Death of Nassau jail inmate prompts investigations
John Gleeson of Oceanside, an inmate at the Nassau County jail, died while in custody on July 14, 2014, correction officials said. Credit: News 12 Long Island
State and Nassau law enforcement officials are investigating the death of a Nassau jail inmate earlier this month.
Correction officials said John Gleeson of Oceanside, who was at the East Meadow facility on petty larceny and third-degree burglary charges, died July 14. Court records show he was born in 1974.
Capt. Michael Golio said Gleeson's death was not a result of a physical altercation at the jail.
He said the state Commission of Correction, the Nassau County Police Department and the jail's health care provider, Armor Health Care, are investigating.
The Albany commission investigates in-custody deaths in the state. An attorney for Gleeson's family, James Pascarella of Mineola, said Gleeson had a medical condition called angioedema, which results in bouts of swelling.
Pascarella said Gleeson had previously been stricken in jail with an episode when his hands swelled.
The condition can be treated with medication but can be fatal if neglected.
Gleeson had complained several times to jail officials and medical staff.
"When someone is confined to the Nassau County Correctional Facility we expect they are going to be safe and their health needs taken care of," Pascarella said. He said he plans to file a notice of claim to alert county officials that the family will file a lawsuit.
