DARRYL DANIELS

On Thursday, the Clay County Supervisor of Elections announced that former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has filed again to run for the position in 2024, presumably against current Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook.

Following last Thursday’s acquittal of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels we’re looking into whether he has a viable path to re-enter politics. This comes after Daniels released a statement following his acquittal and statement that he is the victim of a political witch hunt.

Sheriff Darryl Daniels released a statement on Friday, hours after a jury found him not guilty on charges of tampering with evidence, attempted destruction of evidence and five counts of lying to law enforcement.

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.

A jury on Thursday returned a verdict of not guilty on all seven counts in the trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, after prosecutors rested their case, and in a surprise move, Daniels’ defense team also rested -- without calling any witnesses.

The jury in the trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels heard more testimony Wednesday detailing his relationship with his now-former mistress through explicit text messages that were read aloud in court.

The trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels is underway.

After opening statements and testimony from the first few witnesses Tuesday, it’s clear credibility will be an ongoing theme in the trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels.

Six jurors were selected Monday in the trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who faces a list of charges linked to an investigation into an affair between him and a former corrections officer.

Jury selection in the trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels is slated to begin Monday.

Darryl Daniels will get his day in court. The trial of the former Clay County sheriff will begin with jury selection in less than two weeks.

News4JAX looks back at how Florida governors have handled sheriff appointments in the recent past.

The trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has been postponed again.

The former Clay County Sheriff caught in the middle of a sex scandal with one of his subordinates is facing new criminal charges.

The trial for former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has been delayed until next year.

Former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who’s facing charges including tampering with evidence and giving false information to law enforcement, could go to trial in December.

A mound of evidence that will be used in the case against former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels was released Tuesday.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Court documents filed last week revealed that embattled former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels had senior staff solicit hefty campaign donations from members of the Sheriff’s Office as he ran for reelection last year. He also asked a Sheriff’s Office chief to help him fundraise within the department, according to the documents. Daniels then told Smith “I’m not leaving your side,” and said he would help her with her JSO case, documents show. She was taken to the sheriff’s office but released when senior staff refused to put her in jail. A day after Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels surrendered to law enforcement to face criminal charges stemming from a sex scandal investigation, Gov.

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.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – There’s a new chief of police in Atlantic Beach. On Monday, Mayor Ellen Glasser and the Atlantic Beach City Commission confirmed City Manager Shane Corbin’s recommendation to appoint Victor Gualillo as police chief. Gualillo, a 29-year veteran with the Atlantic Beach Police Department who has led the department temporarily on three separate occasions, takes over for former Chief of Police Michelle Cook. She won that election last month when she defeated incumbent Darryl Daniels and a write-in candidate withdrew his candidacy. Cook was sworn in Sept. 1 to replace Daniels, who was suspended by Gov.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. In order to give her a head start leading the agency, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday appointed former Atlantic Beach Police Chief Michelle Cook as the next Clay County Sheriff. MORE | Write-in dropout secures Michelle Cook seat as Clay County sheriff-electIts an honor for me as governor to appoint somebody who was elected anyways but gets a head start on this term. And so finishing out 2020 strong for the people of Clay County, DeSantis said. Cook assured Clay County residents they will be safe.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A woman who accused a Clay County deputy of trying to coerce sex out of her and then sexually assaulting her in 2016 filed a civil rights lawsuit against him this year, News4Jax has learned. The woman said Deputy Eliseo Adams, who has since resigned from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, arrested her on a shoplifting charge at a Walmart on Blanding Boulevard in January 2016. Now the woman is seeking damages in a lawsuit against Adams, which also names suspended Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels. In this case, Daniels did not become sheriff of Clay County until November 2016, seven months after the IA investigation into the assault allegation was completed. But Daniels was head of the department in January of this year when the civil rights lawsuit was filed in Clay County court.

Daniels pleads not guilty as shakeups continue at Clay County Sheriff’s OfficePublished: August 26, 2020, 6:37 pmDaniels 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.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – An attorney for suspended Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels formally entered not guilty pleas on his behalf Wednesday morning at a scheduled arraignment. DeSantis suspends Clay County Sheriff Darryl DanielsGov. Under his suspension, Daniels is prohibited from performing any official duty or function of public office. He’s also prohibited from receiving any pay or allowance from any privileges of public office. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office told News4Jax, “The video was removed at the discretion of the Sheriff’s Administration.”Several other videos of Daniels have not been removed.

