WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsCall for Action: Bed Bugs at Madison motel

Call for Action: Bed Bugs at Madison motel

MADISON (WKOW) -- Two women showed up at the WKOW studios this week with a plastic bag full of squirming, biting, very-much-alive bed bugs.

They're from the Capitol Motel on Madison's beltline. 

That's the place where the state's Dept. of Corrections sends former prisoners who are trying to get their lives back together after a prison sentence.

"I'm very concerned," said Linda Roskins, one of the family members who collected the bugs. "People should not be living like this."

Roskins and Rhoda Williams turned to 27 News Call for Action for help. 

Williams' fiance, who was sent to Capitol Motel by the Corrections Dept., went to UW Urgent Care after widespread bed bug bites and a bad rash.

We found out former prisoners have been complaining about bed bugs at the Capitol Motel to the Corrections Dept. since December 2008.

Corrections Dept. spokesman John Dipko says the agency knew about the infestation in some rooms and has been working with motel staff to spray and disinfect rooms.

It's kind of like a game of musical chairs.

"We've moved offenders out of the rooms where we know there are bed bugs," said Dipko. "There are additional inspections occurring."

The state's health department has also inspected the motel.  Its inspector found bed bugs -- alive.

Dipko says the Corrections Dept. is still paying for former prisoners to stay at the motel and has no plans to cancel its relationship with Capitol Motel.

Email Dan Cassuto at dcassuto@wkowtv.com