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Inmate at FCI Petersburg dies from COVID-19 complications

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HOPEWELL, Va. -- An 62-year-old inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Petersburg has died from COVID-19 complications, the U.S. Department of Justice confirms.

The DOJ say Tommy Sisk tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, September 14 while being help at the FCI Petersburg (Medium). Officials said Sisk was immediately placed in medical isolation.

"On September 23, 2020, Mr. Sisk was evaluated by institution medical staff for shortness of breath and a cough. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and further evaluation. Mr. Sisk’s condition worsened and he was placed on a ventilator," the DOJ said in a release.

On Sunday, October 4, Sisk died at the hospital.

The DOJ said Sisk had long-term, pre-existing medical conditions, which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe COVID-19 disease.

Officials say Sisk had been in custody at FCI Petersburg since February 05, 2019.

He was sentenced in the Western District of North Carolina to a 120-month sentence for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

FCI Petersburg, Medium is a Medium security facility that currently houses 1,497 male offenders. The facility currently has 23 active cases, which includes 21 inmates and two staff members, according to the Bureau of Prisons.