Clay County Official Arrested in Child Sex Sting Operation

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Harrison “Ted” Clark, Vice Chair of the Clay Soil and Water Conservation Board and son of Clay County School Board Member Beth Clark, was arrested on January 19 during a child sex sting operation led by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. Clark is facing serious charges, including traveling to meet a child for sexual purposes, soliciting a child online, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

The arrest stems from Clark's alleged interactions on a dating app called "Sniffies," where he believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old boy. According to the arrest report, Clark shared his age with the boy and initiated further explicit conversations. Clark was apprehended when he arrived at a designated meeting location and reportedly admitted guilt after receiving his Miranda rights. He claimed that an addiction to pornography contributed to his actions and referenced recent legislative changes that have limited access to adult content in Florida.

Authorities noted that Clark's arrest is part of a broader crackdown, with at least ten individuals detained in similar operations within a week. As of now, it remains unclear if Clark will be removed from his position on the board.

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