The Butler County Prison inmate who died in a Pittsburgh hospital last week was released from custody beforehand because he was not deemed a security risk.

Richard D. Townsend initially was sent to Butler Memorial Hospital on March 25 before being transferred to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he died Friday.

Sheriff Mike Slupe said his deputies did not escort Townsend to Pittsburgh because he was not a security risk.

The results of Townsend’s autopsy are pending. His cause of death is being determined by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office.

Slupe said any inmate taken to a hospital, whether in Butler or to another county, are assessed for potential security risk.

“If we have to be there, we’ll be there,” Slupe said.

However, he said when there is not a security issue, his office works with the court in considering a release.

In Townsend’s case, he was released on his own recognizance under a court order.

His case, which included charges of theft and possession of a controlled substance related to an alleged attempt to steal a gas can in Cherry Township, was waived to court.

Tom Holman, deputy court administrator, said defendants are only freed when appropriate.

“The court would not release somebody who is considered a risk in the community,” Holman said.

Slupe said the county considers the expense to send deputies if there is no security issue.

“We look at the risk versus the costs associated with certain inmates secured 24/7 in a hospital,” he said.

County solicitor Mike English would only comment on financial liability for medical treatment.

“The county’s responsibility to pay medical expenses only extends to those under our custody,” English said.

According to a prison report, Townsend told a corrections officer he was not feeling well the morning of March 25.

The report states that Townsend complained about having a severe headache and was sweating profusely. He eventually was sent to the hospital.