Levy County Sheriff's Star

Second Suspect Arrested in Home Invasion

2012-05-18T09:21:00.001-04:00

Second Suspect Arrested in Home Invasion

The second suspect from the home invasion robbery reported to Levy County Deputies on 5-10-12 has been arrested. Patrick Shawn McLaughlin 9-13-66 was tracked down last night in Columbia County. He was arrested for the outstanding warrant issued by a Levy County Judge from the information submitted by LCSO Deputy Matt King.

McLaughlin thought he could pull stakes and move to avoid capture for his crimes. He was wrong. The long arm of the law and always-vigilant law officers of Florida are watching. Deputies from Columbia County and Levy County located McLaughlin as he was trying to enjoy a quiet dinner at the Barnyard Junction Restaurant located at 7629 Hwy 27 in Fort White. Dinner interrupted and breakfast guaranteed courtesy of Columbia County Detention Facility.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Final Suspect Captured

2012-05-17T15:54:00.001-04:00

Suspect Captured

The final suspect has been apprehended in the extensive investigation conducted by the Levy County Drug Task Force. Ted Alja Williams 11/14/81 was arrested by Levy County Deputies on 5/15/12 and booked into the Levy County Jail on the following charges:

Possession of weapon/ammo by a convicted felon

Possession of more than 10 grams of phenethylamines

Possession of cocaine

Possession of marijuana

Maintaining a drug dwelling

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Total bond for the charged crimes is $320,000.00

Williams was the owner of the home located at 3711 NE 212 Court in Williston, Fl where Levy County Deputies executed a search warrant on the evening of May 4, 2012. Narcotics and money were seized that evening and multiple suspects were arrested. This is a prime example of the hard work the Deputies of Levy County are doing in efforts to stem the sale of narcotics on OUR streets. Works like these will continue and the drug dealers need to take warning. Even though Williams ran that evening, he did not evade capture.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Partnership Formed

2012-05-17T11:01:00.001-04:00

Partnership

The Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is proud to announce its' new partnership with the Levy County Quilt Museum. Recently the newly formed Board of Directors for the Quilt Museum began conversation with LCSO and has agreed to begin the new partnership in conjunction with LCSO's community outreach program. The Board of Directors of the Quilt Museum has agreed to donate space in the museum to the Deputies of LCSO. The new office space will allow LCSO Deputies faster access to their area's of responsibility without having to drive to Bronson to complete tasks such as; report submissions, copying documents for active investigations, victim interviews or making phone calls for their cases. This location will provide a "base" of operation for the Deputies. In return LCSO Deputies will provide additional security for the Quilt Museum. Major Sullivan says "this will be community policing at its' finest" and "is honored to be partnered with the Levy County Quilt Museum."

The Quilt Museum will be hosting an Open House announcing the new partnership on Saturday May 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live Bluegrass music will be played to entertain the guests and finger food will be available. They will also be having a yard sale of items donated by supporters, with proceeds benefiting the Museum.

The Quilt Museum was the dream of Miss Winnelle Horne. She began construction of the museum she called her home in 1991. Construction was completed in 1998. Her passion for this art will be on display Saturday. Miss Winnelle passed on to be with our Lord on January 30, 2012.

Please come and join us this Saturday at the Museum located at 11050 NW 10^th Ave in Chiefland, Fl 32626. The Museum directors can be reached a 352-493-2801.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Home Invasion Robbery Investigated

2012-05-11T08:48:00.001-04:00

On 5-10-12 at 2330 hours the Levy County Sheriff's Office responded to 10331 NE 86 Street in Bronson to a reported Home Invasion Robbery. A husband and wife reported to Deputies that they were home alone in their bedroom when two men known to them, entered their home uninvited. Patrick Shawn McLaughlin 9/13/66 and Aaron Michael Miller 8/23/80 came to collect on money McLaughlin claimed he was owed by the wife. The husband told Deputies he attempted to get out of bed to retrieve his wallet and was pushed down by McLaughlin. A fight between the husband and McLaughlin started and was broken up by the wife who was demanding they leave or she would call the Police. McLaughlin grabbed the wife by the neck and took both cell phones she was holding. During this exchange between McLaughlin and the husband and wife, Aaron Michael Miller took the wallet from the husband and exited the home, jumping into the get away vehicle. McLaughlin exited the home as well and both men fled the scene.

