SLED refers inmate’s death to U.S. Attorney

BISHOPVILLE - The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is referring an inmate’s death investigation to the United States Attorney’s Office for review of a possible civil rights violation.

SLED conducted a preliminary inquiry and investigation surrounding the death of Jerome Laudman at the request of the Department of Corrections.

Laudman was transported from Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, S.C. on February 18, 2008 and later pronounced dead at Tuomey Regional Medical Center in Sumter.

“It is standard policy for SLED to refer cases in which civil rights violations are questionable to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This ensures that all cases of this nature get a state and federal review for potential charges.” said SLED Director Reggie Lloyd said in a news release.

Assistant United States Attorney Kevin McDonald said, “Our office has been asked to review this matter for potential federal charges.  We will work with SLED, the FBI and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice throughout the review process.”

Laudman, 41, was serving a 10 year sentence for common law robbery.