CLAY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Clay County Sheriff's Office is holding a news conference Wednesday morning announcing several drug arrests and people they're looking for.

Thursday marks one year since Danny Palato was shot and killed by Clay County Sheriff's deputies. Now, his father, Fred, wants more information about what happened.

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook on Monday announced the rollout of the agency’s newest tool: drones.

No one was hit by gunfire Friday morning when a man accused of attempted murder fired shots at several Clay County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and at least one deputy returned fire in Green Cove Springs, authorities said.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 15-year-old Clay County boy.

News4JAX on Tuesday obtained an arrest report for now-former Clay County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Christopher Coldiron, who was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving under the influence Friday.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant Christopher Coldiron, who was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving under the influence Friday night, was fired on Monday, a spokesman confirmed to News4JAX.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is looking for answers after a woman was found dead Saturday evening inside a car parked at a Middleburg park.

A suspected multi-kilogram drug trafficking organization that brought fentanyl, cocaine and meth into Northeast Florida was disrupted when the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit got involved.

A jury on Thursday returned a verdict of not guilty on all seven counts against former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels. Since then, we have heard from many News4JAX Insiders.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office temporarily closed the Orange Park Mall Saturday evening due to “juvenile disturbances.”

Ahead of the new school year, Clay County officials on Monday laid out their plans to keep students safe and protect against mass shootings.

Clay County Sheriff's deputies and other law enforcement who lost their lives in the line of duty were remembered in a special memorial Thursday morning.

The Sheriff's Office shares photos of suspected Catalytic converter thefts

A 60-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested over the weekend in the shooting death of his wife.

A Palataka man shot by a Clay County Sheriff’s Office SWAT member Saturday night after holding a woman hostage in a Green Cove Springs gas station has a history of violence, past arrest records show.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that happened Saturday at a Green Cove Springs gas station in Clay County. The incident started with a hostage situation that shut down roads in the area for several hours, investigators said.

Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said Richard Lee Williams was last seen in the Campo Drive area of Keystone Heights around 5 p.m. Friday.

Police in Clay County found a 13-year-old who had been missing for several hours overnight Friday.

Officials are making safety improvements to an intersection where at least two children have recently been hit.

A new program inside the Clay County jail is helping military veterans who are now inmates get the skills they need to re-enter society.

A Middleburg woman faces a list of charges after authorities say they found several bags of drugs during intake at the Clay County jail.

The southbound lanes of Blanding Boulevard reopened to traffic late Thursday morning after a gas line break led authorities to close part of the roadway.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 39-year-old man wanted on a list of charges in Clay County is in custody following a high-speed chase that stretched from Florida into Georgia. Police tried unsuccessfully to halt the vehicle using a PIT maneuver on Lem Turner Road and then Smith hopped onto Interstate 95 North. AdIt wasn’t until the fourth PIT maneuver attempt — this time on I-95 in Georgia — that the chase came to a stop. (UNCUT BODYCAM: High-speed chase leads to arrest of Clay County man accused of sex crime)A Camden County K9 in pursuit of Smith quickly brought him down and he was taken to the hospital for treatment. Jail logs show he’s wanted in Clay County on warrants charging him with lewd molestation, child custody interference and tampering with a GPS monitor.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A man at the center of a SWAT standoff Sunday in Clay County was identified as the “sole suspect” in the killing of a woman in St. Johns County, authorities said Monday. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said it received a call Sunday morning from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office about a man, identified as Hopkins, who had driven a vehicle into a home in Fleming Island and barricaded himself inside. Based on the man’s statements, St. Johns County deputies responded to a home in the northwest part of St. Johns County to check on the welfare of a resident. Eventually, with the help of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, members of the Clay County SWAT team entered the home and found him dead. The Betty Griffin Center in St. Johns County can be reached at 904-824-1555The hotline number of Quigley House in Clay County is 904-284-0061.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The man who barricaded himself inside a Fleming Island home after crashing into its garage Sunday morning has taken his own life, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. She said the homeowner was out of state at the time of the incident but was returning to Clay County. AdIn St. Johns County, authorities say the death of a woman in the northwest part of the county early Sunday morning is believed to be related to the SWAT standoff Sunday in Clay County. @wjxt4 https://t.co/6FtnpzAqmd — Brittany Muller (@BrittMullerNews) March 7, 2021A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told News4Jax that the agency received a call around 8:30 a.m. Sunday from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to do a welfare check on a woman in the northwest part of St. Johns County. “We believe this to be a domestic violence incident and related to the active situation in Clay County,” the spokesperson said.

