David Thoroughman, the Scioto County Sheriff, confirmed the death of an inmate at the county jail.
Thoroughman stated that the inmate died the morning of Thursday, May 19th.
The Sheriff’s office did not issue a public statement. As a result, SCDN made direct contact with Sheriff Thoroughman on the morning of Monday, May 23rd.
He reported that the Ohio Department of Corrections was notified of the death.
There is an investigation underway and an autopsy has been ordered for the inmate.
According to Sheriff Thoroughman, a medical emergency is suspected to have caused the death.
At the time of this publication, questions have not been answered regarding the identity of the inmate. Also unanswered is whether or not the inmate was in the booking process or already incarcerated, and whether or not the inmate was being held in extra restraints.
We’ll keep you updated as soon as we learn more.
Update:
A source familiar with the situation has told SCDN that the inmate was Jimmy Barnett age 56.
Barnett had served 212 days in the Scioto County Jail on a Felony Kidnapping Charge.
His criminal history includes arrests for rape, gross sexual imposition, escape, assault, and a previous charge of kidnapping.
We will continue to update as we’re able to get details.
