Mark A. Moy, a 14-year veteran of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and a well-regarded detective with roles in high-profile arrests and convictions of murderers and molesters, was arrested today on a domestic battery charge, suspended without pay and relieved of duty pending further investigations.
The allegation of domestic violence stems from an incident that unfolded over a two-hour span late Thursday night into early Friday morning, involving a 19-year-old woman who appears to be Moy’s daughter from a previous marriage. She was in her bedroom at Moy’s house in Flagler Beach, video-chatting with a friend, when she went to the kitchen to get a bag of chips.
Moy’s arrest report narrates what allegedly followed: he took a couple of chips then demanded the whole bag, berating her and calling her name–and doing so in front of three adults, including Jack Castanheira, a sheriff’s detective. The 19 year old went into the garage. Moy followed her and continued to berate her, allegedly grabbing her by the shirt and neck. She managed to get back into her room, where she ended the video call out of embarrassment, at which point Moy “broke down her door,” Moy’s arrest report states, “and entered her bedroom where he again placed his hand around her neck, and slapped her with an open hand on the left side of her face.”
A 42-year-old woman with Moy’s last name, who was in the kitchen at the time of the initial altercation, got between the younger woman and Moy and told him to stop or she’d call police. He threw his cell phone at her and told her to call. The younger woman took the phone and said there was no need for such a call. Castanheira–a 10-year veteran at the agency–walked in and took Moy out of the room.
The 19 year old, “in fear for her safety,” left to go to her step-father’s house.
The Sheriff’s Sgt. Frank Gamarra conducted the initial investigation. (It isn’t clear from the arrest report who called police.) He detected redness to the woman’s chest area, a minor cut or scratch at the base of her neck, scratch marks on the neck and bleeding from the left ear beneath an earring. The alleged victim said she was having trouble hearing out of that ear. She declined Gamarra’s offer of calling an ambulance. She told him “she was not sure if she wanted to pursue criminal charges or not.”
Gamarra and Cmdr. Jason Neat then went to Moy’s house, where Moy agreed to speak without an attorney. Moy said the 19-year-old had never made false allegations against him, nor had any reason to lie. But Moy said the dispute never escalated to anything like violence, only that the woman was allegedly being disrespectful–he did not recall what specifically had triggered the argument, but it wasn’t the bag of chips, he said, though earlier that evening they’d discussed her poor grades and her was concerned about her poor attitude–and that they’d argued in the garage.
The 43-year-old woman spoke to Gamarra of separating Moy and the 19-year-old woman, and the other woman who’d been in the kitchen said she’d heard the argument but not witnessed more than that.
Castanheira, however, was “clearly intoxicated” when Cpl. William Lowe reached him by phone, by which time Castanheira was in Orlando and said he would not be available until the afternoon.
“Based on the fact that the two parties were separated, no further propensity for violence was present, and an outstanding sworn law enforcement witness was yet to be interviewed, Sergeant Gamarra did not make an arrest on scene, allowing the opportunity for a full criminal investigation to be completed,” the arrest report states, though typically when an individual is confronted with domestic violence allegations of the sort that Gamarra had documented, the individual is arrested on scene at that time.
Castanheira the next day gave Gamarra a statement over the phone. According to the arrest report, “Castanheira stated that he overheard [Moy] and [the 19-year-old woman] having an argument, but could not detail what the argument was about. Detective Castanheira stated that the argument did go into the garage, and later into [the woman’s] bedroom. Detective Castanheira stated that he entered [her] bedroom and removed Mark from the room. Detective Castanheira stated that the argument had de-escalated slightly when he walked into
room,” and that he witnessed Moy and the younger and older woman ina back corner talking loudly. The detective said “he did not observe anything physical occur during the altercation, that he did not hear anyone else make mention of a physical altercation, and that he did not remember seeing any injuries on upon her departure.”
He said the altercation occurred before 1 a.m., and that he left between 1 and 1:30 a.m.
Gamarra concluded that based on the alleged victim’s statement, “her observed injuries, and nature of the allegations, probable cause exists that Mark A. Moy did commit the crime of battery, domestic violence.” Moy met Gamarra at the county jail, where he was booked and held without bond on a charge of domestic battery.
The Sheriff’s Office Friday night issued a release summarizing the case. Chief Mark Strobridge was quoted in the release. “Sheriff Staly is extremely disappointed in his behavior,” Strobridge said. “Sheriff Staly has made the reduction of domestic violence a priority since becoming Sheriff and this proves that no one is immune from it or from being arrested if they violate the law. Sheriff Staly does not condone this behavior and will not tolerate it from Deputy Sheriffs wearing a badge pledging to serve and protect.”
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Big Wig says
After 31 years of living in Palm Coast and watching these Deputies come and go, normally, I would say a person behaving like that does not belong working around the public with such responsibility. However, if the family member/victim and all parties involved agree the situation wasn’t a normal occurrence, give Moy a chance to redeem himself.
