CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy was fired and arrested following a sexual battery investigation.
Sheriff Michelle Cook announced the arrest of 33-year-old Ryan Perry on Friday night.
Perry and another deputy responded to the home of a woman who called the sheriff’s office regarding a theft on June 18.
Cook said while they were in her home, Perry followed the woman to her upstairs bedroom as the other deputy remained downstairs to talk to witnesses.
According to Cook, Perry demanded that the woman “expose her breasts to him and then he inappropriately touched the victim against her will, in a manner that completed the offense of sexual battery.”
Watch the entire news conference below:
The woman’s family and friends encouraged her to speak out about the incident, so she called the sheriff’s office to report the incident on June 21.
The CCSO opened an investigation that led to Perry’s arrest on one count of armed sexual battery, and he was immediately fired.
The charge was enhanced to armed because Perry had his service weapon on him during the incident.
He’d worked with the sheriff’s office since 2018. During his employment, he received two other complaints that were investigated. One was unfounded, and the other complaint was sustained, according to Cook.
According to complaint documents, the first one occurred in 2022 after a woman said Perry hit on her while on duty, and
The document said Perry acknowledged wrongdoing and apologized for inappropriate and unprofessional behavior.
The second incident was in 2023. It was centered around allegations of trespassing on private property. The investigation revealed Perry didn’t violate policy.
Cook also said there was no indication that the other deputy was involved in the incident.
If any other victims have had inappropriate interactions with Perry, you’re urged to reach out to the sheriff’s office at 904-264-6512.
“We hear you. We stand with you. And we will fight for you,” Cook said as she expressed her disappointment and fury about the incident.
“Justice will be served,” Cook said. “I’m pissed, devastated, let down. We’re here to protect and serve our community, not victimize them.”
Perry could face a maximum of 10 years in prison with two years’ probation, according to Florida law.