News: Press Releases

Vermont Inmate Dies of Apparent Suicide at Greensville Correctional Center

JARRATT – The Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) has confirmed that an inmate being held in Virginia on behalf of the state of Vermont apparently committed suicide Monday afternoon, June 25, 2001 at Greensville Correctional Center.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. in the Administrative Segregation Unit of the facility. The inmate had apparently hung himself and was discovered during a routine check. Correctional Officers immediately called for medical assistance. Death was pronounced by a staff physician at the facility. Next of kin have been notified and Greensville Correctional Center is operating normally. The body has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Richmond for autopsy.

“The Virginia Department of Corrections, in cooperation with the Vermont Department of Corrections, is thoroughly investigating this apparent suicide of a Vermont inmate in our care,” said Director Ron Angelone. “We extend our sympathy to the family of this inmate. The loss of a loved one is always traumatic especially when he is away from home and family.”

The deceased inmate has been identified as Robert John Cheeseman, 23. He was transferred to Virginia in late September of last year. Cheeseman was serving a Vermont sentence of 26-months to 10-years, 14-months. His charges include Failure to Appear, Violations of Conditions of Release, Possession Stolen Property-Felony, False Pretenses, Attempting to Elude, Negligent Operation, Driving License Suspended, Resisting Arrest, Escape, and Grand Larceny.