MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on Wisconsin juvenile prison investigation (all times local):
3:30 p.m.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul says he is not going to launch a new investigation into Wisconsin’s juvenile prison after a federal probe ended with no charges.
Kaul was asked about the investigation Wednesday during an appearance at the Milwaukee Press Club. Kaul says federal authorities conducted a “full and thorough investigation into the facts.”
He says given that, the state Department of Justice will not investigate the Lincoln Hills prison further.
Also on Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers said he would defer to Kaul on whether to launch another investigation.
The latest report from a court-ordered monitor at the prison found that juveniles were still being strip searched and guards continued to use pepper spray. There is a standing court order to greatly reduce the use of such tactics.
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3:06 p.m.
Gov. Tony Evers says he is deferring to Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul over whether there ought to be a state investigation into the state’s juvenile prison.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Madison announced on Friday that a federal probe had ended with no charges filed. Numerous lawsuits have been filed alleging abuse by Lincoln Hills prison guards, and the state has paid $19 million to settle lawsuits filed by inmates.
Evers was asked Wednesday at a news conference whether he thinks the attorney general should investigate. Evers says that is up to fellow Democrat Kaul, but he wants to move forward with plans for replacing the prison with smaller, regional facilities.
Kaul was critical of former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel’s handling of the investigation during last year’s campaign. Kaul did not immediately return a message.
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