Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
Department of Detention and Corrections
-Detention Investigation Unit (DIU)

Lenin V. Perez (Deceased Inmate)
DOB: 03/23/1946
Address: Pinellas County Jail -14400 49th Street North, Clearwater

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating the death of an inmate at the Pinellas County Jail.

When:
The inmate died at about 6:22 a.m. on October 18, 2016.

Where:
The inmate was in his housing area located in the jail’s medical building at the time of his death.

Why/How:
According to investigators, 70-year-old inmate Lenin V. Perez died in his housing area at the Pinellas County Jail’s Medical Building at about 6:22 a.m. on October 18, 2016.

He was in custody at the jail on a U.S. Marshal hold since his arrest on April 15, 2016.

Detectives say that on October 7, 2016, Perez complained of back pain and was transported to a local hospital. He was released from the hospital and returned to the jail.

According to investigators, on October 14, 2016, Perez was moved to the medical building and treated for mobility issues and back pain. Around 3:15 a.m., on the morning of October 18, 2016, Perez received his breakfast at his bedside. Just a few hours later, while under close observation, Perez was found unable to move or speak. Medical personnel provided aid to Perez, but he was pronounced deceased at about 6:22 a.m. on October 18, 2016.

Detectives say there were no obvious signs of injuries on the inmate's person and no incidents of confrontation or use of force. His death does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

Next-of-kin has been notified.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.

The investigation continues.