Dep. Matt King located Aaron Michael Miller a short time later at 25 Forest Lane in Bronson and arrested him. Miller was booked into the Levy County Jail charged with Home Invasion Robbery and depriving a victim of 911. McLaughlin had fled the area and currently being sought by Levy County authorities.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Williston Drug Raid Nets 9

2012-05-05T02:59:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: May 5, 2012

Time: 11:15 PM

Friday, April 4, 2012 shortly after 10PM the Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force & Criminal Investigation Division executed a drug search warrant at 3711 NE 212th Court Williston. This is the second drug raid in two days and a total of 21 people have been arrested a deputies have filed thirty-five (35) felony charges & eighteen (18) misdemeanor charges.

The Friday night raid netted 9 arrest with drugs, loaded gun, money and drug paraphernalia being seized at the Williston home. The residence is a known drug haven, gambling house and reported prostitution ring.

The investigation continues and more arrests are expected. Major Evan Sullivan stated "I'm very proud of our team and this bust is a direct result of all their work.

Defendant:

Wykime Elrico Canady

21430 NE 37th Place

Williston, Fl.

B/M, 03/17/1992

Charges: Felony Possession of marijuana more than 20 grams

Shauna Rae Gelormino

2550 NE 180th Street

Williston, Fl.

B/F, 01/23/1994

Charges: Possession of marijuana less than 20 grams

Travis Terrell Jackson

14308 NW 27 Ave.

Citra, Fl.

B/M, 09/08/87

Charges: Marion County Warrant possession & sell cocaine

Decoda Kadarrell King

21291 NE 35th Street

Williston, Fl.

B/M, 04/23/1987

Charges: Driving While License Suspended

Fleeing & attempting to elude a police officer

Possession Marijuana more than 20 grams

Tampering with Evidence

Resisting Without Violence

Quentin Karon Mitchell

45 NE 9th Street

Williston, Fl.

B/M, 08/29/1976

Charges: Possession Cocaine

Possession of Marijuana less than 20 grams

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Resisting Arrest Without Violence

Chaia Lynn Powel

1925 SE 42nd Apt G.

Gainesville, Fl.

W/F, 06/20/1990

Charges: Possession of Marijuana less than 20 grams

Stepheon Deon Rives

2713 NE 200th Ave

Williston, Fl.

B/M, 02/22/1987

Charges: Possession Cocaine with intent to sell within 1000 feet from a church

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Jessica Cullen Rodriguez

17652 Hwy 27 Apt. 27

Williston, Fl.

H/F, 06/15/1991

Charges: Possession of marijuana less than 20 grams

Julian Jarrod Smith

4410 NE 207th Court

Williston, Fl

B/M, 01/21/1990

Charges: Violation of Probation Warrant

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

CR 347 to Re-Open Today

2012-05-04T16:03:00.001-04:00

Media Release

The Levy County Road Department has announced that repairs to CR 347 west of CR 345 will be open today at 6:00 p.m. All repairs will be completed at this time and through traffic in both directions will be available to the motorists.

Levy County Road Department Administrative Superintendent Bruce Greenlee reports that no "voids" were found, as this incident was first suspected to have been caused by a sinkhole. Road crews determined that substandard materials were the cause of the damage discovered to the highway.

Greenlee asks that motorist proceed with caution. The recent repairs have caused "soft shoulders" to the road adjacent to where repairs were made. Flashing message boards on CR 345 will notify the public of the road re-opening.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

School Employee arrested with Guns on Campus

2012-05-04T14:21:00.001-04:00

School Employee arrested with Guns on Campus

On May 3, 2012, Levy County Sheriff's Office School Resource Deputy Grant Sandlin received information that Williston Elementary Custodian, Dennis W. Solowski possibly had guns in his vehicle. Dep. Sandlin verified that Solowski was currently on duty and his vehicle was parked in the school campus parking lot. Dep. Sandlin located Solowski and interviewed him. Solowski verified that he did have guns in his vehicle. A search of the vehicle by Dep. Sandlin discovered an AR-15 style rifle and a 30-30 lever action rifle in the trunk. In addition to the rifles, a semi-automatic handgun was found under the front seat of the vehicle.

The Levy County School Board requires all employees to review and sign policy prior to employment. Levy County School Board has a "ZERO" tolerance for weapons on their school campuses. Solowski admitted to Dep. Sandlin he knew he was not allowed to have weapons on school campus. Dep. Sandlin arrested Solowski and he was transported to the Levy County Jail.

The Levy County Sheriff's Office and the Levy County School Board will continue to work hand-in-hand to ensure the safety of "OUR" children while at our schools.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

12 Arrested in Inglis Drug Raid- 90 other Arrest in Connection to this Drug House

2012-05-03T22:32:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: May 3, 2012

Time: 10:30 PM

For two-and-a-half years, Chief Steven Dixon and his small-town Inglis Police Department have been plagued by the blatant criminal activity they knew was happening in an isolated mobile home on Cypress Lane by a canal in the Levy County riverside town.

