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A disturbing case has emerged from Orange Park, where a substitute teacher and youth basketball coach, identified as Tyrone Julius Ferguson, has been taken into custody. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has reported that Ferguson, aged 50, is facing severe charges after being discovered with illicit sexual images involving both children and animals.
The arrest followed a thorough investigation into child exploitation, conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT task force. This specialized team focuses on addressing and preventing child sex crimes in the region.
On Tuesday, authorities executed a search warrant at Ferguson’s residence on Wells Road. The investigation led to his arrest, charging him with four counts related to possessing material depicting child sexual abuse and two additional counts for possessing images involving the sexual abuse of animals.
Ferguson had been serving as a substitute teacher, working with elementary and middle school students, while also dedicating time as a youth basketball coach. The community is reeling from the revelations, as the case casts a shadow over the trusted role he held in educating and mentoring young individuals.
Ferguson worked as a substitute teacher for both elementary and middle school-aged students.Â
A Clay County District Schools spokesperson told First Coast News Ferguson was employed by its 3rd-party staffing partner, Kelly Schools, and briefly subbed at several schools in the district:
- Argyle Elementary (1 day)
- Discovery Oaks Elementary (1 day)
- Doctors Inlet Elementary (1 day)
- Oakleaf Village Elementary (3 days)
- Ridgeview Elementary (1 day)
In a statement, the spokesperson said Ferguson was immediately barred from any further assignments with the district after officials learned of the allegations. Ferguson reportedly passed all background checks before working on school grounds.
“As part of the district’s strict requirements, our third-party staffing partner must ensure all personnel successfully meet all state-mandated background screening and Jessica Lunsford Act vetting protocols prior to being placed in any classroom. A review of compliance records confirms that this individual’s fingerprints and background checks were completely up to date, revealing no prior arrests or criminal history.” the spokesperson wrote. “The safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that compromises the safety of our school communities.”
The district also confirmed that Ferguson was never affiliated with any of its athletics programs.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that may help investigators is encouraged to contact Detective Eva Solis at esolis@claysheriff.com or by phone at 904-264-6512. Anonymous tips are also accepted through the SaferWatch App or First Coast Crime Stoppers.
“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will continue to hold those victimizing our most vulnerable accountable-every time, no exceptions. The safety, dignity and future of our children depend on swift and unwavering justice,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said in a statement.