UNION COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida State Prison employee was fired on Wednesday after he was arrested and accused in a domestic incident involving a woman and six children that started on the Fourth of July.
According to a Union County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Randall Smith, 37, faces one count of domestic battery by strangulation, one count of battery and eight counts of false imprisonment.
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Investigators said they showed up at a Union County home late on July 4 and immediately saw a young child running out of the woods.
The child told deputies that Smith was abusing a woman in the wooded area nearby. Shortly after, the rest of the children walked out of the woods.
The woman, whose relationship to Smith was not clear in the report, told deputies that Smith hit her multiple times and attempted to strangle her. Deputies said the woman had visible marks on her neck.
One of the children said they saw Smith slam the woman’s head against the side of the car. Smith then made everyone go hide in the woods and stay quiet, but one of the children broke away and went to the home when they saw deputies arrive, according to the arrest report.
A News4JAX viewer tipped us off to the arrest and said Smith was a Florida State Prison employee.
News4JAX contacted the Florida Department of Corrections, which confirmed his recent employment but added he was fired following his arrest.
“Every FDC staff member is held to the highest standards of accountability and professionalism while on and off duty,” a spokesman wrote in an emailed statement. “FDC has zero tolerance for staff who act inappropriately and in contrary to our core values of respect, integrity, courage, selfless service, and compassion. Any willful breach of our values or participation in illegal activity by FDC staff will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and arrest.”
The Union County Sheriff’s Office said it could not provide a mugshot of Smith per Florida State Statutes 119.
Domestic violence resources
Free, confidential support is available 24/7 through Hubbard House’s Hotline at 904-354-3114 and Text line at 904-210-3698.
If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence or abuse, here’s a list of other resources available:
- The Florida Domestic Violence Hotline, which will direct you to the nearest shelter, is 1-800-500-1119.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE.
- The Micah’s Place (Nassau County) Domestic Violence Help Hotline is 904-225-9979.
- The Quigley House (Clay County) hotline is 904-284-0061.
- The Betty Griffin Center (St. Johns County) can be reached at 904-824-1555.