Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL

Online communications are not monitored 24/7. Emergencies, criminal incidents or serious concerns must be directed to [phone] or by dialing/texting 911.

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

After an extensive child exploitation investigation, a 50-year-old Orange Park man was arrested by the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

On June 2, 2026, members of the Clay County Sheriff's Office SWAT and Special Operations Division as well as members of the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT task force served a search warrant at an apartment located at 1863 Wells Rd, in Orange Park. The occupant of the residence, 50-year-old Tyrone Julius Ferguson, exited and was detained without incident. Ferguson was interviewed by CCSO Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detectives while the residence was processed for evidence.

As a result of this investigation, probable cause was developed to arrest Ferguson on four counts of possessing/controlling/intentionally viewing child sexual abuse material and two counts of possession of animal sexual abuse material. During the investigation, it was learned Ferguson was employed by a private company and worked as a substitute teacher for middle and elementary school-aged children. He was also a youth basketball coach. Ferguson was booked into the Clay County Jail, however this investigation remains ongoing.

"The Clay County Sheriff's Office will continue to hold those victimizing our most vulnerable accountable-every time, no exceptions. The safety, dignity and future of our children depend on swift and unwavering justice." - Sheriff Michelle Cook.

Anybody with information that might be of assistance in this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Eva Solis at [email protected] or by phone at 904-264-6512. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the SaferWatch App or you can contact First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing **TIPS.

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭

On May 19, 2026, The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County District
Schools received a report that a juvenile student at Ridgeview High School had received inappropriate social media messages from a teacher at the school. The teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave while CCSO Detectives began looking into the circumstances surrounding the report.

The investigation revealed that 48-year-old Christopher Suarez began communicating with the student using a social media platform earlier this year. In the days leading up to the report, Suarez sent sexually explicit photographs and messages to the student. On May 29, 2026, Suarez was arrested on six counts of transmission of harmful materials to a minor (FSS 847.38(2)) and one count of use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (FSS 934.215). He is being held in the Clay County Jail on a total bond amount of $525,021.00.

Although Suarez was arrested in connection with this incident, this remains an active
investigation. Anyone with information that might be of assistance in this case is encouraged to contact Detective Andrew Carter at [phone] or [email protected].

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐃𝐔𝐓𝐘: 𝐒𝐠𝐭. 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫

After nearly 23 years serving the Clay County community, Sgt. Lanier is beginning a new chapter.

From working in the jail, to patrol, investigations, and public information, Sgt. Lanier has dedicated her career to serving this community with professionalism, compassion, and heart. As she prepares for retirement and her move to Seattle, she joins us to reflect on her career, share lessons learned along the way, discuss the role of a Public Information Officer, and talk about what’s next after law enforcement.

Thank you, Sgt. Lanier, for your years of service to Clay County.❤️

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐄: https://t.co/gODMYiHf1X

𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐘: https://t.co/kSuMZyQPi6

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒: https://t.co/eBZ1Wob5Uw

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #NeverOffDuty

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

Congratulations to Detective Solis, who was awarded by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Det. Solis was recognized for her “exceptional investigative work on one of the most horrific child exploitation and human trafficking cases in Clay County Sheriff’s Office history.”

On the same day she received this award, the defendant in the case was found guilty in federal court on all charges.

“Thank you, Attorney General James Uthmeier, for this recognition and for highlighting a child exploitation investigation. This was the most heinous case of my career and today, the defendant was found guilty by a jury of his peers,” Det. Solis said. “Today’s verdict is a huge win for the victims of this case. This award highlights the collaborative efforts of citizens, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Intercept Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Cocoa Police Department, the Clay County State Attorney’s Office, and the Middle District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

We are incredibly proud of Detective Solis and grateful for the impact her work has made in the lives of those she serves.

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐚𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲-𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

On May 9, 2026, deputies responded to the Silver Bluff neighborhood in Oakleaf Plantation to assist the Department of Children and Families with an investigation. In the process of checking names of everyone involved, responding deputies learned one of the subjects, 48-year-old Morris Anthony Davis, had an outstanding warrant for homicide out of Mississippi.

Davis armed himself with two knives, exited the back of the residence and was resistant with deputies who were attempting to take him into custody. Davis, still armed with knives, fled into a neighbor’s yard where deescalation attempts continued. In an attempt to disarm Davis, deputies tased him multiple times, which was ineffective. Davis was then shot by Deputy Sheriff D. Brown. Deputies called for rescue, but Davis died at the scene after life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

We are aware of the video circulating on social media regarding the shooting - the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office, is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting and circumstances. Deputy Brown has been placed on administrative leave per department policy, and CCSO will conduct a formal review of the use of force incident upon conclusion of the independent investigations by FDLE and SAO.

