Sergeant Yelvington-IA Interrogation

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 8, 2025
RE: Internal Investigation Closed - Mr. Jeffrey Gray Arrest
Flagler Beach, FL - On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Mr. Jeffrey Gray was arrested in Flagler Beach for Armed Trespass on Property Other than a Structure or Conveyance. The 7th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office filed a "No Information or intent to prosecute" on the aforementioned criminal charge on March 6, 2005.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney, in the interest of transparency, officially requested that the Flagler County
Sheriff's Office conduct
independent internal affairs investigation into the arrest of Mr. Gray. The internal investigation request was granted, and the internal investigation concluded on July 9, 2025.
The investigation determined no violations on the part of Officer Luttrell, and the findings were considered "Not Sustained". The investigation "Sustained" two (2) violations against Sergeant Yelvington for violation of Department Directives with regard to "Arrest Procedures". Sergeant Yelvington will serve a Three (3) Day Suspension (without pay), and he has been mandated to attend a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) verbal de-scalation training course.
Chief Matt Doughney of the Flagler Beach Police Department stated, "T'd like to thank Sheriff Rick Staly and his Staff at the Flagler County Sheriff's Office for conducting the internal investigation, as having an independent investigation into these types of incidents are extremely important. Since receiving the investigation from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office it has been reviewed, we concur with findings and discipline has been imposed."
hiel Doughney continued by stating that The investigation revealed that Mr. Gray's arre
as made without "Probable Cause", but it was also stated that it was made with "no person. ias or malice". The investigation also identified a significant weakness in our Department Field Training" of new Police Officers, and that deficiency was at the core of this incident. Th training deficiency has been corrected thanks to detailed information provided by our City Attorney regarding freedom of speech and trespassing on public property.

Flagler Beach City Manager Dale L. Martin stated "Sergeant Yelvington's actions on March 2, 2025 were disappointing.
As a seasoned, veteran Officer, his training and experience should
have resulted in a less confrontational interaction. The responsibilities of serving as a local Law Enforcement Officer are significant, but the ultimate purpose of safety and protection cannot be indermined by impulsive actions. The expectations of Flagler Beach officials, residents anc visitors are higher and must not be jeopardized as they were during this incident".
Chief Doughney concluded by stating "On behalf of the Flagler Beach Police Department I'd like to issue a public apology to Mr. Gray. I cannot go back and change the events that occurred on March 2nd, but since that date we as a department have capitalized on educational opportunities with regards to First Amendment Rights. We will continue to explore additional training opportunities in the future, so that we can continue the education of our Police Officers on First Amendment rights, so that we can protect the public, their rights and civil liberties moving forward".