FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-16)

CONTACT Kimberly McGill, Public Information Officer, Nebraska State Penitentiary
OFFICE 402-479-3227

July 7, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) Benjamin Oates (62), inmate # 81600 died at 6:42 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.  Oates was serving 30 to 50 years for attempted sexual assault of a child in Douglas County. His sentence began on January 14, 2015. He had a projected release date of December 20, 2038.

While the cause of his death has not been determined, Oates was being treated for a long-term medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), a grand jury will conduct an investigation.

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