GBI investigates death of inmate in Forsyth County jail

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. –The GBI is conducting an investigation of death of an inmate in the Forsyth County jail.

Melissa Ponce, 28, of Tucker was found unresponsive in a holding cell at 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 20.

Three nurses within the jail, along with deputies performed life-saving measures, including administering a dose of Narcan and utilizing the A.E.D., as EMS was called. A short time after EMS arrival, the inmate was pronounced deceased.

Ponce was arrested on suspicion of D.U.I. at approximately 3:40 a.m. At approximately 6:00 a.m., she was observed by deputies, served breakfast and showed no signs of requiring medical attention.

An initial investigation suggests Ponce ingested an illegal narcotic prior to being incarcerated. She was transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. Per the Sheriff’s Office Standard Procedures, the GBI was requested to conduct an investigation.

The GBI will contact the Sheriff when that investigation is complete, and the cause of death is de of Professional Standards is doing a parallel investigation into the incident.

The GBI will contact the Sheriff when that investigation is complete, and the cause of death is determined. The Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards is doing a parallel investigation into the incident.