Clay County Sheriff releases statement in wake of 'past personal incidents' coming to light

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has released a statement in the wake of "past personal incidents" that have recently come to light.

Daniels claims he is being stalked by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office corrections officer Cierra Smith.

Smith was not arrested for stalking and Daniels declined to press charges.

RELATED STORIES: 

Daniels -- a married man -- did admit to a previous sexual relationship with Smith.

The sheriff said the following in a statement:

"I want to take the time to acknowledge a series of personal incidents. I have, in the past, made decisions in my personal life that I truly regret. I sincerely apologize for the embarassment my past personal decisions have caused. My family has asked that I not discuss private matters in public, so I will not be commenting further on the personal aspects of this issue.

"As I have told the Clay County Sheriff's deputies and staff, I want you to know that every day of my career I have put on my uniform and done my level best to serve the people whom I am sworn to protect. It is an honor to serve with these members.

"To the citizens of Clay County, I reiterate my mission: to keep you safe and battle crime in your neighborhoods."

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on this breaking story

Cox Media Group