Monday, Indiana State Police Detective Brent Ingram, at the request of Fulton County Sheriff Chris Sailors, launched an investigation into the death of jail inmate Nicholas Clevenger, 29, Rochester.
Detective Ingram’s preliminary investigation revealed that Clevenger was arrested Sunday, March 2nd by officers from the Rochester Police Department, for possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a syringe, and possession of a narcotic drug. He was booked into the Fulton County Jail, at approximately 5:25 p.m., and placed in a cell that was monitored with cameras because Clevenger indicated he might harm himself.
Monday morning, at approximately 5:45 a.m., a correctional officer found Clevenger unconscious and not breathing. Correctional staff started life saving measures and requested an ambulance. Despite their efforts, Clevenger was pronounced dead in the cell.
There were no outwardly signs of trauma to Clevenger’s body. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday morning in Ft. Wayne.
This investigation is ongoing.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
