[FL] In Deputy Sliker's own words

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After some email exchanges, with his permission, I am posting Deputy Sliker's open statement here.

I am choosing to redact the other party's last name.

From Deputy Sliker:

"I would like to begin by stating, I did not write the previous blog; it appears to have originated from someone attempting to right a wrong. Those whom know me personally will testify that I have never had an issue with owning up to my actions.

The following information is fact; I have never been, charged, nor involved in a Domestic Violence incident whereby I was named the aggressor prior to February 22, 2008. The alleged victim Jennifer [REDACTED] on the other hand prior to our relationship, was involved in numerous domestic Violence incidents involving family members and her ex-boyfriend of which she was named the aggressor; see Flagler County Sheriff’s Office records for reports, as well as charges filed against her.

In January of 2007 I discovered that Jennifer completed 9 unauthorized transactions through my Checking and Credit Card accounts in the excess of $1300.00. I reported the incident to the FCSO. Jennifer received 6 months of Pre Trial Intervention (PTI) for these crimes.

In April of 2007 I reported an incident to the FCSO where by Jennifer struck me multiple times in the back of the head and face, after a verbal dispute regarding my previous decision to discontinue our romantic relationship see FCSO report for details. The following day Jennifer returned to my home banging on my door, pleading with me to forgive her for her prior behavior. She left my property shortly after, only to begin calling and sending me text messages threatening to end her life. I then began receiving text pictures displaying of what appeared to be her wrists with lacerations across them. I immediately contacted the FCSO and reported the incident. She was subsequently located approximately a quarter of a mile from my residence. Deputies stated that upon contact they did indeed observe several lacerations to her wrists and that she stated that she did not care about anything anymore. Jennifer was placed into protective custody under a Baker Act and transported to Halifax Behavioral center Daytona Beach. I was then granted a two week temporary Injunction against Jennifer shortly after this incident. I appeared before a Flagler County Judge at the end of the two weeks, where the Judge felt at that time, based on the facts he did not believe my safety was in danger and denied a permanent Injunction. Shortly after this incident I Trespassed Jennifer from my property, due to her showing up in my driveway after my shift, then refusing to leave.

On February 22, 2008 I was out with a fellow Deputy at a local Tavern, at which time Jennifer approached me, wrapped her arms around my body and began kissing me on the neck, requesting to have a drink together. I kept my arms to the side and asked her several times to please leave me alone, before she let go and walked away. She then followed me to the parking lot at the end of the night and sat in my unlocked vehicle, despite my multiple requests not to. These actions by Jennifer were witnessed by a fellow Deputy; see his Sworn Voluntary Statement for further details filed with the FCSO. I sat in the vehicle and began pleading with her to get out of the car and please leave me alone. She replied the only way she was getting out of the car was if I drove her to Denny’s in the next parking lot. So I did, only to have her then request that I accompany her in the restaurant to talk. Reluctantly I agreed and walked into the restaurant under the agreement that she would receive a ride back to her car from her friend whom also joined us. We remained in the restaurant briefly prior to leaving. Once outside Jennifer sat in my vehicle again and refused to get out. I got in and again pleaded with her to get out; she again refused and began ordering me to take her back to my house. She was pounding on the dashboard of the car screaming that she loved me and that she knew that I loved her. I replied that I was taking her back to her car. Upon arrival in the parking lot I began once again to plead with her to get out of the car. I then threatened to contact the FCSO if she didn’t. With no sign of her getting out, I removed my cell phone from my belt and attempted to place the call, at which time Jennifer lunged across the car and grabbed the phone attempting to rip it from my hands. At which time our heads made contact. Seconds later my cell phone broke in two and Jennifer jumped from the vehicle. I had no idea at this point that she received an injury from this action; I was just thankful she got out of the vehicle. I left the parking lot and drove directly home. Approximately one hour later I received a call on my house phone from LT. Bovino requesting I come outside to speak with him. Once outside he advised me that Jennifer contacted the FCSO, stated that I grabbed her by the throat and struck her in the face with my head intentionally, causing a small laceration to the inside of her upper lip. I replied that was not what happened and before I could finish he began shaking his head stating that he told me this was going to happen, in addition per Capt. Clair’s request I had to go 10-15 (arrest). I was then placed under arrest and transported to the FCIF for processing. The following day after my release I began receiving numerous phone calls from Jennifer, see FCSO for reports. Approximately two weeks later I appeared before a Flagler County Judge regarding an Injunction for this incident. At this time my attorney requested a continuance, due to video surveillance we had subpoenaed from the parking lot of which the incident occurred. At this point Jennifer raised her hand and requested to drop the injunction. Days later she also filed an affidavit requesting to drop the Domestic Battery charge as well, stating that she was pregnant and did not want to be under stress. I then received copies of the Internal Affairs interviews as well as all statements and reports. At which time I discovered that the reported version of the incident was not what was explained to Capt. Clair over the phone moments after LT. Bovino made contact with Jennifer. Capt. Clair stated in his IA interview that Jennifer and I were in my vehicle engaged in an altercation at which time she received an injury to her mouth. Although the reported version was that I approached Jennifer outside her vehicle, grabbed her by the throat and struck her in the face with my head. Why was the initial version not documented?

Jennifer completed a 4 page written statement on March 12, 2008, at which time she stated LT. Bovino pressured her into making false statements under oath. She continued to state that she contacted Deputy Greg Tietje on his personal cell phone that morning because she thought that I would report the incident once I arrived home. She stated that we indeed were in my vehicle arguing and that when I attempted to call for help she grabbed my cell phone and caused the injury to her mouth.

On April 7, 2008 I was granted a three year injunction against Jennifer for the February 22, 2008 incident naming myself the victim of Domestic Violence. Subsequently I signed several charges against Jennifer for this incident with the FCSO. I also signed several charges against the Deputies involved in this incident with the SAO, due to the fact that the FCSO denied my request to do so. The charges were later dropped by the SAO stating that the evidence gained through the internal Affairs interviews was not admissible in court. In addition though Jennifer implicated LT. Bovino and flat out admitted to her crimes in written statements along with sworn testimony, they were also not pursuing charges.

The FCSO denied numerous requests to have a separate IA initiated regarding the conduct of the Deputies involved despite stating to my Attorney, PBA and myself that they would.

I currently have an ongoing lawsuit against the FCSO for this incident.

Thank you,
Darin Sliker"
[officer-involved domestic violence, oidv, recant, recanting, falsely accused, darin sliker]