18-year CCSO deputy arrested for domestic battery

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — “It’s horrible,” said Clay County mom Kim Ruiz. “This is somebody that’s supposed to protect us, and he doesn’t know how to behave as a human being. How is he supposed to protect us in the community?”

-- Watch Action News Jax reporter Russell Colburn's full report on FOX30 at 10.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one of their own.

CCSO alerted the media Monday evening that they had arrested a Deputy early that morning for domestic battery.

The Public Information Office did not provide any additional details, including the name or current employment status of that deputy, citing their ongoing investigation.

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Through cross-checking jail records and requesting arrest reports, WOKV found the early Monday morning arrest of Ben Schueler, who was booked for domestic battery and tampering with a victim’s ability to call 911.

Schueler’s arrest report further lists his employer as the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

CCSO now confirms to WOKV that Schueler has been a Deputy with them for a little over 18 years, and as a result of his arrest, he’s now on administrative suspension with pay.

The arrest report is heavily redacted, but indicates that Schueler allegedly put a woman in a “bear hug” and put her on the ground, while she was trying to leave a bedroom they were in Sunday night.

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That victim told investigators she grabbed Schueler’s cell phone and tried calling 911 three times, but he disconnected the call each time through his Apple watch.

The arrest report says Schueler then gave the victim back her phone, which she used to call 911 and relay information.

The arrest report says the calls are corroborated by records from the Communications Section.

Schueler agreed to speak with investigators, according to the arrest report, but his statements have been redacted.

Not only has Schueler been arrested for a misdemeanor count of domestic battery, but he also faces a felony count for allegedly depriving the victim of the ability to call 911.

WOKV has more records requests pending to learn more about this case.

“It’s horrible,” said Clay County mom Kim Ruiz. “This is somebody that’s supposed to protect us, and he doesn’t know how to behave as a human being. How is he supposed to protect us in the community?”

Tuesday, Action News Jax got Schueler on the phone for his side of things, but he did not want to comment.

CCSO has not made a statement since Monday, citing the ongoing investigation.

Cox Media Group