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.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County Undersheriff Ray Walden has left the department, the day after suspended Sheriff Darryl Daniels was defeated in his bid for reelection. The Sheriff’s Office said Director of Services Ricky Wright will take over as interim undersheriff. Ron DeSantis after he surrendered to law enforcement to face criminal charges stemming from a sex scandal investigation. Michelle Cook defeated the embattled sheriff in the Republican primary for sheriff of Clay County on Tuesday. According to the agency’s website, Walden is a 31-year law enforcement veteran who held senior-level positions with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. Michelle Cook is now Clay Countys sheriff-elect, but that wasnt the case in the hours just after the election. On Wednesday, the write-in candidate -- Frank Bourrie -- withdrew from the race with a handwritten note, securing Cook as sheriff-elect. Its designed to wipe out the write-in loophole when it comes to statewide elections. Darryl Daniels has been suspended as the Clay County sheriff since he faces charges and was arrested less than a week ago. On a side note, there was a write-in candidate in the superintendent of schools race in Clay County.

The likely successors to St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar and Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels the voters selected in the primary wont officially take office until January, but they are already outlining their policing agendas. Michelle Cook, who defeated incumbent Darryl Daniels to win the Clay County primary, and Rob Hardwick, who easily won the seat Sheriff David Shoar is vacating in St. Johns County, are both Republicans. Cook, a Clay County native, brings decades of experience as a Jacksonville police officer and Atlantic Beach police chief to the Clay County Sheriffs Office. And transparency is just an everyday philosophy.She said she wants to focus on making Clay County a place where families want to live and businesses want to invest. ... As long as we can work together, there is nothing St. Johns County cant handle together.Hardwick said he wants to hire more deputies and add more technology as well as grow the departments bond with the community.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. A big question on the minds of parents in Clay County is the safety of students following the election of a new sheriff and the acting school superintendent winning the Republican primary. A public feud between Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who has been plagued by scandal and was suspended five days before Tuesdays primary, and former Clay County School Superintendent Addison Davis, who left to become school superintendent in Hillsborough County, led to the creation last year of the Clay County District Schools Police Department. The school police force is led by Chief Kenneth Wagner, whos a former law enforcement officer with more than 20 years of experience. Parents reported, we dispatched 19 Clay County school police officers to search for the individual, as well as working with the Clay County sheriffs department, and were blessed that individual was found, Broskie said. The decision to keep the school police force ultimately lies in the hands of the Clay County School Board, which takes up the issue annually.

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

Cammack’s 25% of the vote propels her into the general election to face Democrat Adam Christensen, who narrowly prevailed in his three-way primary. “I am so honored to have earned the trust and support of the voters,” Cammack said in a statement Tuesday night. He will face Republican Gary Adler, who won that primary, in November. In District 6, which includes southern St. Johns and all of Flagler and Volusia counties, Clint Curtis narrowly won a Democratic primary. He will face incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Daytona, who drew no primary opponent.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. In a summary of its investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement lays out how it followed a cellphone trail to suspended Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels. A 50-page document released by FDLE reveals explicit details on why Daniels is facing criminal charges. On Monday, Walsh addressed the residents of Clay County. RELATED: What happens if Sheriff Daniels wins re-election? In its report, the FDLE writes about a forensic examination for Sheriff Daniels CCSO-issued cellphone.

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.

Clay County sheriff’s texts to Armeshia Johnson turned into yearlong FDLE probeIf you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

A woman at the center of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s investigation into Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels said she never thought she would be involved in all of this. According to FDLE, Daniels sent harassing text messages to Armeshia Johnson and illegally used a law enforcement database to track down her personal information. She said she knew of her boyfriend’s past — that his ex-wife is Smith — and she knew Daniels’ name. At one point, Johnson said, Daniels sent her a Facebook message saying, “Happy birthday sexy booty.”“It caught me by surprise,” Johnson said. I know it’s me.”Johnson said Daniels also sent text messages, asking to meet up with her in Texas.

News4Jax analyzes dozens of documents concerning the arrest of Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

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.

Making sense of the charges against Clay County Sheriff Darryl DanielsPublished: August 14, 2020, 6:50 pmA 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.

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.

