Hampton Roads Regional Jail officer dies of the coronavirus

PORTSMOUTH — A Hampton Roads Regional Jail officer died of the coronavirus Thursday, according to a fellow union member.

Robert Sunukjian was a master jail officer, a member of the Hampton Roads Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 50, told The Virginian-Pilot. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity out of concerns for retribution.

Col. Chris Walz, the jail’s superintendent, confirmed an officer died Thursday but did not identify him, say what he died of or provide any additional information, citing medical privacy laws.

After The Pilot independently confirmed the man’s name, Walz wrote in an email that Sunukjian was a “valued and dedicated” employee of the jail for over 16 ½ years.

“Over his career he has worked various assignments throughout the facility. We are grateful for his years of (service) and he will be sorely missed,” Walz wrote. “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”

There are 138 inmates, four staff members and one contract worker who are positive with COVID-19, according to data on the jail’s website Friday.

Walz said anyone entering the jail has their temperature taken, and those with an elevated temperature, cough or who have difficulty breathing can’t come in. Visitors also must have their temperature taken and fill out a CDC questionnaire before entering.

Inmates and staff are required to wear masks, he said. New inmates are screened, have their temperatures taken and are quarantined for at least 14 days, Walz wrote. Those returning from the state hospital also are quarantined, and transportation vehicles are sanitized after each use.

“We are constantly cleaning, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer,” Walz wrote.

Staff writer Gary Harki contributed to this report.

Margaret Matray, 757-222-5216, margaret.matray@pilotonline.com