AUGUSTA — An investigation into the death of an Kennebec County jail inmate Tuesday is pointing to a drug overdose, according to Sheriff Randall Liberty.
Nicholas Michael Powell, 22, of Lewiston was found dead in his two-bed room in the trusty area—a section where inmates are given more responsibilities—of the Augusta jail.
Liberty said an autopsy conducted Tuesday at the Office of the State Medical Examiner indicated no physical problems. Results of toxicology tests are pending.
“Our investigation here also points to an overdose,” Liberty said today. He said a number of inmates have been interviewed about the circumstances.
Powell formerly lived in the Clinton and Fairfield area.
“It’s a family and a community tragedy for a 22-year-old to pass away in these circumstances,” Liberty said. “It may be another indication of the increasing opiate abuse problem in this area.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
