A custody deputy discovered the body of 54-year-old Juan Lara during a welfare check Saturday, June 28.
The Santa Maria resident had been arrested Thursday, June 26 for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics and two prior felony convictions.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, jail staff performed life-saving measures on Lara, along with county fire and AMR paramedics, but they were unable to resuscitate him.
The Sheriff's Office said it was unable to comment because the investigation is ongoing.
