Charges related to inmate deaths reduced to misdemeanor for ex warden

Prosecutors have reduced a felony misconduct charge against the former warden at Waupun Correctional Institute related to two inmate deaths, to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal yesterday.

Randall Hepp was charged with felony misconduct in office in June 2024 in the deaths, however
Online court records show prosecutors reduced the misconduct charge Monday to violating state or county institution laws. The misconduct charge would have carried a maximum sentence of three-and-a-half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The misdemeanor count is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines.

In addition to Hepp’s charges, Eight members of Hepp’s staff were also charged in June with abuse or misconduct related to the inmate deaths. Online court records show charges were dismissed against one of them this month and another pleaded guilty in September to a reduced count of misdemeanor violating laws governing a penal institution and was assessed a $250 fine. Cases are pending against the remaining six staffers.