The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has reported the arrest of one of its own, Corrections Sergeant Donald Boston, on a domestic battery charge. Following a domestic dispute at his residence on Thursday, Boston was taken into custody after an investigation by JSO's integrity detectives. Joe Cowan, JSO Director of Patrol and Enforcement, detailed the incident at a press conference, explaining that Boston allegedly grabbed a family member's arm during an argument, causing the individual to fall, as described in a News4Jax report.
No injuries were reported in the altercation, although Boston sustained a laceration to his arm. Despite the victim being related to law enforcement, their identity remains protected under Florida state statutes. With Boston's arrest marking the 14th within the JSO in 2024, Cowan reiterated, "As we have said many times before, no one is above the law," a sentiment echoed in a statement obtained by First Coast News.
Boston, with over 17 years under his belt at JSO, was hired on May 14, 2007, and only recently elevated to the rank of sergeant on October 24, 2022. Currently placed on administrative leave, his peace officer authority has been stripped pending the outcome of the criminal case, after which an internal investigation is set to commence.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, through a post on their official Facebook page, shared Cowan's address to the public regarding the recent arrest. Emphasizing the department's commitment to transparency and accountability, Cowan noted, "Our collective belief in openness, transparency and accountability outweighs any personal allegiance to JSO employees." The series of arrests this year, which includes Boston's case, reflects this policy, though it shines a disquieting light on a division often expected to hold itself to the highest standard of conduct.