Clay County deputies want to speak with anyone who has information about Lynda Robertson and her truck that might help their investigation. Deputies on Tuesday released the identity of a woman whose body was found in Black Creek in hopes that the public can help with the investigation into her death. The woman, identified as Lynda Robertson, was found Feb. 22 by a kayaker in the North Fork of Black Creek, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office wants to know if anyone has information about Robertson or her white Ford pickup truck (pictured below) that could help with its investigation. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Det.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer could lose his job after he was arrested on accusations that he beat his girlfriend, a city spokeswoman confirmed Friday. The victim said Callahan, her boyfriend of six months, beat her up the night before, according to his arrest report. She told deputies he was drunk when she picked him up at home and he grew more intoxicated as they stopped at multiple bars that night. AdDeputies found blood on Callahan’s front door, which looked like it had been kicked in, according to the report. He told deputies the victim hit and cut herself and suggested that his injuries might have happened while defending himself.

Daniels, 55, is charged with three misdemeanor counts of false statements to law enforcement and a felony count of evidence tampering, according to the latest charging documents. The charges stem from an investigation into Daniels’ relationship with Cierra Smith, his long-time mistress and a former corrections officer who was a subordinate of Daniels while he was chief of the Duval County jail. Daniels accused Smith of stalking him in May 2019 and authorities say he tried unsuccessfully to have her arrested. Court documents show investigators suspect Daniels tried to tamper with, hide or destroy data on his agency-issued cellphone that were related to the investigation. Daniels is also accused of lying to a deputy about his relationship with Smith and about his efforts to get an injunction against her.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Formal charges were filed Wednesday against former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who was removed from office in August while under state investigation over an extramarital sex scandal. Daniels, 55, was defeated by Republican challenger Michelle Cook in the August primary following his arrest and subsequent suspension by Gov. The charges stem from an investigation into Daniels’ relationship with Cierra Smith, his long-time mistress and a former corrections officer who was a subordinate of Daniels while he was chief of the Duval County jail. Daniels accused Smith of stalking him in May 2019 and authorities say he tried unsuccessfully to have her arrested. Court documents show investigators suspect Daniels tried to tamper with, hide or destroy data on his agency-issued cellphone that were related to the investigation.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Shawn Lequin Braddy, the man who was sought by Clay County deputies in connection to a deadly shooting in Oakleaf, was shot and killed by police Tuesday in Maryland, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said a Montgomery County police officer was wounded by the suspect. “We ask that you keep the Montgomery County task force detectives in your prayers,” interim Chief Hector Velez, with Prince George’s County Police Department, said during a news conference. Marcus Jones, the Montgomery County police chief, said the officer was shot in the upper body. Family members identified the woman killed Monday in Clay County as Tiara McDaniels, 33.

OAKLEAF, Fla. – Clay County deputies are looking for a man in connection with a deadly shooting Monday in Oakleaf. In a statement, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said deputies believe Shawn Lequin Braddy was involved in a shooting Monday morning on Grayson Lane in the Oakleaf area. McDaniels’ family said she was at home with her children when the shooting happened. McDaniels had a child with Braddy and filed a domestic violence injunction against him in 2013. Resources availableIf you or someone you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence or abuse, these resources are also available:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 60-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested over the weekend in the shooting death of his wife. While detectives were working the investigation, they were notified that Cleon McQueen had surrendered to police at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office headquarters on Bay Street downtown. Cleon McQueen declined to speak with police without an attorney present. Deputies transported Cleon McQueen to the Clay County jail where he’s being held without bond. Ronda Redmond, Terrion McQueen’s sister, and Terrion McQueen’s grown son spoke with News4Jax on Monday about Cleon and Terrion McQueen’s relationship.

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. – Susan Mauldin, 65, was last seen alive or heard from on Oct. 23, 2019. One year after she disappeared, two pumpkins remain on the porch of Mauldin’s Fleming Island home -- a daily reminder to her neighbors and friends of her loss. “It’s very disappointing to think those pumpkins have been out there for a year," Joy Strickland said. TIMELINE: How detectives uncovered remains of Fleming Island womanTime hasn’t dulled the pain of Mauldin’s loss. “As time goes by, I am hoping that will disappear.”Flowers and a sign join pumpkins and evidence markers that have been at the entry to Susan Mauldin's Fleming Island home for the last year.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Domestic violence can affect anyone. “In a one-minute period of time, 20 people experience domestic violence,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, director of sexual assault services for Quigley House in Clay County. Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said no one is immune to domestic violence -- even her own family. Clay County took time Friday during Domestic Violence Awareness month to remind everyone that these aren’t just numbers, they’re family members and friends. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office’s free services are available at 904-529-4081, and the 24/7 Quigley House hotline is at 904-284-0061.

