Missing woman possibly with missing sex offender

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The family of a 57-year-old St. Johns County woman reported her missing to the Sheriff's Office Thursday afternoon. The woman, identified as Betty Jean Herring, of St. Augustine, was last heard from Monday evening by a family member.

She was last known to be living with registered sex offender Joseph Raymond Tavernia, 43, in the 4800 block of County Road 208.

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, the victim's son became concerned when he discovered that Tavernia had allegedly cut off his court-ordered ankle bracelet following an appointment with his probation officer earlier this week. Tavernia is serving probation until 2022 for a conviction of attempted sexual battery on a minor.

Herring's son, who lives in Palm Coast, told detectives he hasn't heard from his mother since Monday and got concerned Thursday.

Joseph Tavernia

"My understanding, the son knew she was missing but did not know at the time the acquaintance she had been residing with had removed ankle bracelet," said Cmdr. Chuck Mulligan. "So I don't know why he had that extra level of concern. We he discovered all those components, which caused concern for him and certainly caused concern for us as well."

Herring has been identified by the Sheriff's Office as missing and endangered because she is without needed medication. She is described as a white woman, 5 feet tall and 117 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Tavernia (pictured), who has an open warrant for violation of probation for removing his ankle bracelet, is described as a white man, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 158 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with any information concerning the whereabouts of these people is asked to contact Detective Mike Smith at 904-824-8304. You can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS.