Seen this on a Facebook post, I copied and pasted. “
On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) served a Search Warrant on a subject who had been reported missing, with an active Felony Warrant from Gwinnett County, Georgia. The subject, identified as Jessica Downey (DOB: 6/12/1992), was located at 5000 Palm Avenue in Bunnell.
Downey was reported missing on August 2, 2021, by family members after learning she was possibly a victim of physical and sexual abuse. The family advised she had become addicted to drugs after leaving Georgia with her boyfriend and they were worried for her well-being.
The FCSO made multiple attempts to locate Downey at the locations where she was known to frequent but were unsuccessful. Based on tips regarding Downey’s location and that she was possibly being held against her will, FCSO was able to focus on 5000 Palm Avenue in Bunnell as Downey’s most likely location. FCSO’s Community Policing Division (CPD) made multiple attempts to locate Downey at the residence and confirm her well-being, but deputies were constantly met with uncooperative subjects.
Detectives with FCSO’s Investigative Services Division (ISD) received over 65 tips and leads from various sources including social media, citizens and Downey’s family. Some tips suggested Downey was being held captive, physically and sexually assaulted, and being injected with heroin against her will. Detectives worked diligently to investigate each tip but were unable to determine if they were credible.
On August 31, 2021, FCSO received a “Request to Arrest” from the Gwinnet County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, requesting that the FCSO locate and apprehend Downey based on a Felony Arrest Warrant from Gwinnet County for Burglary with Intent to Commit Theft.
Based on the “Request to Arrest,” Detective Kathryn Gordon was able to apply for a search warrant for the property located at 5000 Palm Avenue in Bunnell. The search warrant was granted and on September 1, 2021, the search warrant was executed and Downey was recovered without incident.
“I hope this is a lesson to people to stop hiding in Flagler County,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The investigative team did a phenomenal job tracking down this girl and safely apprehending her. Here is a great example of ‘see something, say something’ which helped our detectives find a wanted fugitive from Georgia. I appreciate the community reporting tips and sightings of this fugitive and I hope she enjoys her stay at the Green Roof Inn.”
Upon questioning, it was determined that Downey was not being held against her will. She was placed under arrest for being a Fugitive from Justice and transported to AdventHealth-Palm Coast for medical clearance. She will be held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility under no bond while awaiting extradition to Gwinnett County, Georgia. “. So found safe, alive but arrested.
