CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — According to the Green Cove Springs Police Department’s communications section, the agency received a call from the mother of a 15-year-old female on Tuesday at approximately 10:42 a.m. regarding alleged sexual intercourse between her daughter and a 34-year-old man.
The mother told the communications officer that she believed her daughter had been sneaking the man into their home late at night for the purpose of having sexual intercourse. The mother advised the first name of the suspect and that she believed he was a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, police say.
The Green Cove Springs Police Department operations commander and a patrol sergeant were dispatched to the call. At the residence, the sergeant was able to conduct a preliminary interview with the victim. During that interview, the sergeant obtained information and observed evidence on the victim’s cellphone which led her to believe there was validity to the accusations, according to a report.
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During the investigation, the Green Cove Springs Police Department was able to identify the suspect as Travis Pritchard, 36, a DUI enforcement deputy with the agency. Police learned that the victim originally met the suspect near Clay High School and the sexual relationship had been on-going for several months, according to the Green Cove Springs Police Department.
The agency says it has reason to believe the suspect was aware that the victim was a minor and instructed the victim to keep their sexual encounters a secret.
Detectives with the Green Cove Springs Police Department criminal investigation section moved quickly to establish communication with the suspect. Detectives maintained contact with Pritchard posing as the victim. During contact Pritchard, incriminating messages were received, police say.
Pritchard was arrested while on-duty on Saturday at 2:52 a.m. by officers with the Green Cove Springs Police Department, shortly after attempting to meet the victim to engage in sexual activity, according to police.
During this investigation, it was revealed that Pritchard may have had inappropriate contact with other underaged females. Any information pertaining to this case or other incidents involving Pritchard should be directed to the Green Cove Springs Police Departmen or local law enforcement agencies.
Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels released the following statement:
“It is unfortunate when a law enforcement officer commits an act that is counterproductive to the hard work being done in the profession. If found guilty by the courts, this former Deputy, Travis Pritchard, will have a long time to reflect on his actions. Effective today, I made the decision to terminate his employment with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. I ask that the citizens of Clay County not make the mistake of judging all law enforcement based on the actions of one. The men and women of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to making Clay County a safe place to live; that will never change!”
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Lindsey Nolen
Lindsey Nolen is a Digital Content Producer for Action News Jax
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