Jacksonville, Florida, December 10, 2025
An active Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office sergeant has been arrested for false imprisonment and battery after striking a referee at a youth soccer game. Following the incident, the officer resigned from the agency, underscoring the department’s commitment to accountability. Sheriff T.K. Waters emphasized that no one is above the law and affirmed the department’s dedication to maintaining high standards of conduct among its personnel.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced the arrest of an active Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) officer on charges of false imprisonment and battery. The officer, a sergeant in the Homicide Unit, was arrested after an incident at a youth soccer game where he struck a referee. Following the arrest, the officer resigned from the agency. Sheriff Waters emphasized that no one is above the law, underscoring the department’s commitment to accountability.
Details of the Incident
The arrest occurred after the sergeant, who has been with JSO since 2008 and became a sergeant in 2019, was involved in an altercation at a youth soccer game. During the game, the sergeant struck a referee, leading to his arrest on charges of false imprisonment and battery. Sheriff Waters stated that the officer is currently still employed with JSO but is no longer with the Homicide Unit. The sheriff emphasized that the department holds all employees accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or tenure.
Background on the Officer
The officer arrested is a sergeant in the Homicide Unit, a position he has held since 2019. He joined JSO in 2008 and has served in various capacities, including patrol and traffic enforcement. The sergeant’s tenure with the department spans over 17 years, during which he has been involved in numerous high-profile cases. His resignation following the arrest reflects the department’s commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct among its personnel.
Department’s Response and Commitment to Accountability
Following the arrest, Sheriff Waters emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He stated that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is a society of laws and no one is above those laws. The sheriff’s office has initiated an internal review to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and to determine if any departmental policies were violated. The department has also reached out to the community to reassure them of the steps being taken to address the situation and to maintain public trust.
Recent Incidents Involving JSO Personnel
This arrest is the latest in a series of incidents involving JSO personnel. In January 2025, a JSO corrections officer was charged with false imprisonment and battery in an incident involving his girlfriend and subsequently resigned from the agency. In December 2024, an officer was fired after accidentally shooting a driver with his own gun during a traffic stop. These incidents have prompted the department to review its policies and training programs to prevent future occurrences and to ensure the safety and trust of the community.
Community Reactions and Calls for Transparency
The community has expressed concern over the recent incidents involving JSO personnel. Local organizations, including the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP, have called for immediate answers and greater transparency from Sheriff Waters. They have urged the department to release all relevant information to the public and to take appropriate action to address any misconduct. The sheriff’s office has acknowledged these concerns and is committed to conducting thorough investigations into each incident to uphold the integrity of the department.
Conclusion
The arrest of the JSO sergeant underscores the department’s commitment to holding its personnel accountable for their actions. Sheriff Waters has emphasized that no one is above the law and that the department will take appropriate action in response to any misconduct. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to work towards maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community it serves.
FAQ
What charges were brought against the JSO sergeant?
The JSO sergeant was arrested on charges of false imprisonment and battery following an incident at a youth soccer game where he struck a referee.
How long has the officer been with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office?
The officer has been with JSO since 2008 and became a sergeant in 2019, serving over 17 years with the department.
What is the department’s response to the incident?
Sheriff T.K. Waters emphasized that no one is above the law and that the department is committed to transparency and accountability. An internal review has been initiated to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and to determine if any departmental policies were violated.
Have there been other recent incidents involving JSO personnel?
Yes, in January 2025, a JSO corrections officer was charged with false imprisonment and battery in an incident involving his girlfriend and subsequently resigned from the agency. In December 2024, an officer was fired after accidentally shooting a driver with his own gun during a traffic stop.
What is the community’s reaction to these incidents?
The community has expressed concern over the recent incidents involving JSO personnel. Local organizations, including the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP, have called for immediate answers and greater transparency from Sheriff Waters, urging the department to release all relevant information to the public and to take appropriate action to address any misconduct.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | JSO sergeant arrested for false imprisonment and battery after striking a referee at a youth soccer game. |
| Officer’s Tenure | Joined JSO in 2008; became sergeant in 2019; over 17 years of service. |
| Department’s Response | Emphasis on accountability; internal review initiated; commitment to transparency. |
| Recent Incidents | January 2025: JSO corrections officer charged with false imprisonment and battery; December 2024: Officer fired after accidental shooting during traffic stop. |
| Community Reaction | Concerns raised; calls for transparency from local organizations, including the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP. |
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