The disappearance of a historical marker has the Clay County Sheriff’s Office asking for the public’s help tracking it down as well as the people who stole it. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Fort San Fransisco De Pupo marker was taken from its location on Bayard Road west of the St. Johns River about two weeks ago. ⚠️COMMUNITY HELP:#CCSOFL is looking for the unknown person(s) who took a historical marker two weeks ago. Located just west of the St. John’s River on Bayard Road, the Fort San Francisco De Pupo marker has been in place since 2012 commemorating the historic site. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ANQaVxKQYI — Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL (@ccsofl) October 2, 2020Anyone with information about the location of the marker or those responsible for its disappearance is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office by calling 904-687-7340.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. Changes at the Clay County Sheriffs Office as former Sheriff Darryl Daniels has a court date over his arrest earlier this month. Daniels did not show up in court on Wednesday morning, instead, he had an attorney enter a plea of not guilty for him. Daniels attorney let the judge know the ousted Sheriff is pleading not guilty on the charges he lied to investigators following his arrest just days before the primary election for Sheriff. Following his arrest, Daniels put a video on the Sheriffs Offices YouTube page professing his innocence. Daniels has maintained his arrest was politically motivated and has not spoken publicly since releasing a statement from his campaign on election night.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Michelle Cook has defeated suspended Darryl Daniels in the Republican primary for sheriff of Clay County. Cook, a Clay County resident who worked at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for more than 20 years and most recently was chief of the Atlantic Beach Police Department, got 37% of the vote in a six-way race. Cook joined The Morning Show on Wednesday to discuss her Primary victory (press play below to watch):The race for Clay County sheriff had always promised lots of possibilities with five challengers lining up to unseat incumbent Daniels. “There’s a lot of drama,” Clay County voter Deirdre Martin said Tuesday. I told him who he might want to vote for.”All Clay County primary races

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Heading into last week, the race for Clay County sheriff already promised lots of possibilities with five challengers lining up to unseat Sheriff Darryl Daniels. RELATED: DeSantis names FDLE veteran as interim Clay County sheriff | Governor suspends DanielsWhile DeSantis has named a temporary replacement to lead the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in Daniels’ absence, all of these recent developments have people wondering what happens if Daniels wins Tuesday’s primary? RELATED: Woman at center of investigation says Daniels ‘should be held accountable’It’s worth mentioning that Daniels does not need a majority of the vote to win the primary on Tuesday. If Daniels wins, a few things will happen. Unless there’s a big development with Daniels’ legal fight, Chambless said, then the embattled sheriff would likely be sworn into office in January when the new term takes effect.

Ron DeSantis suspended embattled Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, arrested Thursday night on criminal charges stemming from a sex scandal investigation, the governor appointed Special Agent Matt Walsh of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as interim sheriff. He’s now got five months to make his mark in Clay County, when whoever wins the November election takes over in January. He is prohibited from receiving any pay or allowance and from any privileges of public office during the suspension. “I started thinking (the) Clay County sheriff has to kill a female, young female in her vehicle. King noted in his letter: “I do not know Sheriff Daniels, his politics, his opponents, nor for that matter any citizen in Clay County.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A day after Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels surrendered to law enforcement to face criminal charges stemming from a sex scandal investigation, Gov. He is prohibited from receiving any pay or allowance and from any privileges of public office during the suspension. RELATED: Making sense of the charges against Clay County Sheriff Darryl DanielsThe Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed an internal investigation last year into a corrections officer, Cierra Smith, who had been Daniels’ mistress while he was her supervisor. News4Jax on Friday spoke with Rep. John Rutherford, R-Florida, a former Jacksonville sheriff who worked with Daniels during his time at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. King noted in his letter: “I do not know Sheriff Daniels, his politics, his opponents, nor for that matter any citizen in Clay County.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A day after Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels surrendered to law enforcement to face criminal charges stemming from a sex scandal investigation, newly released court documents are shedding light on the allegations against him. Through his attorney and a video statement posted on social media Thursday, the sheriff has maintained his innocence. In the video clip, the sheriff questioned the timing of the criminal charges, calling it “very suspicious.”RELATED: Facing 4 charges, Sheriff Daniels turns himself in | Why bring charges during an election? While deputies placed Smith in handcuffs, no criminal charges were filed against her. RELATED: Sheriff Daniels accuses corrections officer of stalking him | Sheriff Daniels’ ex-lover: What I did was wrongAttorney Latoya Williams-Shelton, who represents Smith, said her client was licensed to carry a concealed firearm.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The special prosecutor handling the criminal case against Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels pushed back Friday against the suggestion that he gave Daniels a choice to either resign and cancel his reelection bid or be arrested, saying there is no truth to that claim. His attorney said Daniels has no plans to step down and will continue to seek reelection. I do not know Sheriff Daniels, his politics, his opponents, nor for that matter any citizen in Clay County. Under the terms of the deal offered by King, Daniels would have been required to resign, withdraw his bid for reelection, forfeit his law enforcement certificate and never run for sheriff in Florida again. As part of that deal, the prosecutor would have agreed not to pursue the criminal case against Daniels.

