St Johns County woman still missing

The family of a 57-year-old St Johns County woman reporting to Historic City News today that there is still no word from their loved one who was last heard from on Monday, December 15th, and who was likely in the company of a registered sexual offender with whom she had been living.

According to her son, Betty Jean Herring and 43-year-old Joseph Raymond Tavernia, were living in the 4800 block of CR-208. Tavernia reportedly cut off his court-ordered ankle bracelet following an appointment with his probation officer earlier last week. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reporting Tavernia’s status as “absconded”.

Tavernia was born 11/12/1971, is a white, male, with long brown hair and brown eyes, about 5’10” tall and 158 pounds. He is on supervised probation until 2022 and was convicted of attempted sexual battery against a minor.

Herring is described as a white female, about 5’ tall, 117 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Her son tells local reporters that she does not have her required medicine, and he is concerned for her medical condition.

If you have seen either of these persons, or know the whereabouts of Betty Jean Herring or Joseph Raymond Tavernia, contact Major Crimes detective Mike Smith at (904) 824-8304. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1(888) 277-TIPS (8477).