Former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels appears in court, trial date set

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A former Clay County sheriff is closer to trial.

On Thursday morning, Darryl Daniels stood before a judge for his final hearing before trial.

RELATED: Darryl Daniels: Former Clay County sheriff officially charged with evidence tampering, false reports to law enforcement

A judge said jury selection will begin Sept.12. Opening statements are expected to begin the following day.

Daniels is accused of evidence tampering and making false reports to law enforcement authorities. He’s charged with two third-degree felonies and five first-degree misdemeanors. Daniels could be sentenced to up to 15 years of incarceration.

STORY: STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

📷" target="_blank">Several states could charge borrowers income tax on forgiven student loan debt

On a count of tampering with physical evidence, authorities said Daniels altered or destroyed a cellphone or stored data on a cellphone “knowing that a criminal trial ... was pending,” according to the documents.

On the three counts of false reports to law enforcement, Daniels gave false information to a deputy “by falsely stating that he had attempted to obtain an injunction or by falsely stating that he had ended his relationship with Cierra Smith but Ms. Smith continued to follow him.”

RELATED: State releases new interviews, documents in investigation of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels

You can count on Action News Jax to be there in court once Daniels’ trial begins.

©2022 Cox Media Group