Evangeline Parish prisoner found dead in cell

Benjamin “BJ” Berzas was found dead in his cell of an apparent drug overdose in the Evangeline Parish Jail last week.
Berzas was returned to jail by bail bondsman James Bertrand, who revoked his bond. Bertrand stated Berzas’ family contacted him to revoke the bond because Berzas was acting strangely and was a danger to himself and the public. Bertrand said he picked up Berzas in Basile, with the assistance of the Basile Police Department, and prepared to bring him to the Evangeline Parish Jail.
While taking custody of Berzas, Bertrand stated he had a shaving kit with him. Inside the shaving kit were prescription medications. Bertrand said some of the medicine was prescribed to Berzas, while he believes other medications inside the kit were not. However, he transported Berzas, along with the shaving kit, to the Evangeline Parish Jail.
At 5 a.m. the next morning, Berzas was found dead in his cell and his family was contacted. Berzas’ body was transported to Lake Charles for an autopsy. At press time, results of the autopsy were pending.
Berzas’ family stated they are not placing any blame for his death and did not want to comment for this story.