Evers deferring to attorney general on prison probe

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — 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.