ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office corrections sergeant was arrested and fired after he was accused of sending a text message that included a photo of his injured arm to a woman, a violation of a protective injunction, according to his arrest report.
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The sheriff’s office said its Special Victims Unit (SVU) started investigating Sgt. Michael Clark, 54, on July 23.
According to the report, on July 24, a temporary injunction for protection against dating violence that a woman filed against Clark was granted with the stipulation he would not have contact with the woman.
The following day, Clark, of the corrections division, violated the injunction and was arrested by the SJSO Special Victims Unit, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to the arrest report, around 12:30 that day, Clark allegedly sent a text message that included a photo of his injured arm to the woman. He told investigators he sent the photo by accident.
The injunction specifically states, “Respondent shall have no contact with Petitioner. Respondent shall not directly or indirectly contact Petitioner in person, by mail, e-mail, fax, telephone, through another person, or in any other manner. Further, Respondent shall not contact or have any third-party contact with anyone connected with Petitioner’s employment or school to inquire about Petitioner or to send any messages to Petitioner.”
The SJSO Special Victims Unit took Clark into custody, and he was booked into the SJSO Detention Center before being transferred to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Clark has since bonded out with GPS monitoring.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office says it fired Clark following the alleged criminal act.
Clark led the reentry and outreach program at the sheriff’s office.
Clark worked to help people incarcerated in the detention center and provided them with the necessary support to successfully transition back into society.
Clark had worked for the sheriff’s office since 2006 and held several positions within the agency.
The sheriff’s office said no further details will be released, citing the sensitive and active nature of the investigation.
News4JAX contacted the alleged victim in the case, and she declined to comment.
We have also tried to reach the attorney for Clark but did not immediately hear back.
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.