Inmate found dead at the Merced County Federal Prison
Monday, September 7, 2026 6:05PM
ATWATER, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man was found dead at the United States Penitentiary in Atwater.
Officials say they found 40-year-old inmate, Augustine Gallegos unresponsive around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday.
Employees attempted life-saving measures, but Gallegos died.
The FBI was notified.
No employee or anyone incarcerated were injured.
Gallegos was serving a 140-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
He had been in custody at the prison since June of 2025.
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