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

Sheriff Michelle Cook provides information regarding today’s Deputy Involved Shooting in Oakleaf Plantation.

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

“𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫. 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞.”

This morning, we gathered with members of our community, law enforcement partners and the families of fallen deputies and officers for our annual Clay County Police Memorial Ceremony.

We honored the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Their courage, dedication and commitment to protecting our community will never be forgotten.

“Reflect on the legacy your loved ones left, not only with our agencies but with our community. Know that your loved ones impacted every single one of us,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said.

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

Deputy Osborne gets buckets. 😤 Which NBA Playoff team could use him right now?

Deputies Osborne and McGoogin were on patrol in the Oakleaf area and took a quick timeout to hit the court and bring out some post moves for the kids! 🏀

Connecting with our community is what it’s all about.

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

🚸 “𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐃!” 🚸

Did you know there are four school zones along CR-220? It’s crucial for drivers to stay alert, especially when those zones are active. Our kids are walking, biking, and riding scooters to school, and their safety is our top priority.

We also have dozens of crossing guards, PSAs, and deputies working in these areas every day to keep things moving safely. Lt. Wagner was in the area making sure drivers were slowing down and following the law.

Remember, those flashing lights aren’t a suggestion, so please help us keep our students safe!

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #SchoolZones

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍: 𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂 “𝐏𝐀𝐔𝐋” 𝐀𝐊𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐄

Clay County, we’re asking for your help with a missing person case that has remained unsolved since 2021.

Eric “Paul” Akridge was 50 years old when he was last seen or heard from. On May 3, 2021, he was last seen in the 7800-block of State Road 21 in Keystone Heights. Since that day, our detectives have been working to find answers.

Cases like this are often solved because someone knows something and chooses to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help move this investigation forward.

This is still an active and ongoing investigation, and this case has not been forgotten. We are working to get answers.

If you have any information about Eric “Paul” Akridge or his whereabouts, contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512 or submit a tip through SaferWatch. You can remain anonymous by contacting First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing **TIPS.

If you know something, now is the time to say something.

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #MissingPerson

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐃𝐔𝐓𝐘: 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌

This is an important one.

Our Clay Watch Program is designed to help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This voluntary program allows families to share critical information about loved ones who may be prone to wandering, ensuring deputies have what they need when every second counts.

Deputy Ronnie Freshour from our Community Affairs Unit explains how this program works, why it matters, how to sign up and how having this information ahead of time can make a life-saving difference during emergencies.

Listen and watch the full episode by clicking one of the links below:

𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐘: https://t.co/OsEswPEm37

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒: https://t.co/IxIlUA33Jl

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐄: https://t.co/wTF7pmxMYV

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 ⬇️

https://t.co/eQ0HhXbmgE

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #NeverOffDuty

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

Don’t fall for the scams, folks. Whether it’s a phone call or text message, hang up the phone and don’t click the link.

Feel as if you’re a victim of fraud or have any questions? Contact us immediately at 904-264-6512 or submit a SaferWatch tip.

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #Scam #ScamAlert

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐍𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐒! 🚫

Slow down and pay attention! We’ve received some complaints about drivers speeding and blowing through the stop sign at the intersection of Alligator Blvd. & Hibiscus Ave in Middleburg.

Deputy McKnight spent some time in the area focusing on education and awareness while she connected with our community.

Our goal is simple: to keep you safe. We’re working hard to promote safe driving habits, and it’s crucial that every driver comes to a complete stop and stays alert behind the wheel!

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #Traffic

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

🚨 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐌 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 🚨

$150K. $100K. $50K.

These are just a few examples of what Clay County residents have lost to scammers so far this year.

We’re talking life savings. Retirement money… gone. All stemming from a single phone call.

Scammers are convincing. They create urgency. And they know exactly what to say.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your financial institution, hang up and verify it by contacting the institution directly.

And remember:

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call you asking for money, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to resolve a warrant, jury duty, or any legal matter.
If that call comes, hang up immediately.

If you believe you’ve been targeted or have questions, contact us right away at 904-264-6512 or submit a tip through SaferWatch.

