CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Deputy Ryan Perry of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has been charged with armed sexual battery. The incident happened when a woman reported a theft to the authorities on June 18, as stated by Sheriff Michelle Cook on Friday.

On June 21, CCSO was notified of the allegations against Perry and began an investigation.

“Following several interviews and additional investigative work, detectives were able to gather sufficient evidence to charge Perry with armed sexual battery, leading to his arrest earlier this evening,” Cook announced.

Cook explained that Perry followed the victim to her bedroom while another deputy, identified as Clyde in the arrest report, stayed downstairs interviewing witnesses. Once alone with the victim in the bedroom, Perry “insisted that the victim reveal her breasts, and subsequently touched her without consent in a way that constituted sexual battery,” the sheriff mentioned.

“The investigation revealed the victim provided a credible disclosure that the defendant penetrated her genitals while using his authority and actions to coerce the victim while armed with a firearm during the course of his duties,” Perry’s arrest report states.

Cook is asking that anyone who had a similar experience with Perry contact the sheriff’s office.

“I want to speak directly to the citizens of Clay County who have ever been through the burdens of trauma or sexual assault,” she said. “We hear you, we stand with you, and we will fight for you. I could not be more disappointed tonight with the news that I have to share with our community.”

Cook said she was “pissed, devastated, [and] let down.” She continued: “We’re here to protect and serve our community, not victimize them. And the fact that somebody who wears a badge victimized someone in this community is devastating — it makes me mad.”

She thanked the victim for her bravery. “I know this was extremely difficult for her,” Cook said, “and she is very brave, and we appreciate her stepping up and letting us know about this.”

Perry had worked with CCSO since October 2018. The sheriff’s office investigated two other complaints against him during that time — one was sustained, and the other was determined to be unfounded, Cook said.

A document of the sustained complaint says that he “admitted he made inappropriate comments during his conversations with (the complainant).”

The document describes Perry complimenting the complainant’s appearance and telling her “I want to **** you.”