Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Coverage of Wisconsin Department of Corrections in the Nexus archive.
- After 31 years in prison for a crime committed at age 15, Wisconsin man seeks a commutation
Michael Maldonado, 47, has been incarcerated for 31 years for a crime he committed when he was 15 and now seeks commutation from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ Commutation Advisory Board. His sentence relates to the killing of Ruben Borchardt in 1994 during which time the others involved were minors. Maldonado is noted as the only one of three youths who conspired to kill Borchardt who is still incarcerated.
- Family killer Chris Watts seeks prison marriage with new love interest: report
Chris Watts, who murdered his wife and daughters in August 2018, reportedly found a new love interest named Lizzie Henderson while serving time at Dodge Correctional Institution. The couple allegedly applied to marry within the prison system. Both individuals were linked to Wisconsin and Ohio records.
- Department of Corrections, contractor pursue reform, advocates want a bigger say
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections partnered with Falcon Correctional and Community Services, Inc. to implement reforms addressing healthcare, solitary confinement, and staffing issues. A report highlighted problems like pandemic-era hiring, staff training limitations, and inconsistent facility practices. Advocates like Susan Franzen from Ladies of SCI raised concerns about overcrowding and staffing shortages hindering reform effectiveness.
- Wisconsin isn’t doing enough to keep people in community corrections out of jail, advocates say
Wisconsin advocates argue the Department of Corrections is not adequately implementing a 2013 law (Act 196) requiring short-term sanctions for minor violations of community corrections terms to avoid jail. A new policy starting July 1 allows up to 90-day jail sentences for high-level violations, contradicting the law’s intent to minimize disruption to employment and family.
- Harvard scientist visits prison where he was once incarcerated, gives graduation speech
Christopher Medina-Kirchner, a Harvard Medical School researcher, returned to the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility where he was incarcerated to deliver a graduation speech to 29 inmates. He emphasized the importance of education and self-belief, sharing his journey from earning a high school equivalency in prison to achieving academic success.
- Wisconsin’s prison population is heading toward a record high. Track the trend here.
Wisconsin’s prison population is approaching a record high, with women’s prisons operating at 180% of their designed capacity. The state has addressed overcrowding by adding beds in gyms and offices, while male facilities are 30% over capacity. Governor Tony Evers recently announced plans to commute sentences for the first time in 25 years.
- Mother’s lawsuit over Waupun prison death reaches $3.75 million settlement
The family of Donald Maier, who died of malnutrition and dehydration at Waupun Correctional Institution, settled a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for $3.75 million. The case involved charges against former warden Randall Hepp and staff, with the lawsuit citing failures in medical care and staffing issues linked to Act 10.
- UW sees first incarcerated bachelor’s degree graduates since 1975
The University of Wisconsin System awarded bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated students for the first time since 1975, with graduates from Oakhill and Stanley Correctional Institutions. The Prison Education Initiative, funded by a $5.7 million grant, supports workforce development through prison-based education programs.