On Saturday August 1st, 2026, at approximately 6:15 P.M. the Clay County Sheriff’s Dept. received a 911 call about a subject breaking into a building at 199 Laclede Street in St. Francis.
When the CCSO deputy arrived the subject had left, but the deputy took a statement from the owner of the building. The deputy was advised that the subject might live in a camper behind the residence. The deputy made contact with the individual and learned he was from Michigan.
On Sunday deputies went back to 399 Rice Street with a warrant to arrest 60yr old James Ray of Flint, Michigan. When the deputies arrived at the address they came into contact with 39yr old. Michael Schornik of Nashville, Tennessee.
The deputies advised Mr. Schornik they were looking for James Ray, he advised them he was in the camping trailer. Mr. Schornik took the deputies to the door and opened it, he then told Mr. Ray to come out.
Deputies then took Mr. Ray into custody, and while doing this smelled the odor of Marijuana coming from the trailer. Deputies asked for permission to search the trailer, and it was granted. Deputies found several drug related items in the trailer, in addition to 2 handguns. Deputies then took Mr. Schornik into custody. They both were transported to the Clay County Detention Center. Mr. Rays was booked in on the charges of breaking and Entering/ Building or Structure, Criminal Trespass, Possession of Meth or Cocaine LT 2GM, Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of SCH VI OR V LT 28GM, Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons.
Mr. Schornik was booked in for Possession of Meth or Cocaine LT 2GM, Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of SCH VI or V LT 28GM, and Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons.
Mr. Ray has a Felony Warrant at this time out of Flint, Michigan for Burglary, but they will not extradite.
Ronnie Cole,
Clay County Sheriff
