Neighbors Stand Behind Arrested JSO Officer

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Officer Donald Silcott is no stranger in his Argyle Forrest community, and news of his arrest on charges of sexual battery has his neighbors in shock and in support.

"I hope there is no truth to it," said longtime friend and neighbor Gary Owens.

Silcott, a 19-year JSO veteran, is behind bars after being arrested Saturday at his home.

An investigation got underway early Friday morning when a teenage girl knocked on a stranger's home saying she wanted to go the hospital.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office responded, with the girl providing them a picture of the suspect plus his name and address.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office handled the investigation since Silcott lived in Duval County.

In the police report, the teenager said she was at Silcott's home Thursday night and that the suspect made sexual advances after his children had gone to bed.

The report details the girl's claims that a massage turned into sexual battery.

Silcott is charged with sexual battery plus lewd and lascivious battery. The evidence technician remains in the Duval County Jail with his bond set at $600,000.

Silcott's next court appearance is set for August 24, when he is scheduled to appear before a judge and enter a plea.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office had no further comment on Silcott's arrest on Monday.

Over the weekend, Sheriff John Rutherford, in a written statement, said the department's Integrity Unit worked with the Sex Crimes Unit and determined that charges would be be filed and that Silcott would be arrested.

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