Inmate found dead at Pinellas jail

CLEARWATER

Inmate found dead at Pinellas County jail

An inmate was found dead at the Pinellas County jail this week, though authorities said his death does not appear suspicious.

Joseph Ignus Stephen, 26, was found unresponsive in his bunk by other inmates around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, around the time breakfast trays were being served, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

The inmates alerted jail employees. Stephen was taken to Northside Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Sheriff's Office said Stephen showed no obvious sign of injury and that he had a documented medical history with the jail. Stephen has been held at the jail several times, most recently booked there Dec. 13 on charges that included sale of cocaine, burglary and trespassing.