JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville-based comprehensive youth development and support organization is addressing the arrest of a now former employee, who faces multiple felony charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material.

William Eames was taken into custody by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on June 26 outside the Hope Haven campus on Beach Boulevard.

Jail records show Eames was charged with several counts involving possession of explicit images of minors, as well as one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty. He was released from jail on July 1.

In a written statement to News4JAX, Hope Haven said it was not notified of the charges before law enforcement arrested Eames outside the campus. He was immediately placed on administrative leave and has since been fired.

In a written statement to News4JAX, Hope Haven said Eames passed a Level II background screening before he was hired on Oct. 7, 2024, as required for all employees. His work was supervised by licensed staff and conducted in a video-monitored environment.

The organization also participates in Florida’s continuous background monitoring system, which alerts employers to any changes affecting employment eligibility.

The morning after Eames’ arrest, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement informed Hope Haven that Eames was no longer eligible for employment.

He was terminated that day, and Hope Haven filed a formal report with the Department of Children and Families, following state regulations.

The organization, which has not been contacted by investigators since Eames’ arrest, said it has no indication the charges are related to Eames’ work at Hope Haven.

“This is an understandably upsetting situation,” the statement read. “Should law enforcement engage us in this matter, we will cooperate fully.”

Eames was released on July 7, 2025, per Duval County jail records. News4JAX is waiting to hear from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.