Bartender suspected of selling booze to teens at TNT Lounge

MIDDLEBURG – A server at the TNT Lounge on County Road 218 was arrested for serving at least six people younger than 21 alcoholic drinks after the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for a brawl on July 25.

Gracen Brooke Doan, 26, of Middleburg, was charged with selling, giving or serving alcohol to someone younger than 21 and contributing to the delinquency of a minor after several witnesses, including some of the teens who admitted to drinking and being involved in the fight.

Chase Ventura, 18, “A.W.,” 17, and Tegan Heck, 18, and “J.C.,” 17, were all arrested and charged with battery and aggravated battery. Ventura said he and his friends often were served alcohol at TNT.

According to the affidavit for arrest report, a second bartender told deputies she asked Doan to tell the teens to leave the bar, but Doan told her “They are my regulars, and they take care of me and tip well.”

Doan’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 19.

Remains found in St. Johns last May identified as Atlanta man

FLEMING ISLAND – The Clay County Sheriff's Office began investigating circumstances surrounding skeletal remains found May 7 near the bulkhead of a private residence on the St. Johns River on Fleming Island.

In cooperation with the District 4 Medical Examiner's Office and with the assistance of the community, the remains were identified as Nicholas Lamont Anderson, 24, of Atlanta. Anderson’s family has been notified of the identification.

While this is a considerable step forward in this investigation, CCSO detectives are still seeking information about Anderson and the circumstances leading up to the discovery of his body, specifically, the persons he encountered, his activities and places he visited from April 1 to April 7.

Anyone with information regarding this is encouraged to submit a tip through the SaferWatch app. You can remain anonymous and earn up to a $5,000 reward if the information leads to an arrest or significantly advances the case. You can also contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office directly at (904) 264-6512.

CCSO Detention Deputy arrested for domestic violence

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy was arrested for domestic battery on Friday, Aug. 1.

Lionel Stewart was placed on administrative leave pending his termination, the agency said.

According to CCSO, the victim said an argument became physical with Stewart. She was packing his belongings, and when she picked up his toolbox, he pulled it from her hand, which created two cuts on her hand. A child witnessed the incident, CCSO said, and the Department of Children and Families was notified.

Stewart joined the sheriff’s office in January.

“Acts of domestic violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated - especially when committed by individuals entrusted with positions of trust and leadership,” CCSO released in a statement. “We strongly encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help and support by contacting the Clay County Sheriff’s Office using 911 or our non-emergency line at (904) 264-6512, or you can submit a tip for our deputies to follow up using our SaferWatch app. You can also call Quigley House at (904) 284-0061."