Mecklenburg sheriff says a death in the jail is under investigation

A man being held in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central died early Monday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.

Officials said Todd Williams, 59, was discovered to be unresponsive in his housing unit. He was transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, and pronounced dead shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 3. The State Bureau of Investigation and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death, a Monday press release from the sheriff said.

Williams was taken into custody at the jail on July 27. He was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, according to the sheriff’s office website.

“On behalf of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden said in a statement. “We recognize the profound loss they are experiencing, and they remain in our thoughts as they grieve. Any death in our custody is taken with the utmost seriousness, and we remain dedicated to the care of every person entrusted to our custody.”