Month after month, Dixon's police officers and Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force agents conducted surveillance, gathered intelligence, spoke with confidential sources, sought out physical evidence and steadily built their case against these thugs.

They suspected that an unknown quantity of stolen property was being traded at the trailer for pills and methamphetamine. As the Inglis Police Department got closer to shutting down what they knew to be a hub of meth cooking, dealing in stolen property and illegal sale of prescription pills and other drugs, they realized they needed more resources to make it all work.

Partnering with the Levy County and Citrus County Sheriff's Offices, a search warrant was served at noon today at 21 Cypress Lane where nine suspects were located. Detectives, deputies and police carefully examined the scene, while crime scene technicians systematically processed the packed premises.

The Levy and Citrus Sheriff's Offices also share a keen stake in the Cypress Lane address. Citrus detectives have identified and arrested many of the more than 90 individuals from their own county known to have ties to the clandestine Inglis location.

During the daytime drug raid, authorities arrested 12 people, plus confiscated methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia to include scales, filters, spoons, needles, etc.

As a result of the investigation into the Levy County drug house, Citrus County deputies developed leads that a residence in Crystal River also may have stolen property. They responded to the residence on N. Pennsylvania Avenue and recovered a stolen Honda generator, boat motor and surround-sound system.

The Levy County operation was deemed a success, with a total of 12 people arrested at kingpin Marian Walker's residence. Major Evan Sullivan, Sheriff Jeff Dawsy and Chief Steve Dixon all agreed they are very proud of the men and women involved in this major investigation and that the operation was executed flawlessly. The citizens of Inglis, Levy and Citrus counties should certainly feel safer knowing that true bad guys are off the streets.

The following persons were arrested today at 21 Cypress Lane in Inglis, Florida:

Marian Cockerham Walker, W/F, 06/12/1956

21 Cypress Lane

Inglis, FL

Charges: Possession of methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Maintaining a drug dwelling

Terry Lee Arnold, W/M, 06/13/1973

50 Palm Drive

Inglis, FL

Charges: Possession of methamphetamine

Trafficking in methamphetamine

Manufacturing methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Maintaining a drug dwelling

Unlawful possession of chemicals

Five (5) charges of Resisting arrest with violence

Vickie Ann Walker, W/F, 08/21/1970

50 Palm Drive

Inglis, FL

Charges: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Brandy Safawna Smith, W/F, 06/10/1975

588 Hwy. 40 West

Inglis, FL

Charges: Possession of methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Possession of a controlled substance

Sandra Kay Hall, W/F, 04/19/1963

2458 South Pine Ridge Avenue

Homosassa, FL

Charges: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Melissa M. Ford, W/F, 10/10/1977

588 Hwy. 40 West

Inglis, FL

Charges: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Vincent L. Baker, W/M, 05/22/1971

10021 West Dublin Street

Crystal River, FL

Charges: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Trafficking in methamphetamine

Tampering with evidence

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Kirk W. Cooper, Jr., W/M, 02/11/1977

29 Lewis Street

Inglis, Fl

Charges: Possession of methamphetamine

Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

James R. Whigham, W/M, 11/27/1972

12131 S.E. 124^th Avenue

Inglis, FL

Charges: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Karen R. Whigham, W/F, 09/05/1972

11691 S.E. 35^th Street

Morriston, FL

Charges: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

Bradford J. McEnteggart, W/M, 10/28/1958

8460 55^th North

Pinellas Park, FL

Erica Sue Allen, W/F, 01/21/1978

100 North Hawthorne Drive

Inglis, Fl.

Charges: Trafficking in Methamphetamine

Manufacturing Methamphetamine

Unlawful possession of listed chemicals

The following people also have been arrested previously and have ties to the drug house at 21 Cypress Lane in Inglis:

Marian Walker - 06/12/1956 – Arrested by Inglis PD and Citrus County Sheriff's Office for possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine.

Lee "Snake" Arnold - 06/13/1973 - Arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine and habitual driving while license suspended.

Vince Baker - 05/22/1971 - Arrested for possession of methamphetamine and manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Samuel Garrett - 03/17/1984 - Arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Donald Knowlton, Jr. - 07/12/1977 - Arrested for trafficking in stolen property.

Eric Elson - 05/27/1972 - Arrested for possession of a controlled substance, grand theft and driving while license suspended.

Kirk Cooper, Jr. - 02/11/1977 - Arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia

Jerry McKay - 01/11/1982 - Arrested for possession and manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Michelle McKay - 09/23/1986 – Arrested on a warrant.

