Florida Correctional Officer Trainee Arrested

OCALA, Fla – The Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) announced the arrest of Correctional Officer Nicholas Jefferson. Jefferson is charged with felony sexual misconduct.

Secretary Julie Jones said, “FDC’s Office of Inspector General has taken swift action to arrest this officer for his grossly inappropriate and illegal involvement with an inmate at Lowell Correctional. There is no place in this Department for staff who engage in misconduct, and I am confident Warden Gartman and her leadership team will continue to ensure all officers at Lowell are treating inmates with respect and conducting themselves in an appropriate and professional manner.”

The Department is moving forward with Officer Jefferson’s immediate dismissal. The Department will conduct an after-action review to determine what recommended changes are necessary to prevent future misconduct.

Following the arrest, Jefferson was transported to the Marion County Jail. The OIG acknowledges the cooperation and assistance provided by Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and State Attorney Brad King of the 5th Judicial Circuit.

Affidavit loads below: