Wisconsin prison warden and staff members face charges in inmate deaths

The warden of a Wisconsin prison and eight staff members were charged after investigations into the deaths of four inmates. The deaths included one inmate not found until 12 hours after he died. The sheriff said the prison was being run in a dangerous way. One inmate had his water turned off, wasn't monitored closely, and didn't see a doctor. Another inmate died in his cell for at least 12 hours before being found. Three of the deaths are being looked into by federal lawsuits. The prison's operations are being investigated by the state Department of Corrections, and the governor asked the U.S. Department of Justice to get involved. The prison, built in the 1850s, held 712 inmates as of May 31. The warden and eight staff members at a Wisconsin prison face charges in the death of two inmates. The sheriff said it was a mockery of the state's duty to care for those in custody. Charges were filed in two deaths. One inmate died of malnutrition and dehydration. No charges were filed over one inmate's death, but several employees were arrested in another inmate's death. The inmate was found dead for more than 12 hours before staff learned about it. Additional charges were brought in another inmate's death, ruled as a homicide due to maltreatment by staff. Guards at Wisconsin's oldest maximum-security prison failed to provide basic care for inmates who died on their watch. The warden and eight staff members were charged. The warden faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted. The Department of Corrections said more than 20 people are under internal investigation. All charges are related to the deaths of two inmates. One inmate told an advocate he needed to go to the hospital but no action was taken. Another inmate died of a stroke and wasn't found for at least 12 hours. A nurse charged with abuse said she wasn't responsible for the deaths. The warden of Waupun Correctional Institution announced his resignation. A lack of guards led to lockdowns at prisons in Green Bay and Stanley. Inmates filed a lawsuit alleging cruel conditions. Movement restrictions have eased, but some remain. Federal authorities are investigating a smuggling ring involving prison employees. Four inmates have died at Waupun since June 2023. The fourth inmate's death is still under investigation.