Fernandina Beach Police Officer Fired After Sexual Battery Arrest and Investigation

Fernandina Beach Police Department

Jeffrey Tambasco, Deputy Chief

June 6, 2022

Former FBPD Officer John Finley

On May 30, 2022, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a person claiming that that they had been the victim of a “date rape” the evening prior. The NCSO investigated the allegations which led to the June 3rd arrest of Fernandina Beach Police Officer John Finley. The investigation found probable cause to charge Officer Finley with sexual battery and battery stemming from the incident that occurred while he was off duty.

The FBPD has full confidence that the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough and complete investigation and based on the details that led to the arrest, the City of Fernandina Beach is terminating Officer Finley’s employment. Officer Finley was most recently employed by the FBPD on March 20, 2022, after having served with the Baker County Sheriff’s Office and previously with the FBPD.

Editor's Note:  Once more information is available from the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, we will update this story.