Person found dead in cell at Portage County jail two days after booking

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office announced March 16 that a person who had been incarcerated at the county jail had died the previous day.

Pauline L. Ferrell, 42, of Cleveland, had been booked into the Portage County jail at 3:19 p.m. March 13, having been picked up on a warrant issued Jan. 2, 2026.

Court records indicated that Ferrell was originally indicted Jan. 2, 2026, by a Portage County grand jury for an incident that occurred “on or about Aug. 26, 2025.” A warrant for her arrest was issued the same day, but, citing "unavailability of the accused,” Portage County Common Pleas Court Judge Laurie Pittman closed the case on Jan. 21, 2026.

A second warrant was served March 13, the day Ferrell was booked into the jail.

According to both warrants, Ferrell faced a fifth-degree felony count of possession of fentanyl, a fifth-degree felony count of possession of heroin, a fifth-degree felony count of possession of cocaine, a first-degree misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension and a second-degree misdemeanor charge of possession of drug abuse instruments.

The PCSO’s March 16 news release states that at about 8:30 p.m. March 15, corrections staff who were conducting a security check discovered “an unresponsive inmate” (Ferrell) inside her cell. They administered “immediate basic aid and advanced life-saving measures” and summoned EMT personnel.

Despite their efforts, Ferrell was pronounced dead, the release states. Jail Administrator Bryan D. Morgenstern stated that few details can be released at this time, but the PCSO will provide updates as information becomes available.

“A thorough and transparent investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this death,” he wrote in a second press release issued March 17. “We are cooperating fully with all appropriate authorities and oversight bodies.”

The PCSO remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and humane environment and recognizes its responsibility to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of every person in its care, Morgenstern stated.