Flagler County, FL - Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly made his first arrest as Sheriff on Friday night.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), Sheriff Staly was on his normal Friday evening patrol, May 5, when he conducted a traffic stop around 7:15 PM at SR 100 and McCormick Drive in Palm Coast.
The FCSO reports that the driver, James Raposa, was stopped by Sheriff Staly for traveling 72 MPH in a 50 MPH zone. Raposa showed signs of driving under the influence (DUI). Deputy Paula Priester and Sheriff Staly conducted a field sobriety test, arrested Raposa and escorted him to jail.
Raposa was arrested for DUI (narcotics), misdemeanor possession of marijuana and driving without a driver's license. He has never been issued a driver's license. Raposa was also issued a traffic citation for speeding with a fine of $281, says the FCSO.
Although Sheriff Staly has assisted in multiple other arrests and search warrants, this is his first arrest since he took the office of Sheriff.
"I was fortunate to stop this impaired driver before he could hurt someone," said Sheriff Staly. "He was totally stoned."
The FCSO says Raposa has 2 prior arrests in Flagler County, both involving domestic violence.
Sheriff Staly was elected Sheriff in November of 2016 and sworn in as the 18th Sheriff of Flagler County on January 3, 2017. He maintains an active role in law enforcement through his Friday night patrols as well as regular rotations as a countywide Watch Commander.
James Raposa (Mugshot courtesy of DaytonaMugshots.com)
Photo of Sheriff Staly courtesy of the FCSO. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