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #ScamAlert #StayAlert #ClayCounty

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄: 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡

It’s been 19 years since the brutal murders of 16-year-old Chelsea Rohn and 21-year-old Matthew Brumbaugh. The two were found shot to death by their roommate inside a house on Jean Court in Middleburg’s Greenwood subdivision.

Their horrific murders can only be described as an execution. We do not believe this was a random act, we believe the person(s) responsible was known in the circle of the Chelsea and Matthew.

The shooting happened between 12:30am and 2:30am, our investigation revealed nobody heard the shots or saw anyone enter or leave the house and there was no signs of forced entry. Their roommate was ruled out as a suspect and it was determined the shooting was not a murder-suicide.

The residence had a reputation for being a party house and dealing in illegal drugs however, the normal activities associated with the residence were not ongoing the night of the shooting. Chelsea had also recently separated from her husband, who she married in September 2006.

We understand relationships and loyalties change over the years. Chelsea and Matthew deserve justice. Their family members deserve justice. Even the smallest bit of information could make a difference. This case is still active and our detectives are committed to finding answers and holding the person(s) responsible accountable.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512 and ask for Det. Sean Holmes. You can also remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip through the SaferWatch app.

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #ColdCase

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County Fire and Rescue responded to a vehicle fire in the area of County Road 218 and N. Mimosa Ave.

After the fire was extinguished, the body of an unidentified male was discovered in the vehicle. The medical examiner’s office has performed an autopsy and ruled the manner of death as a homicide.

Our preliminary investigation has shown that the vehicle was possibly parked in the same location from the morning of Sunday April 5, 2026; however, the fire did not start until Monday afternoon.

This is still an active and ongoing investigation. If anyone has video surveillance during those time frames or has any information about this event, they are encouraged to call the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512 and ask for Det. Nicole Mosley. You can also remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime
Stoppers by dialing 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip through the SaferWatch app.

𝟒/𝟐𝟑/𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

At approximately 9:00am on April 23, 2026, the medical examiner’s office confirmed the identity of the body found on April 6th. The victim has been identified as 41-year-old, Reginald Eldrige Gantt, of Jacksonville. Attached is a photo of the Gantt, along with a stock image of the vehicle.

If anyone has video surveillance or information regarding this incident, please contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512 and ask for Det. Nicole Mosley. You can also remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip through the SaferWatch app.

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

Our Marine Unit has been out on the water the past few days, helping keep the river safe and secure for aircraft scooping water to battle ongoing wildfires.

The planes used can drop 1,200–1,600 gallons of water each, while larger air tankers can drop 2,000–4,000 gallons of fire retardant.

We’re incredibly grateful for the first responders working tirelessly to protect Clay County. This is what teamwork looks like.

@ClayFireRescue @FLForestService

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #Teamwork

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Clay County Sheriff's Office and Clay County Fire and Rescue responded to a vehicle fire in the area of County Road 218 and N. Mimosa Ave.

After the fire was extinguished, the body of an unidentified male was discovered in the vehicle. The medical examiner's office has performed an autopsy and ruled the manner of death as a homicide.

Our preliminary investigation has shown that the vehicle was possibly parked in the same location from the morning of Sunday April 5, 2026; however, the fire did not start until Monday afternoon.

This is still an active and ongoing investigation. If anyone has video surveillance during those time frames or has any information about this event, they are encouraged to call the Clay County Sheriff's Office at 904-264-6512 and ask for Det. Nicole Mosley. You can also remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip through the SaferWatch app.

[Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL @ccsofl]

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑-𝐒𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

On April 18, 2026, the Clay County Sheriff's Office was contacted by a family member of 34-year-old Ashtin Durham regarding a concerning message they received from him.

Deputies immediately responded to the apartment complex on County Road 220, in Fleming Island where his girlfriend resides, for a welfare check. The deputies were unable to make contact with him or his girlfriend after several attempts. After making entry into the home, deputies discovered two deceased individuals.

Our preliminary investigation revealed Durham and 36-year-old Jessica Valentin-Rivera, were both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A firearm and shell casings were also recovered from the scene as evidence. Initial indications are that this incident may be a domestic-related murder-suicide, but the investigation is in the early stages and remains ongoing.

Durham and Valentin-Rivera both have children, but none in common. The children were not present at the time of the shooting and are safe with family members.

This is still an active and ongoing investigation, anyone with information is encouraged to call the Clay County Sheriff's Office at 904-264-6512 and ask for Det. Blake Jones. You can also remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip through the SaferWatch app.