The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said the deputy “forcefully ripped” a toolbox from his wife’s hand during an argument, causing two cuts.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — A detention deputy from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on Friday on allegations of domestic battery. The arrest followed accusations of physical altercation with his wife during an argument, as announced by the sheriff’s office on Facebook Saturday.
The CCSO reported that deputies were dispatched to the deputy’s residence in Green Cove Springs on Friday in response to a “domestic disturbance.” Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the deputy’s wife, who indicated that a verbal argument had escalated to physical confrontation.
CCSO has identified the deputy as Deputy Lionel Stewart.
According to CCSO, as Stewart’s wife was packing up belongings, she picked up a toolbox when Stewart allegedly “forcefully ripped it from her hand.”
“During this incident, the victim sustained two cuts on her hand that were actively bleeding when law enforcement arrived,” CCSO stated on Facebook.
Because a child inside the home witnessed the incident, according to CCSO, the Department of Children and Families was contacted.
Stewart was taken into custody by deputies without any issues and was transported to the Clay County Jail, according to CCSO. The sheriff’s office noted that he has been employed with them since January 2025, and he has been placed on administrative leave “pending termination.”
“Domestic violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, particularly when carried out by those in positions of trust and authority,” CCSO said on Facebook. “We urge anyone facing domestic violence to reach out for assistance by calling the Clay County Sheriff’s Office through 9-1-1 or our non-emergency line at (904)264-6512. Alternatively, tips can be submitted for our deputies via our SaferWatch app. You can also contact Quigley House at (904) 284-0061.”
