Man’s Death at Pinellas County Jail Under Investigation

CLEARWATER, FL — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 70-year-old inmate in its care.

According to the agency, Lenin V. Perez died in his housing area in the jail’s medical building around 6:22 a.m. Oct. 18. Perez began complaining of back pain on Oct. 7 and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was returned to the jail after receiving care, the agency wrote in an email to media.

On Oct. 14, Perez was moved into the jail’s medical building to receive treatment for back pain and mobility issues. The sheriff’s office said Perez received his breakfast at bedside at 3:15 a.m. Oct. 18 and remained under close observation.

A few hours later, however, deputies said Perez was unable to move or speak.

“Medical personnel provided aid to Perez, but he was pronounced deceased at about 6:22 a.m.,” the agency wrote.

Detectives say there were no signs of injury on Perez’s body, nor had he been involved in any confrontations.

“His death does not appear to be suspicious in nature,” the email said. Even so, the Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine cause of death.

Perez has been in custody at the jail on a hold from the U.S. Marshals Service since April 15.

No further information is available at this time.

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