Derick Short - 06/02/1969 - Arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, fleeing & attempting to elude a police officer, resisting arrest without violence and driving while license suspended or revoked.

Helen Mae "Mae-Mae" Hall - 08/15/1987 - Arrested for controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Linsey Cowles - 07/16/1981 - Arrested on a warrant for violation of probation grand theft.

Tammy Spears - 06/17/1986 – Arrested on a warrant for violation of probation grand theft and possession of unlawful chemicals.

Wayne Drake - 06/22/1966 – Arrested for aggravated battery and grand theft.

Jenna Foster - 11/04/1988 – Arrested for possession and manufacturing of methamphetamine and unlawful use of chemicals.

Hollie Montague - 08/04/1983 – Arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jannette Aleksandrovic-12/14/1975- Arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of unlawful chemicals and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Troy Michael Gervais - 07/01/1971- Arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI and felony violation of probation.

Barbara Brewster- 09/21/1963 – Arrested for petit theft.

Jamie Jacobson - 04/02/1982 – Arrested for grand theft and trafficking in stolen property.

Gary Stine-11/19/1976- Arrested for sell/manufacture/deliver a controlled substance, resisting without violence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer Douglas-08/24/1985 – Arrested for possession/trafficking with intent to distribute methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Stephanie Wilder - 06/16/1975 – Arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked (habitual).

Michele Adams - 04/18/1973 – Arrested for petit theft.

Christopher Martinez - 05/18/1992 – Arrested for petit theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Heather Waybright - 12/28/1983 – Arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked.

William Roddenberry - 02/13/1967 – Arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked (habitual) and aggravated fleeing & attempting to elude a police officer.

Christopher Wood - 05/28/1981- Arrested for possession/trafficking with intent to distribute methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Rex Townsend - 05/06/1956 – Arrested on environmental charges/untreated human waste.

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Modern Day Cattle Rustlers

2012-04-30T14:16:00.001-04:00

Media Release

On March 20, 2012, Levy County Sheriff's Office Investigator Jimmy Anderson received a call from local attorney, Ray Earl Thomas, who represents Larry Lindsey, owner of Lindsey Cattle Company. Thomas reported that his client Lindsey won the bid to purchase the cattle sold by the local FFA students at the Suwannee River Fair. Lindsey contracted with Ron Shepard to pick up and deliver the cows to United Producers Inc. in Illinois. All seemed to be going fine until Shepard did not return with the money.

Ron Shepard picked up 146 cows from the Suwannee River Fairgrounds on March 21, 2012. He also had an additional 17 cows on the truck that Lindsey had purchased from the Okeechobee County Fair days earlier.

Ron Shepard made the delivery and received a check from United Producers Inc. for the amount of $200,000.21. However, he disappeared after taking possession of the check. Ron Shepard's business partner, Jeremy Pierce contacted Law Enforcement in Illinois to make the report of his missing business partner.

As Investigator Anderson began to look into this matter, he discovered other states also had active investigations. Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Texas all wanted to speak to these men regarding the theft of cattle from their states. Inv. Anderson discovered that Ron Shepard had been in contact with United Producers prior to his arrival. Shepard had United Producers write the check meant for Levy County FFA kids to his personal business, Brookfield Cattle, which is owned by himself and Jeremy Pierce. Through aggressive investigative work, Inv. Anderson obtained video from a bank in Illinois showing Jeremy Pierce depositing the check meant for Levy County FFA kids. Somehow, Pierce obtained the check from Shepard and deposited it into a second business account titled Brookport Cattle Company.

Inv. Anderson's diligent work and persistence led him to contact the FBI and the Florida Division of Agriculture and the joint investigation yielded more than ample evidence for Inv. Anderson to obtain warrants for both men.

On April 19, 2012, Inv. Anderson met with 8^th Circuit Judge David Glant and secured warrants to arrest Ron Shepard and Jeremy Pierce for Scheme to Defraud. Each warrant had a bond of $1,000,000.00 (One MILLION dollars). Pierce turned himself in to authorities in Illinois but Shepard is still at large.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

2012-04-30T05:26:00.001-04:00

----------------Media Release----------------

Motorist Safety--Road Closure

The Levy County Sheriff's Office responded to the 10600 block of County Road 347 to a report of a sink hole that had opened underneath the roadway. A passing motorist struck a crack which had opened across one lane. No injuries or damages were reported.

