(Westville, IN) - The man in charge of the prison at Westville has been fined for misuse of state property.

 

A report from the Indiana Inspector General found Warden John Galipeau broke state law in several ways in his use of the prison warden’s residence.

 

He was fined over $2,700 under a settlement agreement and remains the warden.

 

According to the report, Galipeau periodically allowed his wife and other family members to reside at the warden’s residence for several months at various times in 2021 while he stayed at his residence in Valparaiso.

 

Under Indiana law, state-owned residences on Department of Correction property are allowed to be occupied strictly by staff, if necessary, to promote the security and maintenance of a facility.

 

Galipeau was also two years late in signing a lease for the residence and never had rent deducted from his salary as required.

 

Records show Galipeau continues to serve as warden at Westville, a post he's held since June 2019.  Galipeau began his career at DOC as a correctional officer in 1996.