The first of nine staff members at the Waupun Correctional Institution charged in connection with the deaths of inmates at the prison has been convicted of a misdemeanor. As part of a plea agreement, 36 year old Sarah Anne Ransbottom pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor of violating the law of a state or county institution. She originally faced a felony charge of misconduct in public office. Dodge County Circuit judge Martin De Vries ordered Ransbottom pay a $250 fine. Ransbottom is one of seven staff who were charged in connection with the Feb. 22 death of 62-year-old Donald Maier. Maier died of malnutrition and probable dehydration. The Dodge County Medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. The Dodge County Assistant District Attorney said Ransbottom’s offense was “the least aggravating of all the defendants charged related to this inmate’s death.” According to a criminal complaint, security camera footage showed Ransbottom did not complete cell check rounds on the restricted housing unit where Maier was held.
