DCPS board members blast new police chief for ‘credibility’ issues over ties to Kent Stermon case

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax Ben Becker has obtained two emails written by members of the Duval County school board blasting the selection of the districts new police chief because of his connection to the Kent Stermon case.

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Jackson Short was chosen by superintendent Dana Kriznar to replace Greg Burton who is stepping down.

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We first told you in September when Burton was hospitalized with a stroke.

Short is the former chief investigator with the State Attorney’s Office and former director of investigations and homeland security at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Short was selected over Mat Nemeth, a former candidate for Sheriff who spent 27 years at JSO.

Board members, Lori Hershey and April Carney sent emails to Superintendent Kriznar late Wednesday, challenging Short’s appointment.

Both members noted that Short’s name was mentioned in the suicide note of Kent Stermon, a political power broker in Jacksonville who killed himself in December 2022. The note to loved ones included, “go find your own Jackson Short,” a statement that was never explained by investigators.

Stermon was at the time, under investigation for allegations he asked a teenager to undress while at his office in exchange for Taylor Swift concert tickets.

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Hershey’s email to Krisnar states, “I believe this means Mr. Short enters the position with a cloud of questions surrounding his credibility.”

Carney wrote, “Between the budget shortfall, staffing cuts, and ongoing issues with Douglas Anderson, I simply cannot support this hire.”

Stermon, who was a family friend of Short’s had multiple access cards to JSO although he was not employed by the agency, while Short held his high ranking position. This came as Stermon donated thousands of dollars to GOP candidates, including former Sheriff Mike Williams.

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In her own statement announcing Short as new chief, Kriznar said,

“Mr. Short is the perfect person to continue building on the success of Chief Burton both in implementing strong strategies for school safety and generating incredible enthusiasm throughout the department for the special mission of school police.”

Below are the full emails Ben Becker obtained:

DCPS statement on Stermon:

“We’re aware of Chief Short’s friendship with the Stermon family. We did an intensive background check in collaboration with our partners at JSO and the State Attorney’s office. In addition, representatives from JSO and the police departments for Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach participated in our screening process.We are very confident with Chief Short’s credentials, integrity, and ability to lead our school police team.”

Lakesha Burton answered these questions from Action News Jax’s Ben Becker on behalf of Greg Burton:

What has serving DCPS meant to Greg?

DCPS gave Greg an opportunity to continue his passion of being a law enforcement officer and to serve our community inside of our schools. He enjoyed working with the most compassionate team which included his police department, school administrators, educators,

community stakeholders, parents and especially our children.

His goal was to make a difference by ensuring the department was better and the schools were safer than how he found it. By all accounts, he exceeded all expectations.

What could his new role be?

There hasn’t been much more discussion about it because the main focus has been on Greg recovering. However whatever role that he can play even in a voluntary role would be a blessing.

When does his contract expire?

Greg’s contract expires June 30, so between now and then we will explore his opportunities.

He will welcome and support the new Chief with open arms. Both of the finalists have great relationships with him.

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