Wisconsin Warden Jailed Hours Ahead Of Presser On Prison Death Investigations

The warden of a maximum-security Wisconsin prison and eight members of his staff were charged Wednesday following investigations into the deaths of four inmates at the troubled facility over the past year.

Waupun Correctional Institution’s warden, Randall Hepp, is charged with misconduct in public office, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, who led the investigations, said at a news conference. The other eight face charges of inmate abuse, which is a felony. All nine had court appearances Wednesday, the sheriff said.

“We are operating the oldest prison in the state of Wisconsin in a dangerous and reckless manner,” Schmidt said, referring to the Waupon facility.

If convicted, Hepp faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Since last June, four inmates have died at the prison, which is the oldest still operating in Wisconsin. Three of the deaths are subject to federal lawsuits, the state Department of Corrections is investigating the prison’s operations, and the governor last year asked the U.S. Department of Justice to get involved.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wisconsin-warden-jailed-hours-ahead-of-presser-on-prison-death-investigations_n_6660894fe4b06a0c0d1f7910

But that's ALL he gets? Bummer.