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Wisconsin warden, 8 staff members charged following probes into inmate deaths
The warden of a maximum-security Wisconsin prison and eight members of his staff were charged Wednesday following investigations into the deaths of four inmates over the past year, including one that wasn’t discovered until at least 12 hours after the man died.
Waupun Correctional Institution’s warden, Randall Hepp, is charged with misconduct in public office. The other eight face charges of inmate abuse, which is a felony, and three of them — two correctional officers and a correctional sergeant — are also charged with misconduct in public office. All nine had court appearances Wednesday.
“We are operating the oldest prison in the state of Wisconsin in a dangerous and reckless manner,” Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, who led the investigation, said at a news conference announcing the charges.
One inmate whose death was ruled a homicide had his water turned off for a significant amount of time, wasn’t closely monitored despite refusing to eat, and didn’t have direct contact with a doctor because he was in restrictive housing, Schmidt said. Another inmate who had a stroke was dead in his cell for at least 12 hours before he was found.
Hepp, who faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison if he’s convicted, announced last week that he planned to retire at the end of June and that Deputy Warden Brad Mlodzik would take over. He said in an email to Waupun staff that he had helped improve “safety and order” at the prison.
“It is amazing to know how far we have come,” Hepp wrote. “We also know we have more to do.”
Three of the four deaths are subject to federal lawsuits, the state Department of Corrections is investigating the prison’s operations, and the governor last year asked the U.S. Department of Justice to get involved.
Jared Hoy, who heads the Department of Corrections, said in a statement that more than 20 people remain under internal investigation, at least eight are on administrative leave and nine others were fired or have retired since the probe began a year ago.
Given the ongoing investigation, Hoy asked the sheriff to keep his probe open and share all of his findings to date “as soon as possible and without any further delay.”
Schmidt said he could reopen the investigation into more criminal charges if the internal state probe reveals additional evidence.
The first of the four inmates who died, Dean Hoffman, killed himself in solitary confinement last June. Hoffman’s daughter filed a federal lawsuit in February alleging that prison officials failed to provide her father with adequate mental health care and medications.
Tyshun Lemons and Cameron Williams were both found dead at the facility in October. Dodge County Medical Examiner PJ Schoebel said Lemons overdosed on acetyl fentanyl, a potent opioid painkiller, and Williams died of a stroke.
Donald Maier was found dead at the prison in February. Schmidt said his death was ruled a homicide due to malnutrition and dehydration.
Waupun’s problems don’t end there. Gov. Tony Evers’ office said in March that federal investigators were looking into a suspected smuggling ring involving prison employees.
Evers said Wednesday in reaction to the charges being filed that everyone who failed to do their job will be held accountable.
“There must be accountability and justice,” Evers said in a statement. “And I believe accountability and justice insist that both internal and law enforcement investigations must continue until they have been exhaustively and thoroughly completed.”
The state Department of Corrections imposed a lockdown at Waupun, and at prisons in Green Bay and Stanley last year due to a shortage of guards. Waupun inmates filed a federal lawsuit in October alleging the the conditions amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. That lawsuit is still pending.
Schmidt said he did not believe the lockdown had anything to do with the inmates’ deaths.
Stanley resumed normal operations in November. Movement restrictions have eased at Waupun and Green Bay, but as of the department’s latest update in April, in-person visitation had not resumed at Waupun and recreation time was still limited. Prisoners were being allowed to make phone calls and text using electronic tablets, however.
Waupun is one of five maximum-security prisons in Wisconsin. The facility, built in the 1850s, held 712 inmates as of May 31, according to the state Department of Corrections latest population report. The prison is designed to hold up 882 inmates.
Republican state lawmakers used the filing of charges to renew their calls for Evers to close the prisons in Waupun and Green Bay, which was also built in the 1800s.
“The warden may have been arrested, but the buck doesn’t stop there,” said state Sen. Van Wanggaard, who chairs the Senate committee that oversees the state prison system. “Tony Evers can’t keep his head in the sand anymore.”
The number of people killed and/or wounded in shootings over the Fourth of July week in the U.S. dipped this year, making it the fourth year in a row gun violence around July 4 has dropped, according to a tally by the Gun Violence Archive.
From July 1 to July 7, 340 people were killed and 756 were wounded for a total of 1,096 shooting victims across the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive. In 2023, the week of July 4 in the U.S. saw 451 people shot and killed and another 1,130 wounded. These numbers exclude those who died by suicide.
The archive also recorded 20 mass shootings —which it defines as a shooting in which four or more people are shot and/or killed, not including the shooter— over Fourth of July week this year. That was down from 28 a year ago.
Chicago, which saw a spike in gun violence this year, had the most shootings and deaths over the 2024 holiday, with more than 100 shot and 19 killed since Wednesday, according to the Chicago Police Department. That was a 91% increase in shooting victims compared with last year.
In 2022, the Illinois suburb of Highland Park was the site of a devastating mass shooting in which seven people were killed and dozens more were wounded when a gunman opened fire on the city’s Fourth of July parade. That parade returned this year for the first time since the shooting.
Gun violence in Chicago made Illinois have the most individual shooting incidents of any state over the holiday week this year. California also saw a fairly high number of shooting incidents this year, which is unsurprising given that it is the nation’s most populous state.
The number of shooting victims over the Fourth of July week has been dropping every year since 2020, but they still remain above 2019 levels. That year, there were 1,177 total victims, with 318 deaths and another 859 people wounded. The numbers then spiked in 2020, when 536 people were killed and 1,172 were wounded, for a total of 1,708 gunshot victims.
