Records Clerk Charged: Released Protected Information Of A 12-Year-Old
On October 31, 2025, a public records request submitted to the City of South Daytona - Government resulted in the release of documents that were later determined to be improperly redacted. The requester returned to the department the same morning, reporting that the records contained identifying information about a juvenile victim that should not have been disclosed.
An internal review found that while some redactions were made, the records still included references to the juvenile’s name, parents’ names, and school-related activities—details that could be used to identify the victim. The records had been reviewed and released by records clerk James Alan Travell before being provided to the requester
Detectives investigated the release and determined that Florida Statute 119.10(1)(a) applied, which makes a violation of public records requirements by a public officer a non-criminal infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500. Investigators noted that a knowing or intentional release could elevate the offense to a misdemeanor, though that determination was not made in this case
,
During a November 3, 2025 interview, Travell acknowledged that certain identifying information should be redacted but stated he believed some details were permissible. He later admitted that the remaining information could allow someone to identify the juvenile and that the juvenile’s name appeared unredacted multiple times.
The investigation concluded that a non-criminal infraction had occurred, and the case was forwarded to the court for a judge to assess the fine amount rather than pursuing an arrest.