Many don’t believe it was a coincidence that it happened so close to election day. If you are Brad King, (the special prosecutor) appointed by the governor, why aren’t you having that conversation with the governor? “Let the governor exercise his constitutional right to remove a sheriff if the evidence is that strong. Make your prosecutorial decisions; make your decisions as a governor -- but mingling the two in the middle of an election is a rather unusual combination,” Falgatter said. And of course, if he loses the election, they don’t need to make that threat.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels arrest doesnt stop an election from taking place, though it comes just days before Floridas primary. The decision of Clay County voters may have gotten harder Thursday, or clearer, depending on the perspective. RELATED: Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels turns himself in, faces 4 chargesWell, I think its a shame that this investigation went on so long. The fact that it happened in Clay County, was the highest ranking law enforcement officer in Clay County, to me, it just makes it doubly sad.About half of the voting in Clay County has already occurred, Taylor said. As a resident like you, I ask that you keep Clay County strong, and I will do the same.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels turned himself in to authorities on Thursday after being given an ultimatum by a special prosecutor to either resign or be arrested. Sheriff Daniels was accused of abusing his power, involving a subordinate he was having a romantic relationship with. On May 6, 2019, Daniels filed a stalking report against Jacksonville corrections officer Cierra Smith -- accusing her of following him in her personal vehicle in the Oakleaf Plantation area. Smith filed a report with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, but would show up at a community event, following Daniels when he left. Though Sheriff Daniels wife walked by his side, hand-in-hand during an interview with News4Jax at the Jacksonville International Airport in May, his wife would file for divorce about two months later, at the end of July.

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.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. Cierra Smith, the woman at the center of the official misconduct complaint against Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, is planning to sue the embattled lawman, according to her attorney. Daniels accused Smith of stalking him with a gun near his Oakleaf Plantation home in May 2019. Smith said she was 21-years-old when she began to have an affair with Daniels. As far as Im concerned, what he does in moving forward is his prerogative, she said Friday morning. The thought process is that if they are going to proceed with criminal charges, we are going to proceed civilly as well.

Sheriff Darryl Daniels has been given until end of the day to resign or be arrestedPublished: August 13, 2020, 6:47 pmDaniels has been under investigation for more than a year about a potential abuse of power, involving an incident with a woman he had a romantic relationship with.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – After an investigation that went on for over a year, charges were filed against Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels on Thursday and he surrendered to authorities. Daniels’ attorney Matt Kachergus said his client does not plan on resigning his position and still plans to seek reelection. 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. Daniels is currently up for reelection in Clay County. DOCUMENTS: Arrest warrant | Arrest reportRELATED: Darryl Daniels’ political opponents sound off after Clay County sheriff’s arrestGov.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On this edition of This Week in Jacksonville, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses his hopes for the Sunshine State. Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels talks about his desire to be re-elected. And Clay County Commissioner Mike Cella breaks down the many races on the ballot for county voters.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. Seven early voting locations will open in Clay County at 8 a.m. Thursday for people to cast ballots in the Florida Primary. VOTERS GUIDE: The candidates who want your voteFour countywide races are on the ballot in Clay County sheriff, superintendent of schools, clerk of court and tax collector. One-term Sheriff Darryl Daniels has drawn five opponents in the August Republican Primary: Ben Carroll, Michelle Cook, Harold Rutledge, Mike Taylor and Catherine Webb. For school superintendent, there are three Republicans and a write-in candidate competing for the office vacated by Addison Davis, who left Clay County to become superintendent of schools in Hillsborough County. Early voting sites in Clay County - all sites open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Aug. 15.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. As a more than yearlong investigation continues, Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels says he did nothing wrong. Daniels is accused of illegally ordering the arrest of his former mistress. Now, News4Jax has learned the investigation is changing hands, and Daniels said it feels political extending into an election year. RELATED: Special prosecutor appointed to Clay County sheriff investigationIt is baffling to me how something as simple as a simple investigation with a few a few people to be interviewed has taken over a year, Daniels said. And, you know, the truth will come out and, you know, folks who have formulated an opinion based on that narrative.

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.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. Sheriff Darryl Daniels presented his proposed budget for the Clay County Sheriffs Office in 2021 to the Board of County Commissioners on Friday night. His proposal calls for $69.7 million dollars -- an increase of $1.5 million from the prior year. The $68.2 million in the 2020 budget was an increase of $10.2 million from 2019. He said $14 million would go toward detention, $2 million would go toward judicial, $3.6 million would go toward building maintenance, and just shy of $2 million would go toward special revenue. Starting salary for Clay County deputies is $38,000.

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, Fla. Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels issued a warning to outside groups who may be thinking of bringing violent protests to the area. WATCH: The Clay County Sheriff's Office issued a warning to violent protesters. Posted by WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX on Wednesday, July 1, 2020If you threaten to come to Clay County and think for one second that well bend our backs for you. We dont want this to get out of hand, Smith said in a phone interview with News4Jax. We want people to know you have every right to protest, and we will protect that, but Clay County will not tolerate outside instigators.The original post of the video has more than 1,000 shares and hundreds of comments.

