Update:
An inmate found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at Polk Medical Center from an apparent suicide was facing additional time in prison on multiple charges.
Lenesto Freeman, 41, was facing a felony obstruction of law enforcement officer charged, six more counts of misdemeanor obstruction of officers charge, a simple battery against a police officer charge and a parole violation for a December incident with the Rockmart Police Department.
Officials at the jail reported that Freeman remained in custody despite a $6,000 bond.
Freeman was found by staff at the jail during a routine check of inmates in their cells unresponsive and rushed to Polk Medical Center for treatment, but was pronounced dead at the hospital early this morning.
Check back for any further details as they become available.
Previously posted:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported this morning that an inmate was found unresponsive in their cell this morning and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
41-year-old Lenesto Freeman was found unresponsive in his cell by staff this morning, according to information from the Sheriff’s Office shared at lunch today.
Jail Administrator Major Rachel Haddix reported that the inmate was found hanging in their cell this morning in the early morning hours during a routine check by jail staff. The inmate used a bedsheet as a makeshift noose.
CPR was attempted on Freeman, and he was transported to Polk Medical Center by Redmond EMS where he was later pronounced dead in the emergency room.
Here’s the full release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office:
In the early morning hours of April 22, 2021 an inmate housed at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was found hanging in his cell by his bedsheet during routine cell checks. Jail officers cut him down and immediately began CPR. 911 was notified and EMS was dispatched. When EMS arrived the inmate, 41-year-old Lenesto Freeman, was released from custody and turned over to EMS for transport to Polk Medical Center. EMS and Polk Medical Center continued CPR and other life rescue medical practices, but were unsuccessful. While at Polk Medical, Mr. Freeman passed away.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an internal investigation into the passing of Mr. Freeman. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was notified and they stated there was no need for an investigation on their part since it was not deemed an in-custody death. Mr. Freeman’s next of kin have been notified by Coroner Norman Smith.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Freeman.
Sheriff Johnny Moats
