Award-winning deputy suspended without pay pending outcome of criminal case
A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was arrested overnight in Daytona Beach on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge following an incident that occurred while celebrating the new year.
Detention Deputy First Class Sara Radford was immediately suspended without pay in accordance with FCSO policy, pending the outcome of the criminal case.
“Sheriff Rick Staly expects our employees to follow the law and conduct themselves in a manner that represents this agency well, even when they are off duty,” said Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge. “From what we know, it appears that both Detention Deputy First Class Radford and the victim were intoxicated late in the night after celebrating the New Year, and while walking in Daytona Beach, an argument occurred and an arrest was made. We will let the criminal justice system play out, which gives her due process just like anybody else.”
The Sheriff’s Office directed inquiries about the specifics of the arrest to the Daytona Beach Police Department, which made the arrest.
Once the criminal case is completed, the FCSO Professional Standards Unit will conduct an internal investigation. Until that time, Radford will remain suspended without pay.
Radford joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in August 2011. In 2022, she was named the agency’s Detention Deputy of the Year.
