Florida Inmate Awaiting Trial On Child Sex Charges Dies In Polk

WINTER HAVEN, FL -- A 63-year-old Polk County inmate who had been awaiting trial on child sex charges, died Tuesday following an undisclosed medical condition for which he was being treated at Winter Haven Hospital since Sunday.

Keith Garrard, Sr. was pronounced dead at 3:54 p.m. at Winter Haven Hospital, according to Carrie Horstman of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

"After being admitted to WHH on Sunday, March 31st, his medical condition did not improve, and in fact, it deteriorated," said Horstman. "Despite all efforts of the medical staff, Garrard died."

Garrard was being held without bail following his Aug. 10 arrest on 68 counts possession of child pornography, two counts sexual battery by a custodian on a victim under 12 years old and two counts sexual battery by a suspect over 18 on a victim under 12.

During his initial medical screening at the prison, Garrard listed a number of medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, renal disease and renal failure.

His body was to undergo an autopsy on Wednesday.

"He was receiving dialysis three times per week before and after being booked in, and he was housed in the infirmary," Horstman said. "Garrard was sent to Winter Haven Hospital on March 20th, March 21st and a final time on March 31st, 2019 due to various health issues."

Garrard's last known address was in the 300 block of Highway 630 East in Frostproof.

The Administrative Investigations Section of the sheriff's office is conducting an internal review while the agency's Bureau of Criminal Investigations is handling the death investigation.

The Polk County Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death. All of the investigative findings will be forwarded to the State Attorney's Office for an investigative review.