Criminal investigation underway after 30-year-old found unresponsive during suspected medical emergency
PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an inmate at the parish detention center following a medical emergency Wednesday evening that affected three inmates in the same housing unit.
Jeremy Paul, 30, of Baton Rouge, was found unresponsive in a dormitory around 8:15 p.m. on August 13, according to the sheriff’s office. Two other male inmates in the same dorm also experienced medical emergencies but have since recovered.
Immediate Response
Correctional deputies discovered the three inmates around 8:15 p.m. and began emergency medical assistance while calling for additional medical personnel. Paul remained unresponsive despite first aid efforts and was later pronounced dead.
The other two inmates who experienced medical emergencies have recovered.
Investigation Details
Investigators suspect the incident may be related to a drug overdose, though the official cause of death has not been confirmed, deputies said. The official cause will be determined by autopsy results. A criminal investigation is ongoing to determine how contraband may have entered the facility and identify any potential criminal activity.
Paul had been in WBRSO custody since September 2024 and was being housed for the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
Facility Background
The West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center, located at 1150 Northwest Drive in Port Allen, houses both parish inmates and state inmates on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Major Stephen Juge serves as Chief of Corrections, with Rhonda Alleman as warden.
Ongoing Investigation
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the medical emergencies or potential sources of contraband. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine exactly what occurred in the dormitory.
The Louisiana Department of Corrections has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding their inmate’s death while housed at the parish facility.
What’s Next
Autopsy results will determine the official cause of death. The criminal investigation will continue as authorities examine how the incident occurred and whether charges are warranted.
The sheriff’s office indicated more information may be released as the investigation progresses.
This is a developing story. Check WBRIndependent.com for updates.
For information about this story, contact the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office at (225) 389-2302 or spokesperson Landon Groger.
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