27-year-old Richmond County jail inmate dies

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - An inmate’s death at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center in Augusta is under investigation by the GBI, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say that on Wednesday morning, a 27-year-old white male inmate was found unresponsive in his cell by detention personnel.

David Mark Decoteau has been identified as the inmate, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.

Decoteau was housed alone for his own safety and was being checked on frequently by staff, according to law enforcement.

After finding the inmate was unresponsive, the sheriff’s office says detention personnel immediately called for medical staff, who initiated lifesaving measures.

Jefferson County deputy investigated by GBI, put leave

We are learning more about the timeline related to an ongoing GBi investigation involving a Jefferson County deputy.

Central EMS arrived and took over care, and Decoteau was transported to Wellstar MCG, where he was later pronounced dead.

Jail records show he was observed at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, sitting in his cell. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital at 6 a.m.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been contacted and will serve as the lead investigative agency in this matter, according to the sheriff’s office.

“The safety and well-being of every individual in our custody is a top priority for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley. “Any loss of life is tragic, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of this individual during this difficult time. Our detention staff responded immediately and did everything possible to render aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.”

Two days before the incident, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to dispel rumors circulating about inmate injuries or deaths at the detention center in the days prior.

The agency said the inmate’s death is unrelated to those rumors.