Hazelton inmate found dead, COVID-19 not suspected

BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. – Officials from the U.S. Department of Justice say a 43-year-old inmate died at the United States Penitentiary Hazelton died Thursday.

A press release says Jose Mejia-Rangel was found unresponsive at 2:30 a.m. and could not be revived.

Officials say the death is not related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mejia-Rangel was sentenced in Florida to 42 months prison in connection with an identity theft case. He had been at the facility since January 7.