Madison woman charged with overdose death at Waupun Correctional Institution in 2022

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A Madison woman has been arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter in connection with the overdose death of a Waupun Correctional Institution inmate, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office said.

The agency said the investigation began in June 2022 when an inmate died of a drug overdose. During an autopsy, authorities found latex balloons containing a suspected mixture of cocaine and fentanyl on the victim.

The sheriff's office claims Janelle Hill, 37, gave the balloons to the victim during a visit. Officials believe the balloons were inside the victim's body and were damaged, resulting in the inmate's death.

Hill appeared in court for an initial hearing on Friday, where bail was set at $500. She is scheduled to appear again for a rehearing on Oct. 16, according to court documents.

If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 40 years and a $100,000 fine.

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