Muscogee Jail inmate dies hours after appearing in court on child molestation charge

A 62-year-old man died by an apparent suicide following his Recorder’s Court hearing on June 4, according to Columbus police.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan pronounced Michael Bragg dead at 7:24 p.m. Thursday. Jail officials found Bragg unresponsive in his cell at 6:15 p.m., according to Major Joe McCrea. He reportedly hung himself.

Bragg appeared in Recorder’s Court at 9 a.m. the same day, charged with one count of child molestation. According to court testimony from Detective Mark Scruggs, the incident occurred on May 20 and was reported to police on May 23.

Bragg reportedly made an underage family member touch his genitals and also touched the family member’s genitals. Bragg told other family members he knew what he was doing was wrong but he “couldn’t help himself,” according to court testimony.

As he was being taken into custody on May 27, Scruggs testified that Bragg made a “spontaneous utterance.” Bragg said, “I guess she did call, good for her.” It is unknown who the woman is that Bragg was referring to, Scruggs said.

There was no knowledge of Bragg having any mental health issues, according to police.

“We’re deeply saddened by his death and our thoughts are with the family at this time,” Mark Shelnutt said in a phone call to the Ledger. Shelnutt is part of a law firm that Braggs’ defense attorney, Ralston Jarrett, is in.

Police believe that there is no foul play involved, but the GBI will still be investigating Braggs’ death.

Call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 if you or someone you know is in distress. The free, confidential service is available 24/7.