Ron DeSantis has appointed a Central Florida state attorney as a special prosecutor to take over the investigation of Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels. She began a relationship with Daniels when she worked for him when they were both at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the affair continued after he was elected sheriff. A Clay County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told News4Jax earlier in the month that Daniels has no comment at this time. Daniels has been the subject of a state investigation into allegations of official misconduct since last year. At the time, an FDLE spokesperson acknowledged the state was initially provided information by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Daniels’ former employer and had since received additional information.

One-term Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has drawn five opponents in the August Republican Primary: Ben Carroll, Michelle Cook, Harold Rutledge, Mike Taylor and Catherine Webb are all Republicans. I am retired from the Clay County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff must assure that dealing drugs in Clay County is as difficult as possible. I have the integrity, experience, and leadership to lead the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Clay County records show Bourrie is a registered Republican and his presence in the race keeps the primary closed to only Republicans.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – State Attorney Melissa Nelson is recusing herself from the investigation into Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who’s been under scrutiny from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for more than a year. A Clay County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told News4Jax Thursday afternoon that Daniels has no comment at this time. “I’m still committed to the job that we do in Clay County,” the sheriff said at the time. Daniels has been the subject of a state investigation into allegations of official misconduct since last year. At the time, an FDLE spokesperson acknowledged the state was initially provided information by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Daniels’ former employer, and had since received additional information.

Clay County Sheriff's Office asks for citizens' help with how law enforcement can make Americans feel saferPublished: June 25, 2020, 11:27 pmOne of the people attending asked whether chokeholds are illegal in Clay County, Sheriff Daniels assured them they are illegal.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office opened a discussion Thursday night, reaching out for help from citizens to brainstorm on how law enforcement can help Americans feel safer. One woman who spoke during the meeting shared what she said happened when her daughter was pulled over. Social distancing in small groups, people shared their ideas about how law enforcement and the community can work together. The event, called Talking for a Change, which was moderated by News4Jax anchor Kent Justice, was organized by the Sheriffs Office. "With the police being here tonight, with the community coming out and talking to them, that's the first step," Miller said.

A man in New York was arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of three minors throughout the country, after an investigation started by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. — Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL (@ccsofl) June 15, 2020The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York released information about the arrest that utilized the Department of Homeland Security, the Putnam County sheriff’s Office and the Longview Police Department in Longview, Texas. Utilizing the Snapchat name “Ian_Jameson,” Weiss communicated online with three different 13-year-olds, asking each to send him explicit photos. One of the victims was allegedly from Clay County, according to authorities with the Department of Homeland Security. News4Jax has also learned of a Jacksonville man charged after allegedly meeting a 14-year-old girl on Snapchat and then meeting her for sex.

Clay County deputies on Thursday arrested a Navy sailor accused of sexually battering a minor. Bradley Jonas, 19, of Middleburg, was arrested on a warrant charging him with sexual battery on a victim older than 12 and younger than 18, according to a copy of his arrest report. Instead, he was taken into custody shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Fleming Island, according to the report. An arrest warrant for Jonas was heavily redacted. Jonas remains in custody at the Duval County jail on $100,000 bond.

OAKLEAF, Fla. Its a moment an Oakleaf man wont soon forget: how a Clay County deputy answering a call about his home security alarm wound up putting a smile on his sons face. Deputy Ryan Perry was called to Jarvis Smiths home Friday after getting an alert from the familys security company that there was an alarm going off at the Smith residence. I was rushing into the house and I cut the alarm off, Smith, a father of three, said. Deputy Ryan was pulling up and I was wondering why the sheriff was in the neighborhood. So, how do we change that to become from a negative thing to a positive thing?Smiths son, Jordan, put it more simply.

CLAY COUNTY – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help to locate two people of interest in reference to criminal activity at a BP gas station. The gas station is located in the Middleburg area of Clay County at 2449 Blanding Boulevard, deputies said. If anyone has information regarding the persons of interest, contact 904-529-5900.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – While the coronavirus pandemic is keeping loved ones apart and restaurants, businesses shuttered indefinitely, many have found the mundane has become a bit more meaningful. Take for example what happened to Lt. Gaden of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office while on traffic duty. Traffic, the issue at hand for Lt. Gaden, was lite thanks to state and local stay-at-home orders. It is very important to see (birds-eye view) beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, but actually seeing" Lt. Gaden, Clay County Sheriff's OfficeThe Sheriff’s Office posted about what happened on Twitter and Facebook.