The Levy County Road Department has closed County Road 347 from 100 Ave west to County Road 330 for an estimated 36 to 48 hours while repairs are made.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Airplane Crash

2012-04-28T10:46:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 28, 2012

Time: 10:45 AM

The Levy County Sheriff's Office received a call of a reported airplane crash in the Fowlers Bluff area. Shortly after 3 PM Sgt. Danny Turner arrived on the scene and discovered a single engine Cessna upside down and partially blocking the south bound lane on County Road 347.

The investigation revealed that the pilot and two passengers were flying from Marathon and they were enroute to Tallahassee. For unknown reasons the Cessna had total engine failure at an altitude of approximately 2500 feet. The pilot, Clifford Rydell, 51 made an emergency landing on CR-347 in Fowlers Bluff.

According to Major Evan Sullivan the pilot did a great job landing the plane and very happy that no one was injured. The airplane crash occurred in a very remote area in Levy County and the Watch Commander; Lt. Scott Finnen assisted the couple by taking them to get a rental vehicle.

The southbound lane was blocked for a short time and the Sheriff's Office contacted the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board and they will conducted there investigation on Saturday, April 28, 2012.

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Levy/Citrus County Emergency Management Conducting a Phone Survey

2012-04-27T08:09:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Phone Survey on Tap for

All-Hazards Evacuation Planning

Date: April 27, 2012

Time: 8:00 AM

Starting the week of Monday, April 30, residents living in Levy and Citrus counties may be contacted by telephone to take part in an all-important emergency evacuation planning survey. The reasoning behind the survey is to gather data for use by the Levy County Emergency Management Office to improve evacuation plans for both natural and man-made disasters.

The telephone survey is being conducted by Boston-based First Market Research, and all calls made on weekdays will be conducted between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. On the weekends, calls will be made between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Responding to the survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete by either the head of household or his/her spouse.

No personal or financial questions will be asked by the caller. Instead, survey questions will seek specific information, such as how long it takes you to drive from work to home, and how many vehicles typically are available to the household for use if an evacuation were necessary. Responses to questions like these will provide critical information for the purpose of emergency planning.

Survey results will give emergency management personnel a better estimate of the number of people evacuating any given area, the number of vehicles used to evacuate and the length of time needed to prepare for evacuations.

The data collected by the survey also will be used in a traffic engineering study to identify roadways and areas with significant traffic congestion during evacuations, and to pinpoint methods for reducing delays caused by traffic gridlock.

For more information, contact the Levy County Emergency Management Office at (352) 486-5213.

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Man Arrested on Sheriff's Office Gun Range

2012-04-24T08:59:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 24, 2012

Time: 9:00 AM

On April 24, 2012 Deputy Ella Anderson arrested Dale Derber for trespassing and possession of a concealed weapon.

At 4:45 in the morning, Deputy Anderson was doing a security check at the Levy County Sheriff's Office. Anderson noticed that the gate to the Sheriff's Office gun range was open and began investigating the suspicious activity. Anderson noticed a vehicle backed up inside the Sheriff's Office gun range with the head lights off.

The investigation revealed that Derber was sitting in his vehicle and had four candles burning on his dash. On April 23, 2012 an officer alert bolo was issued and Anderson immediately recognized the subject. The statewide bolo warned all law enforcement to use extreme caution when dealing with Derber he is known to carry multiple weapons and stun guns.

Anderson drew her service weapon and ordered Derber out of the vehicle. Derber was arrested without incident and inside the vehicle were a billy club and five knives were located in the vehicle. When Derber was questioned why he was on the Sheriff's Office gun range he stated he was going to put in an application with the Sheriff's Office.

On April 21, 2012 Deputy Willie Barnes arrested Derber for flooding the Suwannee River Motel. Derber bonded out of jail on April 22^nd.

Defendant:

Dale Derber

W/M, 09/11/1953

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

K-9 Taz Apprehends Burglar

2012-04-23T14:41:00.001-04:00

Media Release

Date: April 23, 2012

Time: 1:15 PM

On Saturday, April 21, 2012 Deputy Willie Barnes arrested Kurt Leonard Phrampus for burglary, petit theft, criminal mischief and resisting arrest without violence.

The witness stated that they saw a light inside the residence around 10PM and called the Levy County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Willie Barnes and K-9 deputy "Taz" responded to 6990 NW 135^th Lane in reference to the burglary in progress call. Upon arrival the back door had been pried open and it was unknown if the subject was still inside the house.

Deputy Barnes announced two times his presence and that the K-9 would enter the residence. K-9 Taz cleared the residence and began tracking from the back door where he located Phrampus hiding behind a shed. K-9 Taz apprehended Phrampus and he started fighting the Sheriff's K-9. Phrampus was bit in the chest and hands when Phrampus attempted to choke K-9 Taz.

