Former warden convicted in deaths of two inmates

The former warden of the Waupun Correctional Institute in Waupun who resigned just before being charged with multiple felonies regarding the deaths of two inmates in 2024 was convicted Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

As we reported yesterday, the charges against Randall Hepp were reduced as part of a plea deal to misdemeanors. Originally charged with misconduct in public office, a class I Felony, he was convicted of
Violating State or County Institution Laws, which is a Class C Misdemeanor.

While some members of the public and those close to the case expressed displeasure in the conviction, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said he could understand why some may feel additional sanctions are warranted, but our court system must be blind to “feelings” and “agendas” and decisions are made solely on the facts of the case.

In addition to Hepp’s charges, Eight members of Hepp’s staff were also charged last 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.