Mauldin’s friend reported the Fleming Island woman missing Oct. 25 after knocks at her door and several phone calls went unanswered, according to court records. READ | Sources: Missing Clay County woman’s remains found in landfill search | FBI searching landfill in connection with Clay County woman’s disappearanceBinderim was labeled a person of interest in November after leaving the area without explanation. Acquaintances told detectives Mauldin had paid Binderim $12,000 to remodel her bathroom, but he did not finish the job. Speaking with detectives, Binderim said Mauldin hired him for a remodeling job but claimed it was only for $1,200 worth of work. Binderim, who pleaded guilty last week in an unrelated forgery case, was moved Tuesday to the Clay County jail.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. – A child pornography video clip uploaded to Facebook recently led to the arrest of a Clay County man who works for ADT Security Services, authorities said. Chet Silvester Harris, Jr., 30, of Orange Park, was booked Thursday into the Clay County jail on two counts of possession of child pornography and a count of transmission of pornography by electronic device, jail records show. The charges stem from an internet sex crimes investigation that began in December, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. According to Harris’ arrest report, the investigation uncovered a video clip depicting sexual abuse of a child that was uploaded to Facebook from somewhere in Clay County. According to the report, Harris is employed by ADT Security Services, a company that provides surveillance camera services to businesses and individuals.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Sheriff Darryl Daniels on Wednesday laid out the budget for fighting crime in Clay County and where there are still needs at his agency. In a video posted on the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Daniels outlined his first-quarter budget. Daniels said the Sheriff’s Office is still understaffed by 46 positions, around 80% of which are civilian employees. Clay County Commissioner Gavin Rollins told News4Jax last month that the Board of County Commissioners eventually agreed to an increase of about $4 million. “We did give them one of the largest budget increases in Clay County history," Rollins said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Remains that were recovered from a Georgia landfill have been identified as those of a missing Fleming Island woman, and a contractor she once hired has been charged with her murder, investigators revealed Saturday. Human remains were discovered on the ninth day of the search,” said Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels. READ: Sources: Missing Clay County woman’s remains found in landfill search | FBI searching landfill in connection with Clay County woman’s disappearanceAccording to Rachel Rojas, the FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in charge, 213 personnel members were called throughout the week to assist. On the ninth day, investigators found what appeared to be a portion of a skull. TIMELINE: How detectives uncovered remains of missing Fleming Island woman“We know how difficult this news is to Ms. Mauldin’s friends and neighbors.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The remains of Susan Mauldin, a 65-year-old Fleming Island woman who’s been missing since October, were found during a search of a Georgia landfill, sources confirmed to News4Jax. On Friday, the FBI announced that the extensive search “yielded several items of interest” in the investigation into Mauldin’s disappearance. An FBI spokesperson said those items are now undergoing testing but did not confirm that Mauldin’s remains had been found. Investigators from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office and FBI began searching the landfill Jan. 21. It’s also where Clay County Sheriff’s Office detectives found the body of 7-year-old Somer Thompson in 2009.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. – The driver cited in the 2018 crash that killed a Clay County deputy was found guilty Friday after pleading no contest to a traffic infraction. Schioppa was cited last August, nearly one year after the Aug. 19, 2018, collision in Orange Park. The deputy was taken to Orange Park Medical Center with critical injuries, but he did not survive. Schioppa originally entered a plea of not guilty in the case, but he changed his plea on Friday. Pleading no contest does not mean the driver admits guilt, but rather that the plea is in his best interest.

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. – Detectives have identified a contractor as a person of interest in the disappearance of a Fleming Island woman who hasn’t been seen in almost a month. On Tuesday, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said investigators believe Corey Binderim has information related to the case of 65-year-old Susan Mauldin, who was reported missing from her Harbor Island home Oct. 24. Mauldin determined she didn’t want to work with him anymore and requested her money back,” Fryer said. Fryer said there’s no reason to believe that Mauldin would have wandered off on her own or that she planned to leave town. Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Mauldin or Binderim is asked to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. - The Clay County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation in the Tanglewood area. According to the Sheriff's Office, detectives are responding to a scene near the intersection of Blanding and Tanglewood Boulevards. Details surrounding the investigation are unclear. News4Jax is working to obtain more information. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

BRADFORD COUNTY Fla. - Deputies with the Bradford County Sheriff's Office have busted what Sheriff Gordon Smith called a "crack haven." The Clay County Sheriff's Office also helped in the operation. The sheriff personally delivered a letter to that house Friday saying its a nuisance and that deputies wont tolerate drugs there. Sheriff Gordon Smith in a Facebook video posted on the Bradford County Sheriff's Office page personally issued Suit a letter declaring the house a neighborhood nuisance. Clay County Fire Rescue was called to clear the scene due to the presence of the chemicals.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - A man was arrested and 325 grams of methamphetamine were discovered Thursday when the Clay County Sheriff's Office raided a home in the Clay Hill community near Middleburg, authorities said. On Thursday morning, Clay County deputies and a SWAT team served search and arrest warrants at the home on County Road 218 West near Long Horn Road as part of an ongoing investigation, according to the Sheriff's Office. The SWAT team used armored vehicles because deputies said it was a high-risk warrant. During a search of the home, according to the Sheriff's Office, 325 grams -- about half a pound -- of methamphetamine were seized. Deputies told News4Jax earlier this month that various neighborhood walks conducted by the Sheriff's Office have led to drug raids in recent months.