Phrampus was arrested and he had in his possession stolen jewelry. Phrampus was transported to Tri County Hospital where he was treated and released. Phrampus is currently in the Levy County Jail with a $130,000 dollar bond.

Defendant:

Kurt Leonard Phrampus

6751 NW Highway 345

Chiefland, Fl.

W/M, 08/08/1968

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Fanning Springs Man floods Motel

2012-04-23T14:39:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 23, 2012

Time: 1:30 PM

On April 21, 2012 Deputy Willie Barnes arrested Dale Harvey Derber for felony criminal mischief.

Deputy Barnes and K-9 Taz responded to the Suwannee River Motel in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival Deputy Barnes made contact with the owner of the motel. The victim stated that Derber has been renting from her for approximately five months. The victim stated that tonight she heard a loud noise in room 11. Derber left room 11 and began banging on doors at 2:30 in the morning waking up other tenants.

The investigation revealed that the loud noise the victim heard was Derber ripping the plumbing from the sink and flooding the entire room causing over $1,000 dollars in damage. Derber was located by Dep. Barnes on highway 19 and he was arrested for felony criminal mischief.

Defendant:

Dale Harvey Derber

17210 NW US Highway 19

Fanning Springs, Fl.

W/M, 09/11/1953

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Disabled Motorist Arrested for Drugs

2012-04-23T13:48:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 23, 2012

Time: 1:45 PM

On April 21, 2012 Deputy Matthew King arrested Manuel Alejandro Marmolejos for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputy King observed a white Honda CRV disabled on the side of the road in the Chiefland area. Deputy King stopped to assist the motorist and when he made contact with Marmolejos he smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. King questioned Marmolejos if he had anything in the car that was illegal and he replied no. King explained that he could smell the odor of marijuana and Marmolejos produced a gas mask with a pipe attached to the mask. Marmolejos stated that he used the gas mask and pipe to smoke marijuana and the gas mask had residue that tested positive for marijuana.

Marmolejos was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and transported to the Levy County Jail.

Defendant:

Manuel Alejandro Marmolejos

6801 Rosemary Drive

Tampa, Fl.

H/M, 05/01/1991

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Two Arrested in Inglis

2012-04-23T13:45:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 23, 2012

Time: 1:30 PM

On Saturday, April 21, 2012 Deputy Jason Gallup arrested Tammy Herndon and Rodney Garris for trespassing after warning and disorderly intoxication.

Deputy Gallup responded to the Kangaroo gas station in the City of Inglis in reference to a disturbance at the store. Upon arriving at the gas station Gallup saw Herndon & Garris running from the store and they were detained. Gallup knew earlier in the day that a police officer with Inglis Police Department issued a trespass warning on the two.

Through the investigation it was determined that the defendants were very intoxicated. They were screaming obscenities and threw their personal belongings in the parking lot. The two refused to calm down and Gallup arrested them for trespassing after warning and disorderly intoxication.

Defendants:

Tammy Herndon

Transient

W/F, 06/13/1969

Rodney Garris

Transient

W/M, 08/26/1967

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Suspect Arrested In Commercial Burglaries

2012-04-16T13:16:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 16, 2012

Time: 10:30 AM

On Saturday, April 14, 2012 Detectives arrested David J. Morin, 31, from Dunnellon for several commercial burglaries. The investigation began on March 7, 2012 when unknown subjects forcibly entered the Kwik King in Morriston. Upon entry the suspects stole several thousands dollars worth of cigarettes, lottery tickets and did several thousand dollars worth of damage. The group of thugs continued there crime spree and broke into the Morriston Kwik King a total of three times and forcibly entered the Morris Junction BP Station.

The Levy County Sheriff's Office organized a Task Force and started conducting stakeouts throughout Levy County. Levy Detectives noticed that the suspects would strike, Sunday-Thursday, between the hours of 9:30PM-5:00AM. The subjects continued there crime spree and committed three more burglaries in Marion County. They are suspected of committing one burglary in Citrus County.

The investigations revealed the Levy/Marion/Citrus burglaries had the same similarities and were believed to have been committed by the same individuals working in the three county areas.

Levy County Sheriff's Office organized a Task Force and deputies began conducting stakeouts in Levy County. Through the hard work of Detectives in the three counties they developed a suspect vehicle, 2011 Ford F-250. On Saturday, April 14, 2012 Deputy Adam Parker with the Marion County Sheriff's Office located the suspect's truck in the Lake Tropicana subdivision. Upon stopping the truck Parker located stolen cigarettes inside the truck and the suspects were detained for questioning. Sgt. Mike Narayan, Detective Jay Crooms and Deputy Scott Stancil responded to Marion County and conducted the interview with David Morin from Dunnellon. The interrogation resulted in Morin confessing to the three burglaries in Levy County and three burglaries in Marion County which resulted in a search warrant executed in Marion County. The search warrant resulted in seizing stolen cigarettes, sledge hammer, yellow crow bar and clothing from the residence.

