Reported by Angelina Nunez
October 2026
Editor’s note:This report contains allegations. All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
John Ryan Tyrrell
Background
A St. Augustine woman told investigators she woke to a sexual assault after a night downtown, according to an arrest report. John Ryan Tyrrell, 51, of Nashville, is accused of sexually battering the woman, who investigators said was physically helpless, at a Sevilla Street Airbnb on November 22, 2025.
The woman had been drinking with her friend at downtown bars and later told investigators she had little-to-no memory of the night. Surveillance footage from several bars reportedly showed her becoming increasingly intoxicated, possibly drugged, and stumbling, according to the report.
Investigators said Tyrrell directed the Uber to his Airbnb after the woman could not identify her residence. The Uber driver later told investigators he was concerned about her condition and found the age difference between the victim and the defendant odd.
The woman told investigators she later woke to Tyrrell allegedly having sexual intercourse with her, told him no and then lost consciousness again. Afterward, investigators say Tyrrell and his friend thoroughly cleaned the Airbnb, leaving two days before the rental agreement ended. Tyrrell was arrested on March 5, 2026.
Current Court Status
Tyrrell pleaded not guilty on March 31, 2026 and posted a $2 million cash bond on April 1, 2026. Prosecutors later sought to revoke the bond and have him held in pretrial detention, but the request was denied.
His next pretrial hearing is scheduled for December 3, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee. Tyrrell is represented by Jacksonville-based Henry M. Coxe III with Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe and Jonathan P. Farmer of Spencer, Fane, Bone, McAllester out of Nashville.
Charges
Sexual battery
Jonathan Kenny O’Brien
Background
A car accident turned deadly when a 16-year-old driver got behind the wheel after drinking, ejecting an unbuckled 18-year-old passenger who later died.
According to the arrest report, Jonathan O’Brien was driving on Bishop Estates Road in Julington Creek on December 22, 2019 when his vehicle left the roadway and crashed, injuring him and two passengers.
One passenger, an 18-year-old, was ejected and suffered serious injuries before later dying at a hospital. Investigators reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol on O’Brien and observed bloodshot, watery eyes, swaying and mumbled speech. He was arrested at the scene.
Current Court Status
O’Brien pleaded no-contest and was adjudicated guilty on February 7, 2022.
Judge R. Lee Smith sentenced O’Brien to two years in prison followed by 10 years of reporting probation, along with 100 hours of community service and a 10-year driver's license suspension.
O’Brien filed a 33-page motion for reconsideration regarding sentencing about a week later seeking a 6-month reduction, which included several letters from friends, roommates, family and others pleading for a lesser sentence. He later filed an apology letter with the court he wrote to the victim’s family.
After the case was closed without a ruling on the motion, O’Brien refiled for reconsideration a year later, which Judge Smith denied in a one-page ruling.
The case was later reopened in February 2026 after O’Brien asked the court to modify his probation, citing his completion of 405 community service hours, including 342 hours with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, his college graduation and enrollment in graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He requested the court lift his 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and allow him to travel outside Florida. A hearing was held on September 2, 2026, following which Judge Christopher S. Ferebee denied his request. The case was officially closed on September 3, 2026.
Charges
Vehicular homicide
Robert Tate Janasek
Background
A 33-year-old St. Johns County man who allegedly pursued a sexual encounter with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy is back in custody after allegedly violating the terms of his probation, according to court records.
Robert Tate Janasek was arrested in October 2023 following an undercover investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. According to the arrest report, an undercover detective was posing as a 14-year-old boy when Janasek initiated a sexually explicit conversation through an online commerce site. Janasek continued communicating with the undercover detective after being told the person was underage.
The conversation quickly escalated, with Janasek requesting inappropriate photos, sending explicit images of himself and discussing plans to meet in person. Janasek was sentenced to probation in 2024. In November 2025, he admitted to violating probation, prompting the court to impose stricter conditions on his release. He allegedly violated those conditions again, resulting in his rearrest in March 2026.
Current Court Status
In July 2024, Janasek pleaded no contest to two felony charges and was adjudicated guilty. He was sentenced to 364 days in county jail on the solicitation charge and five years of sex offender probation on the charge of transmitting material harmful to minors by electronic device.
The case was reopened for probation violations in 2025 and again in 2026. Janasek admitted the violations, including at a September 10, 2026 hearing before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee. The court reinstated his sex offender probation and ordered him to serve 364 days in county jail without credit for prior time served. He must also complete sex offender treatment within 30 days of release and have GPS monitoring placed before his release.
Charges
Soliciting a child or person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices
Transmission of material harmful to minors by electronic device.
Julian Alexander Davis
Background
A Fortify Florida tip led deputies to a 14-year-old accused of plotting an armed robbery and having accumulated suspected homemade firearms, ammunition and zip ties modified to serve as handcuffs. Fortify Florida is the state’s suspicious-activity reporting system, allowing students, parents and others to alert law enforcement and school officials about potential threats or concerning behavior.
