In a troubling breach of trust within the Clay County community, a former deputy of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office stands accused of a serious sexual offense after an incident that occurred while he was on duty. According to a social media statement released by the Clay County Sheriff's Office, on June 18th, a woman called to report a theft at her Orange Park home, leading to an encounter where now-former Deputy Ryan Perry allegedly demanded she expose herself and subsequently inappropriately touched her against her will.
The initial call for a theft set in motion a series of events that culminated with Perry, a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff's Office since October of 2018, who had faced two prior citizen complaints, following the victim to her bedroom under the guise of investigation; while the misconduct was taking place upstairs, the second deputy continued to take witness statements, unaware of the unfolding violation. Sheriff Michelle Cook expressed her disappointment and solidarity with sexual assault survivors, stating, "I could not be more disappointed to have to share this news tonight, It is devastating to us an agency and to me personally," as the office announced Perry's arrest on charges of Armed Sexual Battery on Friday , following an expeditious investigation that began after being alerted to the allegations last Saturday.
The gravity of the situation has weighed upon the Clay County Sheriff's Office, prompting immediate action upon learning of the allegations; an investigation swiftly followed, resulting in Perry's employment termination coinciding with his arrest, reinforcing the sheriff's message of standing with and fighting for victims of sexual assault. Perry had been a part of the CCSO for nearly seven years before the incident and faced an internal inquiry before with one of the earlier complaints being sustained and the other unfounded, reflecting past concerns brought to the department's attention.
As the case against Perry proceeds, community trust in local law enforcement faces a critical test, with the Clay County Sheriff's Office urging anyone with similar experiences involving the disgraced deputy to come forward, offering a contact number for its detectives, (904) 264-6512, they are hoping to ensure a thorough investigation and that justice is served, the Sheriff's Office highlights its commitment to seeking out the truth and upholding the rights of all those who come in contact with the law.
