Superintendent of youth prison under investigation resigns after three months on the job

IRMA -- Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections announced Wednesday, April 6th that the superintendent of the troubled Lincoln Hills School for Boys/Copper Lake School for Girls is resigning.

Wayne Olson is leaving his current position to become superintendent at Thompson Correctional Center on May 1st.

Olson was appointed superintendent at Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake in January 2016.

Copper Lake School/Lincoln Hills School Deputy Superintendent Wendy Peterson will succeed Olson as superintendent.

DOC officials will be recruiting candidates for the deputy superintendent position.

DOC Secretary Jon Litscher also issued the following statement:

“I want to thank Wayne for his leadership at Copper Lake School/Lincoln Hills School. Under his guidance, CLS/LHS has implemented a number of substantial reforms that further DOC’s commitment to the safety and security of youth in DOC custody. I wish him and his family my best as he returns to Thompson Correctional Center.

Wendy will continue to provide valuable input and direction in her new role as Superintendent. I look forward to working closely with her as DOC continues to review and enhance Wisconsin’s juvenile corrections system.”


The youth prison in northern Wisconsin is being investigated over allegations of abuse and claims ranging from sexual assault to misconduct in public office.

The FBI has said it can't comment on the ongoing probe. The Wisconsin Justice Department also has said it's unable to comment.

The investigation has led to an administrative shakeup that includes former Corrections Secretary Ed Wall resigning in February. Several staffers also have been placed on administrative leave.