A man was arrested and 325 grams of methamphetamine were discovered Thursday when the Clay County Sheriff's Office raided a home in the Clay Hill community near Middleburg, authorities said. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. - The Clay County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating Susan Mauldin. The agency shared her picture in a tweet. The Sheriff's Office says Mauldin was last seen in the Eagles Harbor area in Fleming Island. The Sheriff's Office doesn't believe she's in any danger, but want to contact her to check on her well-being. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Jacksonville man was arrested after a large amount of crystal meth was found in his mail, according to the Clay County Sheriffs Office. Records with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office show Marty Wayne Povlitzki, 41, faces charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Povlitzkis longtime girlfriend, Jessica Henke, is also facing drug charges, including possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use. According to investigators, the United States Postal Inspection Service discovered a package suspected to contain a large amount of crystal meth in early October. Investigators seized one pound of crystal meth, crack cocaine and other drug paraphernalia, including glass pipes and syringes.

A Jacksonville man was arrested after a large amount of crystal meth was found in his mail, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Various neighborhood walks conducted by the Clay County Sheriff's Office have led to drug raids in recent months. Smith said the walks through various Clay County communities have led to a larger crackdown on narcotics. Each time a home was raided, the Sheriffs Office left a sign reading, You had options, on the property. "Sheriff (Darryl) Daniels has a strong zero tolerance for drugs and narcotics," Smith said. The walks have become so valuable that the Sheriffs Office shifted from doing them monthly to almost weekly.

Various neighborhood walks conducted by the Clay County Sheriff's Office have led to drug raids in recent months. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - The Clay County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man wanted for assault. Deputies are looking for Cainan James Thomas, who was last seen on foot headed toward the Armstrong Park area near County Road 220, deputies said. Cainan was wearing a gray tank top and black shorts, deputies said. Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is asked to call 904-264-6512. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office had some fun on Monday morning. A post from the CCSO Facebook page wanted to know if anyone was getting ripped off by their drug dealer. "Just Asking: Anyone get ripped off by their drug dealer and want to report them? #CCSOFL"We are sure this was a fun joke, but we will see if anyone calls! Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - A dancer at Wacko's was arrested Friday in connection with a fight that led to shots fired in Clay County, authorities said. With help from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Mooring was taken into custody Friday at Wacko's Jacksonville, where she was employed as a dancer, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said. News4Jax reported Friday that several employees at Wacko's Jacksonville were escorted in handcuffs by officers out of the club on Emerson Street. A Clay County Sheriff's Office spokesman told News4Jax that detectives noticed Mooring's car parked outside Wacko's Friday and it was just a coincidence that she was arrested during the same time frame as the raid. Mooring was booked Friday into the Clay County jail, where she remained on $750,000 bond as of Wednesday, according to online jail records.

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. - More than an ounce of marijuana laced with the deadly synthetic narcotic fentanyl was among the drugs seized Friday morning after the traffic stop in Middleburg, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. According to the report, 28.7 grams -- just over 1 ounce -- of a green leafy substance tested positive for fentanyl. Rosier (pictured, right) was arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia and booked into the Clay County Jail. "But, for the most part, if a person knows it's laced, they're not going to buy, it particularly if they know it's laced with fentanyl." This traffic stop follows a series of raids last week by the Clay County Sheriff's Office of suspected meth houses in the Middleburg area.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Deputies have made 10 busts in Clay County in less than two months, according to the Sheriff's Office. A Clay County Sheriff's Office spokesperson told News4Jax on Friday that 10 search warrants, which were all drug-related, have been served since Aug. 9. And by the time we get done, there will be no options for them to buy drugs in Clay County," said Lt. Scott Moreland, with the Sheriff's Office. Clay County jail records show Dale Holland, 38, and Lucas Jewett, 30, were arrested on Blue Knoll Road. Charles McMillan, 40, and Keri Ann Oliver, 41, were booked into the Clay County jail, each on a charge of child neglect, according to online jail records.

911 operator: Clay County 911. 911 operator: And you said it was a male? 911 operator: You said they're hiding where? LISTEN: Callers report shooting at football gameAnother person called 911 after hearing from her daughter, who was at the school. 911 operator: We've got multiple units on it.

