SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- The inmate who died in custody in early September is the same man who was sentenced for punching a police officer at a rally in Chicano Park, authorities say.
A news release from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department identified the man as Frederick Jefferson.
Jefferson was found dead in his cell around 2:15 a.m. on September 1. He was alone at the time of his death.
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On August 31, Jefferson was sentenced to seven years in state prison after being convicted of assaulting a San Diego Police officer during a February 3 demonstration at Barrio Logan’s Chicano Park.
He was found guilty on four counts, including using force likely to cause great bodily injury on a police officer and resisting a police officer with force or violence.
Jefferson was discovered unresponsive in his cell while deputies were conducting a security check. Despite efforts from deputies and paramedics, Jefferson died at the scene.
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The medical examiner’s office says they’ve been unable to locate any next of kin. Any family of Jefferson’s is asked to call the medical examiner at 858-694-2895.