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.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. A group of demonstrators gathered Friday in Clay County for a march, they said, to end police brutality, racism and injustice. The event was organized by Chastity Duffey, 21, and it started at the Orange Park Town Hall. Im marching for all the times Ive been systematically challenged in my workplace, in my personal life," said Destiny, a demonstrator. "Ive been called the N-word by some of my closest friends.Roughly 50 people met for the march in Clay County. Duffey said she was excited about the turnout and that shes hopeful the movement will create change.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels shared his thoughts on the death of George Floyd and the unrest our nation is experiencing on Monday. In the video message above, Sheriff Daniels said it takes courage to do the right thing and he is asking for law enforcement to love and protect society. The sheriff also said that two wrongs do not make a right.

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.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – At one point, drug raids and drug stings in Clay County were relatively uncommon. News4Jax spent some time on Friday with embattled Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels and he talked about how and who he is targeting when it comes to illegal narcotics. Daniels said Clay County residents who were once afraid to come forward about neighbors dealing drugs are now more at ease about reporting drug crimes next door. The Sheriff’s Office still goes after the big drug pushers, he said, but it can sometimes take longer to build a case against them. Daniels officially filed for re-election for Clay County sheriff last month.

Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels said in addition to being charged with Susan Mauldin’s murder, Corey Binderim, 45, was charged with tampering with evidence. On Saturday, Daniels revealed that detectives first identified the Rosemary Hill Waste Management transfer facility in Clay County as a place of interest. He said detectives learned it moved waste to the Chesser Island Landfill in Folkston, Georgia, where investigators scoured through 7,300 tons of waste before finding Mauldin’s remains. Jan. 29A Clay County corrections officer comes across what appeared to be a portion of a human skull. Feb. 1The State Attorney’s Office, FBI and Clay County Sheriff’s Office all state that the human remains found during the search belong to Susan Mauldin.

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.

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office held a neighborhood walk Tuesday afternoon in Keystone Heights. The community walk, which started at Keystone Heights Elementary School, comes as newsworthy crime issues have been plaguing the small town in the last couple of months. Christina Underwood, who just moved back to Keystone Heights after being gone a few years, said it concerns her to hear about crime in the small town. Commissioner Gavin Rollins, who lives in Keystone Heights, said he’s been in touch with Sheriff Darryl Daniels about the recent violence. The Sheriff’s Office also does “Walk-In Wednesdays” in Keystone Heights, where the agency selects one business to visit each week to keep a strong relationship with the community.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - There's a new candidate for sheriff in town. Retired Navy chief Catherine Webb filed papers Friday morning to run for sheriff in Clay County. Current Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who was embroiled in a cheating scandal and abuse of power allegations that launched an FDLE investigation, has not yet filed for reelection. Mike Taylor, a former FDLE agent, has raised the most money so far out of all the candidates with more than $75,000 in contributions, according to Clay County Supervisor of Elections. Carroll, a retired emergency management specialist and former SWAT member, has raised $35,000 and Rutledge, a former Clay County Commissioner, has raised nearly $23,000.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Family members of a baby girl who was buried at Fowler Cemetery in Middleburg told News4Jax they found the child's grave had been desecrated, and they discovered her remains unearthed while visiting her resting place on Wednesday. Deputies in Clay County are investigating after the cemetery was vandalized, the Sheriff's Office said. She said her husband is buried next to the baby, and the headstone over his grave was knocked over. The Sheriff's Office said it was actively investigating. The desecration of a grave is a second-degree felony and a personal offense to me as the sheriff of our county, said Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels.

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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - As Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida's east coast, most bridges will be closed if sustained wind speeds reach 40 mph or greater. Just like Duval and Clay counties, the bridges close when sustained winds are at 40 mph or greater. During Hurricane Matthew, all bridges except the Julington Creek Bridge and Matanzas Bridge were closed in St. Johns County. Duval CountyThe Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Monday said police were expecting 12 to 18 hours of strong winds in Duval County when bridges in Duval County might need to be closed. If closed, the bridges would remain closed during the duration of the storm.

