Waupun Prison Staff Face Felony Charges Amid Calls for Closure
Several staff members, including Warden Randy Hepp, at the Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin are facing felony charges following the tragic deaths of two inmates, reigniting calls to close the facility. County prosecutors allege that the staff’s negligence led to these deaths, with claims that Waupun inmate Donald Maier died due to dehydration and malnutrition after water was turned off in his cell and meals were not provided. Another inmate, Cameron Williams, succumbed to a stroke after staff reportedly ignored signs of distress.
Raven Anderson, mother of Cameron Williams, has filed a lawsuit and emphasized the systemic issues at Waupun, stating, “If they’re not going to change it, they need to close it.” The prison, which dates back to before the Civil War, is notorious for poor conditions, including faulty plumbing and rodent infestations. Criminal justice reform advocate David Murrell, a former inmate at Waupun, described the oppressive environment, asserting that the state needs to consider reducing its incarcerated population rather than replacing the outdated facility.
While calls for closure grow, Republican state Senator Andre Jacque argues against the practicality of shutting down the prison without a replacement, especially for inmates serving long sentences for violent crimes. Both Jacque and Republican state Representative Michael Schraa have highlighted the financial implications of a closure, noting the potential loss of over 300 jobs and the substantial cost of constructing a new facility, estimated to run into hundreds of millions of dollars.
In the background, a federal investigation into alleged drug smuggling and policy violations at Waupun is underway. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is also conducting an internal inquiry. The staff facing charges either no longer work with the Department or are on unpaid leave, with court proceedings set for next month.
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