Saint Johns resident Julian Alexander Davis, 14, was identified as one of two Switzerland Pointe Middle School students involved in a threatening text conversation about plans to rob someone at gunpoint, according to the arrest report. The conversation, dated April 16, 2026, allegedly included discussions about constructing firearms, using zip ties to restrain the intended victim and splitting up items taken during the robbery.
In one exchange, the other student allegedly wrote, “We should make him get out of his car,” followed by, “I’ll hold him at gunpoint while you ransack his shit.” Davis allegedly responded, “We should get zip ties.” The messages also included photos and videos of ammunition, firearm components and what appeared to be a homemade explosive device, according to the report.
After receiving the tip, detectives interviewed the other student and obtained a search warrant for Davis’ residence, according to the arrest report. Investigators said the search uncovered multiple suspected homemade firearms and ammunition, including shotgun shells and cartridge casings. Investigators noted that backgrounds visible in several photos allegedly sent during the conversation matched the flooring and area rug inside Davis’ bedroom.
Detectives determined there was probable cause to believe Davis was involved in a conspiracy to commit an armed robbery, and arrested him on April 30, 2026.
Current Court Status
Davis was initially held in secure detention as a juvenile. On June 25, 2026 the case was transferred to adult court, additional charges involving destructive devices were filed and an order to take him into custody was executed, resulting in his rearrest that same day.
A written plea of not guilty was filed July 2. A felony arraignment and pretrial are scheduled for October 8, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Robbery with a firearm
Two counts of making or possessing a destructive device (firearm)
Three counts of making or possessing a destructive device (explosive)
Throwing, projecting, or discharging a destructive device (explosive)
Furnishing or attempting to furnish a firearm to a minor
Jake Cameron Matthew
Background
A dog’s death investigation in Elkton has uncovered allegations involving gunfire, several mutilated animal remains and a video allegedly showing live animal baiting. According to the arrest warrant, Jake Cameron Matthew, 34, is accused of killing his adult female dog, Daisy, with a 9mm handgun at his residence and later using a live boar as bait for two of his dogs.
Deputies initially responded to two reports of gunshots near Matthew’s home on August 25, 2026, but found nothing suspicious. The following day, St. Johns County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a vacant lot directly behind Matthew’s residence after a decapitated dog torso was reported there. A search of Matthew’s home reportedly uncovered the dog’s severed head, along with a gun cleaning kit, pistol storage case, and a holster while no firearm was found.
Matthew allegedly later told detectives he had buried the dog behind his home. Investigators recovered the torso and sent it to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine for a necropsy. The examination determined Daisy suffered nine bullet wounds from five shots. A 9mm bullet was recovered from her torso, and the wounds were consistent with close range gunfire, according to the arrest report.
A second search warrant executed on September 2, 2026 reportedly uncovered spent 9mm shell casings in Matthew’s backyard near where the dog had been buried, along with a fired bullet lodged in a nearby tree. Matthew, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, also allegedly posted a TikTok photo of himself holding a pistol.
In a separate animal baiting and fighting case, investigators allege Matthew used a live boar as bait for two of his dogs. The warrant says a video posted to Instagram shows the boar’s feet tied together while two dogs repeatedly attack its face and neck. Matthew’s arm is reportedly visible pulling on the rope to prevent the animal from escaping. Matthew was arrested on September 17, 2026 in connection with the Daisy-related case, and arrested again September 23, 2026 in the animal fighting case.
Current Court Status
Following Matthew's arrest, he was placed under GPS electronic monitoring while the case remains pending.
The two cases against him were consolidated on October 6, 2026.
Felony arraignment is scheduled for October 26, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Aggravated animal cruelty excessive pain/death
Possession of weapon or ammunition by convicted felon
Knowingly giving false Information to law enforcement alleging a crime
Nuisances
Animal fighting
James Ray McDuffie
Background
An affair turned into an alleged blackmail scheme after a 51-year-old veteran from St. Johns County allegedly threatened his former lover with her intimate videos and described himself as a “trained killer” who could kill her husband, according to the arrest warrant.
James Ray McDuffie met the woman at a RiverTown community gym in February 2024, and the two began an affair, investigators said. When she tried to end the relationship, McDuffie allegedly threatened to distribute sexually explicit photos and videos of her to her husband. The woman told investigators some of the encounters had been secretly recorded without her knowledge or consent. She also alleged that McDuffie threatened retaliation against her husband, family, friends, church and business if she left him.
Investigators said explicit photos and videos were later sent to the woman’s husband and another person. McDuffie was arrested October 2, 2025.
Current Court Status
James Ray McDuffie was released after posting bonds totaling $127,500. He was initially charged with digital voyeurism, dissemination of digital voyeurism, sexual cyberharassment and unlawful use of a two way communication device. He later faced an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence. McDuffie entered a written plea of not guilty on October 10, 2025, and again pleaded not guilty to the amended charges on July 6, 2026.
