- December 11, 2025
Editor's note: Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey is responding to the Dec. 4 arrest, and subsequent dismissal of charges by the State Attorney's Office, of Flagler County Sheriff's Office Detective Ardit Coma.
We acknowledge the State Attorney’s Office decision to file an order of no information and accept the outcome of their review. This decision reflects prosecutorial discretion and does not indicate wrongdoing by our officer or any deficiency in how the traffic stop was handled.
The recent arrest involving a deputy from a neighboring agency has received public attention. We want to clarify our position while maintaining the professionalism and respect that guide interagency relationships.
Our Sergeant acted in good faith and based his decisions on the totality of the circumstances observed at the time. Officers operate under the legal standard of probable cause, which is distinct from the prosecutorial standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A prosecutor’s decision not to pursue charges is a judgment about what can be proven in court. It is not a finding that the officer acted improperly or lacked legal justification.
The facts in the arrest report supported the Sergeant’s actions. The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, our Sergeant activated his emergency lights and siren, other motorists yielded, and the vehicle continued driving recklessly for a significant distance before stopping. Based on these observations, our Sergeant followed established policy, used appropriate methods to gain compliance, and executed the stop safely and professionally.
We stand firmly behind our Sergeant. His actions were consistent with OBPD training and expectations, and the information available to him at the time fully supported the decisions he made.
We value our partnerships with surrounding agencies and remain committed to constructive collaboration in service to the communities we all protect.
Our focus continues to be transparency, professionalism, and ensuring the safety of the public and our officers.
Jesse Godfrey
Ormond Beach Police Chief
