Investigates

Former firefighter accused of selling heroin to undercover officer

By Catherine Varnum
By Catherine Varnum

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A former Clay County firefighter is off the job for allegedly selling heroin to an undercover officer.

James Padgett was arrested in January. However, the former firefighter’s attorney said the allegations aren't all accurate.

Padgett worked for Clay County Fire Rescue for more than 20 years. A new report from the fire department shows he resigned in March.

Deputies said Padgett sold a half gram of heroin to an undercover officer for $40. He was later picked up after a traffic stop in Green Cove Springs.

New documents from the Fire Department show a letter from his attorney said, "Our investigation of the criminal case reveals the alleged facts are not accurate and there are exculpatory facts that exist as well."

Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said the defense will look at how the Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation.

Documents filed in the criminal case with the Clerk's Office indicate the State Attorney's Office used a tracking device for Padgett's phone and believe it contains pictures, texts, videos and/or calls showing he was selling heroin.

“When government uses informants, tracking devices there's always the potential for an entrapment defense,” Carson said.

Carson said they'll have to prove the incident wasn't a one-time thing.

“It demonstrates that you have a propensity desire in advance of their contact with you to engage in this activity,” Carson said.

The chief was recommending that Padgett be fired, but he resigned before that happened.

Action News Jax went to Padgett’s home and reached out to his attorney, but so far we have not received a response.

Related Link: James Padgett Case File

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