Inmate Joseph Mansapit died in a contracted federal facility. That's according to a U.S. Marshal when asked by Chief Judge Frances Tydingco Gatewood in a sentencing hearing held yesterday for drug defendant Ricky Sanchez.

This recent death was brought to the court's attention by Sanchez's Attorney John Gorman.

Gorman argued medical concerns and the need for necessary treatment for his client, drawing concerns in the system as he referred back to Mansapit's recent death while in custody.

Mansapit had health concerns, having faced a drug addiction. It was also stated that Mansapit was involved in a fight while in prison, needing medical attention.

About three weeks ago, Mansapit was transferred from DOC to serve his prison term in Las Vegas.

KUAM reached out to agency Director Samantha Brennan for information, and as of news time, Brennan has not responded.

During Sanchez's sentence hearing, it was confirmed Mansapit's death is under federal investigation.

Mansapit's attorney Curtis Vandeld has filed a request to close the case.

The inmate and 11 others were charged for conspiring to bring in large quantities of crystal meth from Las Vegas to Guam in 2010. In 2015 he was sentenced to 30 months in prison.