33-year-old man found unresponsive at Johnson County Jail dies in custody
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A 33-year-old man died in the custody of the Johnson County Jail early Wednesday, officials with the Sheriff’s Office said.
The man was found unresponsive in his single-occupancy cell. Lifesaving measures were attempted by jail personnel and medical personnel, but he was pronounced dead, according to a news release from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
The man was identified as Steven Charles Lenard by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, which will determine the cause and manner of his death.
According to court records, Lenard was indicted in February on charges including aggravated sexual assault of a child. The case had not gone to trial yet, and the charges were dismissed Wednesday as a result of his death, records show.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards and Texas Rangers will conduct an independent investigation to review Lenard’s death, according to the release.
“The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an internal administrative review to examine all aspects of the incident and ensure a thorough evaluation of the circumstances surrounding this death,” according to the release.
“The loss of any life is a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones affected by this loss during this difficult time,” the Sheriff’s Office said.