GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — A deputy from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has been charged with sexual battery, Sheriff Michelle Cook said.

On June 18, a woman called the sheriff’s office to report a theft, and two deputies were dispatched to her home to investigate.

One of the deputies, Ryan Perry, followed the victim upstairs to her bedroom while the other was downstairs speaking with witnesses.

A press release from the sheriff’s office said Perry then demanded that the victim expose her breasts to him and then inappropriately touched her.

On June 21, CCSO was informed about the allegations, prompting them to start an investigation and collect evidence. Perry was taken into custody on Friday evening.

His employment with the sheriff’s office was terminated upon his arrest. Perry has been charged with armed sexual battery.

According to Cook, Perry joined the sheriff’s office in 2018, during which time he received two citizen complaints that were investigated. One investigation was upheld, while the other was dismissed as unfounded, the sheriff noted.

“I couldn’t be more disheartened to convey this news tonight,” Sheriff Michelle Cook stated. “This situation is devastating for us as a department and for me personally. I assure you that we will see this through and ensure justice is served.”

The sheriff’s office asks that anyone who had similar experiences with Ryan Perry contact detectives at (904) 264-6512.