DODGE COUNTY, Wis (Civic Media) – The Associated Press reports that just hours before a press conference in Dodge County regarding prison deaths, the warden of the state lockup was arrested. According to the AP, Randall Hepp, warden of Waupun Correctional Institution, was arrested on Wednesday, hours before a news conference on inmate deaths at the prison.

Reporting from the AP states that Hepp was booked into the Dodge County Jail this morning at 8:20 a.m. It’s not known why he was booked and what are any possible charges.

Four inmates have died at Waupun since June 2023. The AP, using statements from State Senator Van Wangaard, says Hepp and numerous others will be arrested and charged with crimes related to their work at the prison. Wangaard is head of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.

The state Department of Corrections is investigating the prison’s operations, and over 20 people remain under internal investigation, with at least 8 on administrative leave and 9 fired or retired.

A federal lawsuit was filed alleging prison officials failed to provide adequate mental health care to an inmate who died by suicide. Investigations are also underway into a suspected smuggling ring involving prison employees and potential financial crimes.