Man who died in sheriffs’ custody had health problems

A Costa Mesa man who died in sheriffs’ custody this week underwent a health screening before being admitted into Orange County Jail, authorities said Friday.

Stephen Douglas Mott, 55, died Thursday after being taken to West Anaheim Medical Center for a chronic condition, according to John McDonald, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Other than that, scant details were released.

Information on the time and cause of Mott’s death were not available from the Orange County coroner, pending an investigation into his death by the district attorney’s office.

Mott was arrested by Costa Mesa police on suspicion of burglary and petty theft. Additional details about his alleged crimes were not immediately available.

Mott had a criminal record with three previous convictions: burglary and theft in 2010; theft in 2008; and a 1992 conviction for appropriating property entrusted to him. He spent time in jail for each of the crimes.

—Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30