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. - Three people were arrested Thursday after deputies raided a Middleburg home, which led to an investigation at another home nearby, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office posted on social media that deputies made arrests on drug and child neglect charges at the house, and Stivers told News4Jax that one of the people arrested was a father of the 10-year-old. Charles McMillan, 40, and Keri Ann Oliver, 41, were booked into the Clay County jail, each on a charge of child neglect, according to online jail records. A Sheriff's Office spokesperson said deputies have made six major drug busts within the last few weeks. Clay County Sheriff's Office Photo: Clay County Sheriff's OfficeCopyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. - Starting soon, getting your stolen car back in Clay County might get a lot easier. The Clay County Sheriff's Office is launching a new voluntary program, called Combat Auto Theft (or CAT), which gives deputies permission to pull over your vehicle during the early morning hours. PRINTABLE FORMS: Apply for the CAT program | Withdraw from the CAT programIf a deputy sees the yellow sticker, they can pull that vehicle over without cause. Interestingly, included in the application for the program is a disclaimer that drivers could be subject to other violations should a deputy pull them over. To learn more, visit the Clay County Sheriff's Office website.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - A 79-year-old woman was found dead Wednesday afternoon in a home filled with carbon monoxide, according to a Clay County spokeswoman. Fire-Rescue, hazmat and the Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to an odor of gas at a home on Creek Hollow Lane near Middleburg, the Sheriff's Office tweeted at 2:42 p.m. The county spokeswoman told News4Jax that the gas was carbon monoxide, which has been vented by firefighters. There was no immediate word on the cause of the woman's death, but the Sheriff's Office told News4Jax on Thursday that detectives found a car running in the garage. Based on initial indications, there are no signs of foul play, the spokeswoman said.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Clay County's hazmat team was called Wednesday afternoon to Wilkinson Junior High School to investigate a powder that turned out to be flour, authorities said. The Clay County Sheriff's Office tweeted at 1:28 p.m. that deputies and Clay County Fire-Rescue responded to the school on County Road 218 for precautionary measures. All students are safe and there wasn't anything that put students or staff in danger," the tweet reads. The Sheriff's Office later told News4Jax that it learned a student brought a balloon to school and, for unknown reasons, it popped and spread white powder, which turned out to be flour. A spokeswoman for Clay County District Schools confirmed that after multiple tests, the substance came back as flour.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - An Orange Park man is facing federal charges of advertising child pornography for sale over the internet. According to the federal complaint, the FBI in Boston received information in February that someone was using a social media site to distribute child pornography online. That individual was arrested, and agents identified another user, imsoofreakyy, who was offering child pornography for sale on the internet. Clay County detectives identified that individual as Woody. Woody was initially arrested in Clay County on a charge of possession of child pornography.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - The Clay County Sheriff's Office has a new crime fighter on duty, but he is not your typical deputy. K9 Ty is a 2-year-old yellow lab specially trained to detect the scent of electronics that have been hidden from investigators. The Clay County Sheriff's Office is thrilled to have Ty on its staff, especially since Ty is the only ESDC of his kind in North Florida and South Georgia. He was purchased by the Department of Homeland Security office in Jacksonville for the Clay County Sheriff's Office through a federal grant. "Any tool we can use that will help find electronic devices that these persons are using to exploit our children is a major plus," said Ford.

VIDEO: The Clay County Sheriff's Office has a new crime fighter on duty, but he is not your typical deputy. This one has four legs and uses his nose to find what his human partners cannot. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

When Alachua County deputies arrived, the Sheriff's Office said, the accused burglar jumped into a white, four-door sedan. Deputies said that as he was approaching the Bradford County line, they dispatched a be on the lookout to all responding deputies, but because the driver was not a violent offender, Bradford County deputies said they called off the pursuit. The Clay County Sheriff's Office was also dispatched for assistance. Clay County deputies said that when they arrived, the driver had already run off after driving more than 30 miles through three Florida counties. At last check, according to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, no arrests had been made.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - A man, believed to be in his 30s, was found dead Wednesday morning at an apartment complex, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said. Neighbors found the man's body Wednesday morning in a grassy area between two buildings at the Bluff House apartment complex on Wells Road, west of Blanding Boulevard and the Orange Park Mall. Detectives were on scene at the apartment complex for several hours, speaking with neighbors and walking around the property in hopes of learning what exactly led to the man's death. The Sheriff's Office was still working to notify the man's family and pinpoint how he died. With few answers at this point, Gano questions whether she even wants to continue to living in the complex.

VIDEO: A man, believed to be in his 30s, was found dead at an apartment complex, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Abduction charges could be filed in the disappearance of a Clay County child who was at the center of an Amber Alert, authorities said. The 10-year-old boy was found safe about 9 p.m. Thursday in Jacksonville after he had disappeared six hours earlier on his way home from Argyle Elementary School, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office said video recorded about 2:50 p.m. showed the boy leaving school property on his red scooter with friends. "He is safe," said Sheriff's Office Chief of Detectives Patrick Golemee. "The people involved in this matter are being questioned, and we're looking forward to placing some charges on them."

