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Wakefield man accused of sexually abusing children has died

MEDFORD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Wakefield man accused of sexually abusing several children died Friday, according to the Middlesex County Sheriff.

At around 8 a.m. Friday, a corrections officer at the Middlesex Jail was conducting his regular rounds when he saw that John Burbine, 50, of Wakefield, required medical attention. Burbine was transported to Mass General Hospital from the jail where he was being held. The Sheriff confirmed to FOX 25 Friday evening that Burbine died at the hospital.

His attorney told The Boston Globe that Burbine tried to hang himself in his cell. FOX 25 learned that Burbine's injuries appeared to be self-inflicted. An internal investigation is underway, as with any detainee's death, officials say.

An emergency court order was granted around 5 p.m. Friday to Burbine's wife Marian, who is on house arrest, so that she could be escorted from her home to the hospital to make next-of-kin decisions for her husband.

Burbine, a Level 1 sex offender, was expected to stand trial in May amid allegations that he sexually abused 14 children, including an infant. He was arrested in late 2012.

Investigators allege Burbine committed the crimes while caring for children at his wife's unlicensed day care business. She is facing separate charges.