At a September 30, 2026 felony sentencing hearing before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee, the state nolle prossed the four original charges. McDuffie pleaded no contest to unlawful use of a two-way communication device and tampering with physical evidence, and adjudication was withheld on both counts.
He was sentenced that day to 50 days in county jail, with credit for five days served, one year of community control and five years of reporting probation on the unlawful use charge. The tampering charge carried five years of reporting probation consecutive to the probation on the other charge. The court assessed $618 in costs and fees, released his surety bonds and closed the case September 30.
Charges
2 counts of digital voyeurism (defendant 19 or older)
Sexual cyberharassment
Unlawful use of a two way communication device
Tampering with physical evidence
Kevin Alan Hoffman
Background
A retired sheriff’s deputy allegedly fled from a St. Johns County gas station after an officer attempted to speak with him, leading to a deadly crash that killed a woman, according to the arrest report.
Kevin Alan Hoffman, 59, allegedly sped away from a Circle K in a Tesla on July 8, 2026. The Tesla was speeding eastbound on State Road 16 when it struck a scooter operated by Delinda Heinrich, according to the report. The impact threw Heinrich from the scooter and onto the roadway. Hoffman allegedly continued driving without stopping to render aid before striking a traffic light post. The Tesla overturned, crossed the highway and came to rest on its roof before sliding into a nearby parking lot. Heinrich was pronounced dead at the scene.
A blood test later analyzed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement showed Hoffman had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report. Hoffman was arrested the next day.
Current Court Status
On August 16, Hoffman entered a written plea of not guilty while waiving his arraignment and pretrial conference. The court also ordered him to abstain from alcohol and comply with monitoring requirements.
The case is scheduled for a felony pretrial hearing on October 27, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
DUI manslaughter (enhanced; failed to render aid)
Vehicular homicide
Leaving scene of crash with death
Timothy Adam Sherman
Background
A St. Johns County man is accused of sexually abusing three of his younger siblings over several years, according to a St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrest warrant.
Timothy Adam Sherman, 18, is accused of sexually abusing his siblings, who were ages 6, 8 and 11 at the time of the investigation. The alleged abuse occurred between 2022 and 2025, primarily at the family’s residence.
According to the arrest report, Sherman and his father went to the sheriff’s office on October 17, 2025 after Sherman disclosed that he had been inappropriately touching his siblings. Investigators said Sherman later waived his rights and provided a sworn statement detailing the alleged abuse.
The report says Sherman told investigators he began abusing his youngest sibling in 2022, when the child was about 3 years old, and that the conduct continued into 2024. He also admitted to repeatedly molesting another sibling beginning when she was about 5 years old, with investigators alleging some incidents occurred after Sherman turned 18. The warrant also alleges Sherman began sexually abusing a third sibling in 2023, when the child was about 9 years old.
Investigators and a Department of Children and Families investigator later spoke with one of the alleged victims, who confirmed that Sherman had sexually touched her. Investigators also recovered handwritten notes Sherman had given his parents in 2024 in which he had previously confessed to touching his sister. Sherman was arrested on October 18, 2025.
Current Court Status
Following Sherman’s arrest, the defendant pleaded not guilty on November 17, 2025, and was placed on pretrial release with a no-contact order and GPS monitoring.
The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Two counts of sexual battery on person less than 12 years of age
Five counts of lewd/lascivious molestation (defendant under 18; victim under 12)
Background
A 28-year-old former neighbor is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl twice, then warning her they “probably wouldn't be able to keep getting away with it,” according to an arrest report.
Christopher Benjamin Murray allegedly met the girl in late December 2025 while working as a landscaper in her St. Johns County neighborhood. The girl told investigators she was 14 and a 10th-grade student when they first met. Murray allegedly asked for her phone number, but she initially declined. By early March 2026, the two began communicating through texts, phone calls and FaceTime, and their conversations eventually became sexual, according to the report.
During spring break, investigators say Murray coordinated with the girl to meet at her home while her mother was away. The warrant alleges Murray had sexual intercourse with the girl twice. The girl told investigators Murray repeatedly pressured her into sexual activity and warned her not to tell anyone, saying he “had more to lose” than she did. After the second encounter, Murray allegedly instructed her to delete their conversations and stop communicating with him.
Months later, detectives were able to resume contact with Murray by using the victim’s phone while posing as her. During the conversation, Murray allegedly acknowledged the relationship and sexual encounters. When asked about doing it again, he responded, “We probably wouldn't be able to keep getting away with it.” He also commented that the girl was “way too nervous,” allegedly saying, “Yes, you are. Both times your body was shaking uncontrollably.”
Murray was arrested on June 17, 2026.
Current Court Status
Murray was briefly held in custody before being released on June 22, 2026, under pretrial conditions that consisted of GPS electronic monitoring and a no-contact order. His June 29 arraignment and Sept. 1 pretrial hearing were both continued.
A felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 3, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Two counts of lewd or lascivious battery sex act with a victim 12 years old but less than 16 years old
Traveling to meet a minor
Soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Christopher Benjamin Murray
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