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

Some people experiencing homelessness intentionally commit crimes to have a room and meals at the Portage County Jail, local leaders said. Jeremy Brown/The Portager

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

- Wendy DiAlesandro

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.

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