I am by no way a supporter of rouge cops, but this guy works his tail off for the citizens of this community and truly is an asset. He and his co-workers should be commended for not trying to cover it up. Unless we the public don’t have all the information about past situations or this one, please cut this guy a break! Seriously, for a small growing community with crimes some of us don’t even hear about these guys are the first one’s nose deep. Moy is not the stereotypical super badge rouge, don’t let him get lumped in and tossed to the side like garbage.
Gloria says
I hope this gets cleared up soon. I know Mark and his family. From what I know, this is not like him. He is an asset to our community. I am praying for him and his family.
Lance Carroll says
Like sands through the hourglass….
Greg gg says
I hope he goes to jail
Lamo says
Domestic violence is is a horrible thing, but any sworn civil servant, not following the same rules across the full spectrum, should also be held accountable, for not holding the oath…
Dan O says
Imagine that……… A 19 year old, mouthing off to a detective family member……….. Isn’t she an ADULT at 19 ? I bet there’s a LOT MORE to this story then just this episode .
Concerned Citizen says
I am shocked and dissapointed to see Moy involved in something like this. But at the same time.
And this is coming from a male and former LEO retired FF/EMT/ . Guys it’s never ever OK to put your hands on a woman. Regardless of what the issue is YOU always back off and walk away. The minute you strike a woman you lessen yourself as a man. Jut don’t do it.
I am sorry this has caused a career but feel more for the victim.
And on another note wonder when Sherriff Staly will stop going after everyone else in the county. And hold Joe Mullins responsible for his actions? I have started making phome calls and emails to prompt action. What he did is no different than you or I making threats. Yet our Sheriff seems interested in protecting him. he isn’t above reproach. And I for one am not afraid of him. The rest of the county shouldn’t be either.
Janet says
Wow, what a shame. This man was a father before he was a detective and it’s his job to raise a respectful functioning member of society. Not being able to discipline children these days is the reason why our society is full of non functioning brats! It sounds like there’s more to the story and maybe his place of employment should reconsider it’s policy and take into account he was being a father and taking care of family business!
Wow. says
Disciplining his 19 year old daughter? By beating her? And attacking her? I went to school with her and have known her for years and she’s a very smart, respectful and all around amazing person or as what you would say a “respectful functioning member of society.” You’re victim blaming and that makes you apart of the problem. In no way is “taking care of family business” an excuse to put his hands on her, it doesn’t matter what kind of member of society he is or what he has done for this city. It’s not okay in any way, shape or form.
Joseph says
“Corporal” Billy Lowe shouldn’t have a badge either . His previous racial slurs were well documented , which is concerning as to why he still has a job ! The FCSO is a joke and holds their officers to a double standard !
Steve says
Is it just me or does the FCSO Leo’s have an Alcohol Abuse problem?. We know you all have stressful Employment but from experience a better way to blow off steam anxiety stress seems to be in order. We all make mistakes. Let’s see how the Sheriff handles it. In the past not to my liking when it came to his Employees.
Jafo says
Are you kidding me! Didn’t make an arrest on the spot? FCSO Y’all still have the good ole boy system well in place. Had that been anyone else they would have been arrested on the spot. You had plenty of PC. And the fact that Billy Lowe and Moy were close friends disrupters the entire investigation.
Shark says
He will be back. This is minor compared to other instances involving other deputies
Mark says
Seems like they have a drinking problem at the sherrifs office. Should officers be allowed to use alcohol? I think not, when u choose a profession with such power and responibility you should be held to a higher standard.
Also its sad to see an officer protecting his own over the innocent girl. But we all know how they are anyways.
Wow says
I’d bet anything alcohol had a lot to do with this.
Disgusted in Flagler County says
So the other cop was visibly intoxicated and left around 1-1:30 am???? How’d he leave???? Did he drive???? Come on Flagler Sheriffs Office what’s really going on???? This definitely deserves a full blown investigation into the battery of the 19 year old and ALL officers that were there. It’s ok to drink, even if you’re a cop but it’s not ok to drink and drive no matter who you are. Here comes the cover up.
Happening now says
This is why spouse abuse is hidden. Men are fired. Period. Yes, it should not ever happen but it does. Who Wins when spouse has no income?. Everyone loses.
Mythoughts says
No one is above the law, not even a FCSO. It sure sounds like there was alcohol involved at 1 am you bet there was. It is a shame his co-workers that were there didn’t put a stop to it from the get-go but as I said sounds like alcohol played a part in this domestic violence charge.
FCSO would arrest a citizen if they did the same thing so why should he be any different?
Mandy says
There will be abuse and cover up…. They are cops … They will cover for each other… I know use to be married to one and was on the receiving end of the abuse…. They cover up so they don’t loose their job….