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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (AP) — A jail official in Portsmouth says a man awaiting transfer to a mental health facility was found dead in his cell.
The Virginian-Pilot (http://bit.ly/1KtqgLK) says 24-year-old Jamycheal Mitchell's body was found at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail four months after he was charged with petty larceny and trespassing. Mitchell was accused of stealing about $5 in items — a candy bar, a snack cake and a soda.
The story was first reported by The Guardian U.S. newspaper.
A medical examiner is investigating the cause of death. Master Jail Officer Natasha Perry says Mitchell's Aug. 19 death appears to be from natural causes.
According to Perry and court records, Mitchell had been awaiting transfer since May to a mental health facility in Williamsburg, but no beds were available.
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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com
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