JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A probationary Florida Fish and Wildlife officer was arrested Thursday on charges of sexually abusing a child, according to police.
Officer Billy Taylor was arrested at a Southside home and accused of sexual battery on a minor under the age of 12.
The arrest warrant was served on Eve Drive West by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Neighbors said dozens of SWAT officers swarmed the home. One neighbor told News4Jax that she is shocked that her neighbor was arrested on the charge.
Jacksonville police have not released information about the arrest, but FWC released a statement that provided some background on the case.
"The FWC takes these charges very seriously, and although these charges stem from actions more than 10 years ago, their serious and damaging nature cannot be ignored," wrote Rob Klepper, public information officer of FWC's law enforcement division. "Many of our FWC officers have children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Our hearts break for the victim and the victim’s family."
Klepper said Taylor went through the same extensive background checks, medical and psychological evaluations as all FWC officers and "no questions arose regarding Taylor." He had recently graduated from an eight-month training academy and been a probationary FWC officers for about two weeks. After the arrest, the FWC has initiated the process of terminating Taylor.
"These charges do not reflect the values of our agency and violate everything that we stand for as a law enforcement agency. We will cooperate fully with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigation," Klepper wrote. "While the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office investigation is underway, the FWC will refrain from further comment on this case."