, Britt Cudaback on Sunday morning. However, there was no immediate response.
On June 30, Brad Mlodzik will assume the role of warden at Waupun, where he previously served as deputy warden, according to the State Journal.
The state Department of Corrections had to implement a lockdown at Waupun, Green Bay, and Stanley prisons due to a chronic shortage of guards. Inmates at Waupun filed a federal lawsuit last October, claiming that the conditions they were subjected to were inhumane and constituted cruel and unusual punishment. The lawsuit is still ongoing. However, normal operations were restored at Stanley in late November. Although movement restrictions have been partially lifted at Waupun and Green Bay, some limitations still remain in effect.
According to Cudaback, the spokesperson for Evers, there is an ongoing investigation by federal authorities into a suspected smuggling operation involving employees at Waupun Correctional facility. The prison has conducted multiple searches, which have uncovered the illegal acquisition of items such as cellphones and drugs. As a result of the investigation, at least 11 prison employees have been suspended since May 2023.
Four inmates at Waupun have lost their lives since June 2023. One inmate took his own life while in solitary confinement, another succumbed to a fentanyl overdose, and a third passed away due to a stroke. The fourth inmate’s death, which occurred in February, is currently being investigated. In response to these incidents, the daughter of the inmate who died by suicide has filed a federal lawsuit, accusing Waupun officials of neglecting to provide her father with sufficient mental health care and medication.
In May 2020, Hepp assumed the position of warden at Waupun. His journey in the state prison system began back in 1984 when he started as a guard at Dodge Correctional Institution.