Clay County sheriff Darryl Daniels held a town hall meeting to talk about his proposed budget, why he wants $10,000,000 more to hire 25 more deputies. The sheriff also addressed the ongoing... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - At a town hall Tuesday evening regarding Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniel's proposed $10 million budget increase to help hire 25 new deputies to accommodate for growth, the sheriff went off script and addressed "the elephant in the room." You know, I've never made a public apology to that woman and I just want to apologize before you all. With more and more people moving to Clay County, Daniels wants to hire 61 new employees, 25 of them deputies. While the request is for 25, the Clay County Sheriff's Office has said that, in reality, it is currently down about 47. The current millage rate in Clay County is 8.101.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. - The list of challengers for Clay County Sheriff continues to grow ahead of next years election. As incumbent Sheriff Darryl Daniels grapples with an ongoing FDLE investigation and a looming divorce, the fallout from an extra-marital sex scandal, three opponents have lined up to unseat him. He joins former county commissioner Harold Rutledge, one of Daniels rivals in 2016, and Ben Carroll. "I believe that Clay County deserves a sheriff who understands that personal and professional integrity are inseparable," Taylor told News4Jax in a phone interview Wednesday. "I just have a servants heart and I just want to serve the men and women of the Clay County Sheriffs Office so they can best serve the residents of Clay County," he said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Two months after Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels publicly apologized for the embarrassment caused by a cheating scandal, his wife filed for divorce. Prior to his 2016 election as sheriff of Clay County, Darryl Daniels worked for more than a decade at the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, working his way up to chief of the jail. News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney weighed in on that decision in light of Daniels' wife filing for divorce. WATCH: Political analyst weighs in on Clay County sheriff's decision to run for 2nd termSo far, Daniels has one opponent, Harold Rutledge, who has filed to run against him. We also contacted Sheriff Daniels for comment, but we are waiting for a response.

Two months after Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels publicly apologized for the embarrassment caused by a cheating scandal, his wife filed for divorce.

VIDEO: Two months after Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels publicly apologized for the "embarrassment" caused by a cheating scandal, his wife filed for divorce. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

VIDEO: As Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels makes a pitch for an additional $10 million to hire more deputies, one idea that's being discussed to fund the increase is a property tax hike on... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - As Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels makes a pitch for an additional $10 million to hire more deputies, one idea that's being discussed to fund the increase is a property tax hike on homeowners. Currently, the millage rate in Clay County is 8.101, and commissioners recently voted to raise the maximum cap to 9.333 in case they couldn't find any other way to fund the Clay County Sheriff's Office's budget. At a maximum, it would equal approximately $123 per year more on property tax rates for a $100,000 home, according to Commission Chairman Mike Cella. Daniels has said his department is short 47 deputies for a county the size of Clay County. The Clay County School Board recently voted to add a half-cent sales tax hike resolution to the ballot.

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."

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. - Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels presented his proposed budget to the Clay County Board of Commissioners at a special meeting Tuesday afternoon. To get the Clay County Sheriff's Office staffed to handle the county's population growth, Daniels' budget asks for 61 new employees, 25 of whom would be deputies. Though the Sheriff's Office said it is short roughly 47 deputies, Daniels said 25 deputies was the number he felt he could reasonably request. Before this school year, school resource officers were Sheriff's Office deputies. The sheriff's budget proposal presentation did not address how the loss of those SROs impacted his needs.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. - Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels will present his proposed budget to the County Board of Commissioners at a special meeting Tuesday afternoon. The new School Board Police Department could also affect how much money is allocated for the Sheriff's Office. Before this school year, school resource officers were Clay County Sheriff's Office deputies. Until the sheriff's budget has been presented, it's unclear how the loss of those SROs will impact the needs he's listing in his proposal. Tuesday's meeting is just the first time the sheriff will detail his budget proposal to the County Commission.

"We are concerned not only about the reputation of the Sheriff's Office, but also our safety," the person wrote. An FDLE spokesperson said the state was initially provided information by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and has since received additional information. In fact, the Saving Clay County Sheriffs Office page wrote ambiguously, Nope. News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney said social media pages are becoming increasingly common in local political discussions. "Whether its Facebook, it could be Twitter, Instagram, a blog, podcast -- whatever it may be, more and more turn to social media."

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. - As summer vacation is well underway, the Clay County School Districts new police force is getting ready to take control of the schools when classes start up again in August. The formation of the Clay County School Board Police Department has been a source of contention over the last few months, as the district found itself in a public dispute with the Clay County sheriff over who would protect the schools. No longer will there be sheriff's deputies at Clay County School Board meetings. At a school board meeting Thursday evening at Fleming Island High School, it was the district's own police officers providing security. Whether the police force would be in fact ready day one of the 2019-20 school year was a source of criticism for many in the county, with the loudest voice being Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Wednesday its review of Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has become a formal investigation. "We are concerned not only about the reputation of the Sheriff's Office, but also our safety," the person wrote. The Sheriff's Office said it is aware of the letter, but will not comment on anonymous information. An FDLE spokesperson said the state was initially provided information by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and has since received additional information. In fact, the Saving Clay County Sheriffs Office page wrote ambiguously, Nope.

Scrutiny, concern and conflict about Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels' affair: social media conversations are becoming a battleground as an FDLE investigation is announced and the efforts for... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

VIDEO: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said its review of Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has become a formal investigation. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.