AYER, Massachusetts (AP) - The Boston Marathon bombing suspect is being held in a small cell with a steel door at a federal medical detention center outside the city.

A federal official describes the conditions under which 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is being held in the facility after being moved there from a hospital Friday.

Federal Medical Center Devens spokesman John Collauti said Tsarnaev is in secure housing where authorities can monitor him. His cell has a solid steel door with an observation window and a slot for passing food and medication.

Mr Collauti wouldn't discuss specific details related to Tsarnaev but said normally medical workers monitor the inmates. He said guards keep an eye on some cells with video cameras.

Tsarnaev's mother said the bombing allegations against him are lies.