Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Sexual Battery During Active Investigation Call
ORANGE PARK, Fla. – June 27, 2025 — A Clay County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested and terminated following a deeply disturbing incident in which he allegedly committed sexual battery against a female victim during an active investigation.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the incident began on June 18, 2025, when a female resident of Orange Park contacted authorities to report a theft. Two deputies were dispatched to her home to investigate the complaint. While one deputy remained downstairs interviewing witnesses, the other—identified as Deputy Ryan Perry—followed the victim upstairs to her bedroom.
Once alone with the victim, Perry allegedly demanded that she expose her breasts to him and then proceeded to inappropriately and forcibly touch her, actions that constitute armed sexual battery under Florida law. The victim later came forward to report the assault.
CCSO leadership was notified of the allegations on June 21, and immediately launched an internal criminal investigation. Detectives conducted multiple interviews and employed investigative measures that ultimately substantiated the victim’s claims. Based on the evidence gathered, an arrest warrant was issued, and Ryan Perry was arrested on the evening of June 27, 2025. At the time of his arrest, his employment with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was terminated.
Perry had been employed with CCSO since October 2018. During his tenure, two citizen complaints were filed against him. One was sustained—meaning wrongdoing was confirmed—while the other was found to be unfounded. Details regarding the nature of those previous complaints have not been disclosed at this time.
Sheriff Michelle Cook issued a public statement following Perry’s arrest:
“I want to speak directly to any citizen of Clay County who has ever been through the burdens and trauma of a sexual assault. We hear you, we stand with you, and we will fight for you. I could not be more disappointed to have to share this news tonight. It is devastating to us as an agency and to me personally. I can assure you that we will follow through on this and justice will be served.”
Perry now faces serious felony charges, including Armed Sexual Battery, and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. His conduct is being condemned not only as a betrayal of the public trust but as a grave criminal offense against a vulnerable citizen who reached out to law enforcement for help.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone who may have experienced similar misconduct involving Ryan Perry to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Victims or witnesses can contact CCSO detectives directly at (904) 264-6512.
As the community reels from the shock and betrayal, officials within CCSO have emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for abuse of power, especially when it involves sexual misconduct or violations of public trust by sworn officers.
The investigation remains active, and additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.