The investigation continues in all three counties and more arrests are expected. Major Evan Sullivan stated "This was a great team effort working & exchanging information across county lines". I'm very proud that Levy County Detectives/Deputies took the lead in the Task Force and another bad guy is apprehended.

Defendant:

David J. Morin

52 North Hwy 41

Dunnellon, Fl.

W/M, 07/07/1980

###

Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Four Arrested in Farm Thefts

2012-04-11T14:00:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 11, 2012

Time: 11:00 AM

On April 10, 2012 Detective Roger Bell arrested Robert Carter, Christopher Chapin, James Perry and Darren Reese on multiple felony charges.

The investigation began in February 2012 when Levy County farmers began reporting theft of copper wire from irrigation pivots. The thieves during the cover of darkness would steal the copper wire from the pivots in very remote areas in Williston and Chiefland.

From February through April the subjects stole copper wire from over seven different farms. The subjects sometimes hit farms multiple times and even struck two pivots that was brand new that never have been used. The copper wire was valued at over $50,000 dollars not to mention the aggravation of the farmers not being able to water their crops and the damage to the pivots.

Major Evan Sullivan organized a Task Force, "Street Crimes Unit", within the Sheriff's Office to combat this crime wave of farm thefts. Collectively this unit devised a plan and through good old fashion police work was able to develop leads in the pivot thefts.

On April 10, 2012 the drag net tightened and Detective Roger Bell, Deputy Scott Stancil and Sgt. Mike Narayan located Chapin, Reese and Carter at 14431 NE 50^th Place in Williston. While Detectives and Deputies conducted interviews with witnesses and suspects they located evidence that the suspects were burning the wire behind the house. The suspects would burn the plastic coating to bare copper wire and scrapped the copper to local salvage yards in Williston. While conducting the investigation at the Williston home Detectives noticed marijuana plants behind the house. Robert Carter admitted to growing marijuana and he was charged with cultivation of marijuana, which is a felony charge. Carter was a suspect in a burglary case that was unrelated to the pivot thefts. Carter was arrested for burglary, grand theft auto and dealing in stolen property by Corporal Mike Bell. The suspects were transported to the Sheriff's Office for further questioning based on witness testimony. Detective Roger Bell obtained confessions from Carter, Chapin and Reese stating they were responsible for stealing wire from seven irrigation pivots in the Williston and Chiefland areas. The suspects also advised that James Allen Perry from Bronson was involved in the thefts. Sgt. Mike Narayan and Major Evan Sullivan located Perry at a Bronson home and he was brought in for questioning. Perry admitted to stealing and assisting by being a look out and driving the car to the farmer's field.

The investigation revealed that in addition to the suspects confessing to all the pivot thefts in the Williston & Chiefland areas they had also planned to do six more pivot thefts last night in Chiefland.

Since the inception of the full time Ag/Marine Unit Lt. Hunt has been extremely busy. Sullivan would like to remind all farmers that we have an Ag Watch Program. The Ag Watch Program was developed in 2008 as a means to identify ownership of agriculture properties in Levy County. The program consists of no Trespassing Signs and has a code on the Ag Watch signs listing the property/business owner's name and a code number, which provides deputies on patrol instant access to owner information and agent/lease agreements. The Ag Watch Program is open to qualified agriculture persons whose interest is in, and limited to, agriculture related activities. The Ag Watch Program is free and if anyone is interested in participating in the program, please contact Lt. Sean Mullins.

As a reminder to Levy County residents please be vigilant by watching and reporting any suspicious activity to the Levy County Sheriff's Office. With your eyes and ears together we can prevent and solve crime.

Defendant:

Robert James Carter

14431 NE 50^th Place

Williston, Fl

W/M,03/30/1992

Grand Theft 5 Counts

Felony Criminal Mischief 5 Counts

Burglary 1 Count

Auto Theft 1 Count

Dealing in Stolen Property 1 Count

Bond: $805,000

Christopher Alan Chapin

14431 NE 50^th Place

Williston, Fl.

W/M, 06/09/1987

Grand Theft 2 Counts

Felony Criminal Mischief 2 Counts

Bond: $ 300,000

James Allen Perry

10261 NE 68^th Lane

Bronson, Fl.