The Gun Violence Archive also recorded 34 mass shootings in 2020, the highest number over the last six years and a leap up from 18 in 2019.
The U.S. has also seen a slight dip in gun violence overall in the first half of 2024 compared with last year. From Jan. 1 through June 30 of last year, 9,683 people were killed and 18,630 people were wounded in shootings. Over that same period this year, 8,539 were killed with another 16,192 were wounded.
— Erin Cauchi and Anna Schechter contributed reporting.
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The best Apple AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day 2024 offer great audio at record low prices
Apple
When it comes to headphones, Apple AirPods are massively popular. These crowd-pleasing earbuds pair easily with Apple devices (like your iPhone) and sound great, too. If you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about, you can save some serious cash on each model of the customer-loved earbuds right now, thanks to some must-see early Amazon Prime Day deals.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium earbuds, with excellent noise cancellation, spatial audio, and waterproofing that makes them ideal candidates for wearing at the gym. There are also the more affordable AirPods that are great for casual listening. For Apple users wanting high-end over-ear headphones, AirPods Max are great for immersive sound.
Not sure which type of AirPods will work best for you? Be sure to check out our in-depth AirPods buyer’s guide for all the info you need to make a purchasing decision before these pre-Prime Day deals go away.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: $169 ($80 off)
Apple
With up to 30 hours of battery life via their charging case, the sleek Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation wireless earbuds deliver exceptional listening time.
These upgraded earbuds surpass the original AirPods Pro in every way. An improved wireless chip and enhanced active noise cancellation give you an immersive listening experience, and their attractive curves make them even more pleasing to the eye.
For anyone who appreciates lengthy battery life and the very best sound quality, these are a fantastic choice. With all the upgrades over the previous model, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation represent Apple’s most advanced earbuds yet.
This version of the AirPods now comes with a USB Type-C charging case that also supports wireless charging. Another feature we love: the touch controls built into the stems.
Regularly $249, you can score Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $169 at the Walmart Deals sale or at Amazon as an early Prime Day deal.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation): $69 ($60 off)
Apple
Though not the newest model, the second-generation Apple AirPods are still a popular choice when it comes to earbuds. Keep in mind, these are not the Pro model, but they’re still worth grabbing.
For Apple users, these are the most seamless earbuds around. They connect effortlessly whenever you need them. While they work with any Bluetooth device that generates audio, they function at their best when they’re paired with an Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iMac or MacBook.
With a wireless charging case providing more than 24 hours of battery life, one-tap setup for Apple devices, and a low-latency wireless connection for immersive entertainment, it’s easy to see why these earbuds are a hit and continue to sell out.
If you want an affordable option with broad appeal, this version of the AirPods make an excellent everyday wireless earbud option.
Right now, you can grab a pair of AirPods (2nd Generation) for just $69, one of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
Apple AirPods (3rd generation): $129 ($74 off)
Apple
If you don’t need the fanciest AirPods, but still want something new, check out the third generation of the original AirPods. These are perfect for staying current and for everyday use — without breaking the bank.
These AirPods come packed with features like spatial audio, dynamic head tracking and longer battery life. You can get about 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case. They’re not as advanced at the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, but they generate really impressive audio.
These AirPods still receive regular Apple updates, so you’ll still get most of the new goodies the other newer models get.
Apple AirPods Max (Pink): $450 ($99 off)
Amazon
If you want to indulge in a luxurious pair of premium quality headphones and you’re already an Apple user, look no further than the AirPods Max. These headphones look just as good as they sound. And in our coverage of the 11 best spatial audio headphones and earbuds for 2024, these were a top pick.
With lavish cushioned ear cups, booming audio, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and absolutely fantastic active noise cancellation, the AirPods Max make a bold statement. Everyone will know what you’re wearing — and they’ll probably be jealous, because these things absolutely bump.
Plus, transparency mode lets you tune into your surroundings when needed. And at 15 hours of playtime, these headphones keep your music flowing all day. Beyond performance, the AirPods Max make a fashion statement with a range of stylish color options.
These are the perfect option for anyone looking for a pair of excellent over-the-ear headphones who also wants something stylish.
Currently, only the Pink AirPods Max colorway is on sale at Amazon for $450, so keep an eye out for the other models if you’re hoping to get another kind.
Target tells its customers to expect more while paying less — but soon, its shoppers won’t be able to purchase anything at all with a once-popular form of payment.
The retail giant said in a statement that it will stop accepting personal checks as payment starting July 15. The change, which was earlier reported by Minneapolis TV station KARE, will take place after Target’s Red Circle week, a sales event that ends on July 13.
The change comes amid waning use of personal checks, a form of payment that 9 in 10 consumers used at least once a year as recently as 2009, according to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. But today, only about half of Americans write checks at least once a year, with many shifting to digital payments such as Venmo, Zelle or PayPal, GoBankingRates found.
Target pointed to the shift in consumer preferences as its reason to stop accepting personal checks as payment.
“Due to extremely low volumes, we’ll no longer accept personal checks starting July 15,” a Target spokesperson said in an email. “We have taken several measures to notify guests in advance to aid an easy and efficient checkout experience.”
Target will continue to accept cash; digital wallets; buy now, pay later services; and credit and debit cards as well as SNAP/EBT cards, it said.
A few other retailers don’t accept personal checks, including Aldi’s and Whole Foods, with the latter saying it doesn’t allow checks in order to speed up the checkout process.
Even though fewer Americans are writing checks today, they remain popular with older consumers, GoBankingRates found in its survey. About 1 in 5 people over 66 write several checks each month, while about half of people under 55 don’t write a single check the entire year.