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - A missing teen who was considered endangered has been found safe, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said Thursday. Deputies thanked everyone who provided information that helped them locate the 15-year-old. News4Jax has removed his name and photo from this article because he is a minor and is no longer in danger. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. - A sinkhole measuring 60 feet in diameter opened up overnight near a stretch of Auburn Avenue between Princeton and Notre Dame streets in Keystone Heights, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said Wednesday that they are closely monitoring the sinkhole, which is within feet of a home. The sinkhole is located on private property, but firefighters are trying to keep people away because they fear it could be growing. By Tuesday, a well-drilling truck that was left parked in the yard started sinking into the ground. https://t.co/fTN2ZSKFrU Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL (@ccsofl) August 21, 2019Between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to neighbors, the diameter of the sinkhole grew to 60 feet.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office honored its fallen deputy, who died after a crash one year ago. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Deputies are searching for a missing woman who should be considered armed and potentially dangerous, the Clay County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday night. Dawn Macleod, who has ties to the Keystone Heights area, is "possibly a danger to herself and others," deputies said. Deputies said she may be traveling to the Ocala area and may be driving a 2005 gray/silver Honda SUV with Florida license plate LNBD55. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to not approach her and call 911 or 904-264-6512. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. - The Clay County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday afternoon it has located a girl who was missing overnight from the area of Reed Drive in Keystone Heights. The Sheriff's Office said the girl was safe and detectives were speaking with her. The girl's age and the circumstances of her disappearance were never given. "Thank you to everyone who helped bring this search to a close," CCSO Public Information Officer Laura Shassberger wrote at 1:30 p.m. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

VIDEO: As the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned of copycat threats following two deadly mass shootings, the Clay County Sheriff's Office happened to be training school guardians for active... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - As the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned of copycat threats following two deadly mass shootings over the weekend, the Clay County Sheriff's Office happened to be training school guardians for active shooter scenarios. The FBI told its field offices in Jacksonville and across the country that it's concerned about people mimicking the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Because we want to stop the killing immediately.The training was not a response to this weekend's deadly shooting, but the countless mass shootings before it. The Sheriff's Office offers active shooter training for community groups and churches. The Sheriff's Office said it does these trainings frequently and anyone interested in participating should contact the agency.

A SWAT team and negotiators are on the scene at a home in Middleburg around Mackenize Court North. According to the Clay County Sheriff's Office, no crime has occurred. The response is in regards to a person who has impaired mental faculties. Deputies are on the scene, and the area is being closed off as needed. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. - A 27-year-old Middleburg man is accused of sexually touching a girl under the age of 12 sexually and forcing her to sexually touch him, according to a Clay County Sheriff's Office arrest report. After the victim was interviewed by detectives and the Florida Department of Children and Families was notified, three controlled phone calls were placed with Cody Durning, with law enforcement officials listening in. While the contents of those calls were redacted from the arrest report, deputies arrested Burning the day after the third call was placed. Durning is being held without bond in the Clay County Jail. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Three Clay County Sheriff's Office corrections deputies have been fired after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct, the agency announced Thursday. Deputy Austin Hatcher, Deputy Marcus Beard and Deputy Kory Clarida were at the center of a criminal investigation that began Aug. 5, 2018. That investigation led to the three deputies being terminated from their employment with the agency. The Clay County Sheriffs Office has a duty to provide humane treatment of inmates who are housed in the jail," Sheriff Darryl Daniels said. A mother of one of the deputies contacted News4Jax, saying her son was fired unjustly and it stemmed from false accusations and hearsay by inmates."

Three Clay County Sheriff's Office corrections deputies have been fired after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct, the agency announced Thursday.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - The Clay County Sheriff's Office has got the moves! Deputies put on their cowboy hats and danced to the viral song "The Git Up" by Blanco Brown. They performed the dance moves that go along with the song, two-stepping their hearts out. CCSO posted the video to its social media platforms on Wednesday after teasing its release the day before. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - The Clay County Sheriff's Office is searching for a registered sexual predator. Kurt Eric Helmich, 48, who has an arrest warrant from Jacksonville, was living in Keystone Heights as of June 19. Helmich is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing around 130 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. State records show Helmich was convicted of four separate sex crimes between 2014 and 2016 -- two in Clay County and two in Duval County. Anyone who sees Helmich is asked to call 904-264-6512 or leave a crime tip with First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. - A bicyclist was struck and killed by a vehicle early Wednesday afternoon in Middleburg, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers identified the bicyclist as Sivalingam Kumaravailu, 69, of Middleburg. Troopers said the driver of the SUV -- an 80-year-old Middleburg woman -- then made a right turn onto C.R. The Highway Patrol report noted the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. At this point, charges are pending, according to the Highway Patrol.