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Deaths in Waupun Prison: Wisconsin Sheriff calls for reforms

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Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt held a press conference Wednesday to announce the results of an investigation into four deaths at Waupun Correctional Institution. The sheriff’s office investigated deaths that occurred between June 2023 and February 2024. The investigation found “a blatant disregard for human safety,” according to Schmidt. Investigation uncovers systemic failuresThe investigation uncovered critical failures. Schmidt said the findings indicate systemic failures manifested in mishandling of medications, ignored signs of medical distress and fatal delays in responding to inmates’ needs, resulting in preventable deaths and highlighting serious deficiencies in care. He also found a deficit in necessary safety infrastructure, such as surveillance technology and contraband control measures. Those charged include medical staff and correctional officersNine people — including Warden Randall Hepp and eight of his staff — face charges in connection with the deaths. The case involves inmate abuse (a Class I felony) and abuse of authority (a Class I felony). The Sheriff’s Department asked the nine people to turn themselves in by 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. They were not arrested beforehand. All of the people had their first court appearance Wednesday afternoon. Hepp is accused of abuse of authority. Those accused of inmate abuse, which is a felony, include registered nurses, correctional officers, lieutenants and a sergeant. Three of them – two correctional officers and a correctional sergeant – are also accused of abuse of authority. Nurse Gwendolyn Vick, Correctional Lt. Brandon Fisher and Correctional Sergeant Tanner Leopold are all accused of inmate abuse in connection with the October death of Cameron Williams. Williams died of a stroke. His mother has also filed a civil lawsuit against the prison and Department of Corrections leaders. Nurse Jessica Hosfelt, Correctional Officer Jamall Russell, Correctional Sergeant Alexander Hollfelder and Correctional Lieutenant Brandon Fisher are charged with mistreatment of prison inmates in connection with the death of Donald Maier. Investigations determined Maier died of dehydration and malnutrition; his death was ruled a homicide. Correctional Officer Sarah Ransbottom, Correctional Officer Jamall Russell, Correctional Sergeant Jeramie Chalker and Prison Warden Randall Hepp are all charged with abuse of office in connection with Maier’s death. Schmidt stressed that all of the defendants are innocent until proven guilty. Sheriff calls for reforms within Department of Corrections The sheriff also called for reforms within the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. “We operate the oldest prison in the state,” Schmidt said. “These facilities are not staffing enough and are not modernizing their units to keep inmates and staff safe. It is time to stop ignoring these problems.” He stressed the need for prison inspections similar to those in county jails. He also called for improved surveillance technology, training of staff and the installation of contraband scanners. Schmidt acknowledged the recent positive steps taken by the new Minister of Justice, but also stressed the importance of ongoing accountability of the authorities.

WAUPUN, Wisconsin —

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt held a press conference Wednesday to announce the results of the investigation into four deaths at the Waupun Correctional Institution.

The sheriff’s office investigated deaths that occurred between June 2023 and February 2024. The investigation revealed “a blatant disregard for people’s safety,” according to Schmidt.

Investigation uncovers systemic errors

The investigation uncovered serious failings. Schmidt said the findings pointed to systemic failures evident in the mishandling of medications, ignored signs of medical distress and fatal delays in responding to inmates’ needs, leading to preventable deaths and highlighting serious deficiencies in care.

He also noted a lack of necessary security infrastructure, such as surveillance technology and smuggling control measures.

The defendants include medical personnel and correctional officers

Nine people – including Warden Randall Hepp and eight of his staff – are charged in connection with the deaths. The case involves mistreatment of a prison inmate (a first-class felony) and abuse of authority (a first-class felony).

The sheriff’s department asked the nine people to turn themselves in by 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. They were not arrested beforehand.

All of the individuals had their first court appearance on Wednesday afternoon.

Hepp is accused of abuse of office.

Among those accused of abusing inmates in correctional facilities are nurses, correctional officers, lieutenants and a sergeant. Three of them – two correctional officers and a correctional sergeant – are also accused of abuse of office.

Nurse Gwendolyn Vick, Correctional Lt. Brandon Fisher and Correctional Sergeant Tanner Leopold are all charged with inmate abuse in connection with the October death of Cameron Williams. Williams died of a stroke. His mother has also filed a civil lawsuit against the prison and Department of Corrections leaders.

Nurse Jessica Hosfelt, Correctional Officer Jamall Russell, Correctional Sergeant Alexander Hollfelder and Correctional Lieutenant Brandon Fisher are charged with inmate abuse in connection with the death of Donald Maier. An investigation determined that Maier died of dehydration and malnutrition; his death was ruled a homicide.

Correctional Officer Sarah Ransbottom, Correctional Officer Jamall Russell, Correctional Sergeant Jeramie Chalker and Prison Warden Randall Hepp are accused of abuse of office in connection with Maier’s death.

Schmidt emphasized that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

Sheriff calls for reforms in the Justice Department

The sheriff also called for reform of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

“We operate the oldest prison in the state,” Schmidt said. “These facilities are unable to adequately staff and maintain their units with the equipment needed to ensure the safety of inmates and staff. It is time to stop ignoring these issues.”

He stressed the need for prison inspections similar to those in county jails and called for improved surveillance technology, staff training and contraband scanners.

Schmidt acknowledged the recent positive steps taken by the new Minister of Justice, but also stressed the importance of ongoing accountability of the authorities.

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