CCSO: Attack on man prompts store workers to shelter in place

MIDDLEBURG – A couple were arrested on Saturday, July 19, after the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said a man was attacked at a pawn shop, prompting shop workers to shelter in place.

Anthony Leroy Harris, 26, of Orange Park, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, while Alyssa Janay Nicholle Sykes, of Middleburg, was charged with domestic violence, after CCSO ordered them to get out of a truck in front of the pawn shop.

According to the arrest report, both “appeared in an elevated state of frustration and disregarded several attempts of de-escalation.” Witnesses said the couple threatened a customer. Deputies also found a loaded handgun on the front seat of the truck.

Deputies found the victim with cuts on his neck and chest.

Harris’ bond was set at $50,003, while Sykes was released on her recognizance.

Applications being accepted for judges in Clay County, Fourth Judicial Circuit

CLAY COUNTY – As a result of the enactment of SB 2508, four new judicial positions have been created in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has asked the Fourth Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission to provide him with highly qualified nominees for two of them at present: (1) a Fourth Judicial Circuit vacancy, and (2) a Clay County Court vacancy.

Complete unredacted and redacted applications for these vacancies must be received before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, , via e-mail to Chanda Rogers.

Neither incomplete applications nor applications submitted after the deadline will be considered. Further, all applicants must meet the qualifications for Judges outlined in Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution.

Personal information not subject to public disclosure should be redacted on a separate copy of the application as permitted by Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes. Please also e-mail a digital photo with the applications.

To assist the commission, all questions on the application must be answered fully and completely. Applications must include current contact information (especially direct phone numbers) and email addresses for judges, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and references to facilitate the background investigation that the Commission members will conduct.

If an applicant is nominated, all materials attached to the original application will be submitted to The Executive Office of the Governor.

Interviews for the Clay County Court vacancy will be held Friday, Aug. 22, at the Historic Clay County Courthouse.

Interviews for the Fourth Judicial Circuit vacancy will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Duval County Courthouse. All proceedings are open to the public except for deliberations. Accordingly, applicants should not expect their application to be kept confidential.

If you have any questions about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact Chairman Patrick J. Kilbane at (904) 280-3700. Applicants shall not initiate contact with the Commissioners until the nominees have been submitted to the Governor, unless the questions pertain solely to the application process.