Jail cleared in inmate death

(WJEZ file photo)

PONTIAC – Following a review of written reports and video surveillance, the Illinois Department of Corrections found no violations by the Livingston County Jail, after an inmate died in November.

Joseph Stewart, 50, of Normal died at OSF Saint James Medical Center in Pontiac – a day after he was arrested near Pontiac.  Stewart reportedly died from intoxication of a prescription antismoking and antidepressant drug.

Stewart was arrested by State Police the evening of Nov. 18 for suspected drunken driving, along I-55 at the northbound Livingston County rest area. He was placed in an observation cell at the Livingston County Jail and become unresponsive the following morning.