Dear family & friends, 

As we all are aware about this pandemic, a doctor at Waupun Correctional tested positive for COVID-19 and had contact with 18 inmates, before being sent home, while the 18 inmates still remain in the general population and are not being  tested for it. My father is at high risk and prone to this deadly virus. He is 50 years old, he is sick, has diabetes, and has high blood pressure. Leaving him locked in prison during this outbreak is risky and IS a death sentence.

“OK, I'll try calling you later or tomorrow. Honestly, these phones are how these people are going to get It, it scares me to use it. We have nothing to spray them down with. And in the morning, they come around with a one spray bottle, for the whole 69 cells for this floor only, and there's four floors. What is that going to do? I haven't seen a mop go through this tier for at least 6 months. So, I wash my floors on my hands and knees, with only this fake white bar of soap they give us to bath with. It’s not a disinfectant. This is a death trap waiting to happen.” – Gustavo Valdez. (A small part of the letter he wrote me on 04/01/2020.)

The prison is not equipped to handle this outbreak. Being locked down is the same as being in the hole, solitary confinement. I believe this is what can be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

We are all concerned about his health!

Sign this petition demanding The Honorable Judge Michael J Aprahamian, The Honorable Judge Mark F. Nelson, The Honorable Governor Tony Evers and the ACLU to take this into consideration and take action now, and release Gustavo Valdez on house arrest during this pandemic. 

Please & Thank you!

Joanne V.