FDLE: Detention officer brought contraband into jail.
Pyle
A former Columbia County Sheriff’s Office detention officer is now behind bars.
Clayton Pyle, 37, was arrested on a warrant in Illinois after he fled the state on administrative leave during a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation, the CCSO announced Wednesday.
“I am firmly committed to holding our employees to the highest ethical standard,” Sheriff Mark Hunter said in the release. “Our profession relies heavily on trust and I will not tolerate this type of conduct. We will do whatever it takes to ensure we are holding ourselves accountable. This individual thought he could avoid consequences by moving away. All he achieved was delaying the inevitable. I want to thank FDLE for partnering with us to bring this individual to justice.”
According to the CCSO release, the FDLE investigation into Pyle’s conduct began last February after it was learned he was possibly introducing contraband into the jail.
The release states once it was determined the allegations were likely true, Pyle was placed on leave and Hunter requested FDLE investigate.
Sgt. Steven Khachigan, a spokesman with the CCSO, said he was not aware of how long Pyle may have been bringing contraband into the jail.
Once the FDLE began its investigation, Pyle fled the state and was terminated. Pyle was employed for about 14 months by the CCSO after coming on board in March 2021.
That investigation led to Pyle’s arrest.
Pyle was extradited back to Florida after his arrest and was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility on a $105,000 bond before being transferred to a neighboring facility.