The Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday morning that one of its detention deputies, Lionel Stewart, was arrested for domestic battery following an incident at a home in Green Cove Springs.
Deputies responded to the residence on August 1 after a reported domestic disturbance.
Stewart’s wife told deputies a verbal argument escalated when he forcefully grabbed a toolbox from her hands, causing two cuts that were actively bleeding when law enforcement arrived.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The incident was witnessed by a child inside the home, and the Department of Children and Families was contacted.
Stewart was arrested without incident and booked into the Clay County Jail. He has been employed with CCSO since January 2025 and is now on administrative leave pending termination.
The Sheriff’s Office said domestic violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, especially by individuals in positions of public trust.
CCSO is urging anyone experiencing domestic violence to call 9-1-1, contact CCSO at (904) 264-6512, use the SaferWatch app, or reach out to Quigley House at (904) 284-0061.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.