W/M, 10/14/1989

Grand Theft 3 Counts

Felony Criminal Mischief 3 Counts

Bond: $450,000

Darren Harvey Reese

14431 NE 50^th Place

Williston, Fl

W/M, 06/30/1989

Grand Theft 6 Counts

Felony Criminal Mischief 6 Counts

Bond: $750,000

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Convicted Felon Arrested

2012-04-09T11:10:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 9, 2012

Time: 11:15 AM

On April 8, 2012 Deputy Mat King stopped a vehicle in the City of Bronson for a minor traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, Christopher Lee Holder, Deputy King observed a rifle next to him in the truck.

Through the investigation it was determined that Holder was a convicted felon for fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer and a crash investigation involving a hit & run. Deputy King seized a Remington .22 rifle, Rossi .38 caliber pistol, 20.5 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia (pipe).

Holder was arrested for possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana more than 20 grams (felony) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Major Evan Sullivan stated that he is very proud of his deputies. Our deputies are proactive and always vigilant while out on patrol. Sometimes we hear from the citizens that a deputy stopped them for a routine traffic stop and the deputy seemed extremely cautious. Sullivan reiterates that there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. This investigation began when Holder did not have a tag displayed on his truck and resulted in several felony arrests and two firearms removed from the streets and a bad guy in jail.

Defendant:

Christopher Lee Holder

8471 NE 118th Lane Bronson

W/M 6/10/82

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Chiefland Man Arrested for Steriods

2012-04-09T11:06:00.002-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 9, 2012

Time: 11:00 AM

April 8, 2012 Deputy Roger Bell stopped a vehicle in the city of Chiefland for a minor traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, Jonathan Racer he noticed a pill bottle and two syringes on the seat next to Racer. Through the investigation it was determined that Racer did not have a valid driver's license and inside the syringes was anabolic steroids.

Racer was arrested for no valid driver's license, possession of controlled substance without a prescription and drug paraphernalia.

Sullivan states that traffic stops can be extremely dangerous because you are always going into the unknown. Fortunately Deputy Roger Bell did not get accidentally stuck by the bad guy's needles.

Defendant:

Racer, Jonathan M.

N.W. 80^th Street

Chiefland, FL

W/M, 07/19/1973

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Camper at Manatee Springs Park Arrested for Disorderly Intoxication

2012-04-09T11:03:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 9, 2012

Time: 11:00 AM

Deputies responded to Manatee Springs State Park in reference to a disturbance. Campers in the park reported to the Sheriff's Office that a female was yelling obscenities in the park preventing them from going to sleep. Upon arrival Deputy Darrell Cothron observed Rebecca Quinn on foot in the park & she was screaming and cursing.

Quinn was given the opportunity to calm down and go to bed, but she refused the lawful order. She was arrested for disorderly intoxication and transported to the Levy County Jail.

Defendant:

Quinn, Rebecca

9808 191^st Road

Live Oak, FL

W/F 04/06/1961

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Farm Thefts

2012-04-02T21:37:00.002-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 2, 2012

Time: 9:20 PM

The Levy County Sheriff's Office has seen an increase in copper wire thefts. Lt. Shawn Hunt the Commander of the Ag/Marine Unit has investigated five copper wire thefts from irrigation pivots in the month of March. The thefts have occurred in the Williston & Chiefland areas and most likely are occurring at night time.

The farm thefts are felony offenses and the suspects are looking at serious time in prison if arrested and convicted. The Levy County Sheriff's Office is offering a $500.00 reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information can contact Lt. Hunt at 352-486-5111 or you can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

We encourage the citizens to call the Levy County Sheriff's Office and report any suspicious vehicles parked on the side of the road near irrigation pivots or vehicles in the fields at night time. Major Evan Sullivan stated that these thieves are causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to the farmers for a minimum monetary return.

With the help of the citizens we can solve these thefts and put these subjects in jail for a long time.

###

Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Man on Felony Drug Probation Arrested For Arson

2012-04-01T22:07:00.001-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 1, 2012

Time: 10:15 PM

On April 1, 2012 Deputy Ella Anderson responded to 7571 NE 92 Court Bronson in reference to a house fire. Upon arrival the wood frame house was fully engulfed in flames. The victim's 1999 Ford Crown Victoria was parked in the front yard and the fire quickly spread to the car. The Bronson Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire and kept the fire from spreading to other residences.

Investigator Mike Wilkinson with the Levy County Sheriff's Office and Robert Thompson with the State Fire Marshall's Office determined that the fire was an arson case. The investigation revealed that Jermain Griffin got into a verbal argument with his wife and a relative the previous night. During the incident Griffin cut his right hand on a bottle and there was blood at the scene of the crime.

Officer Thompson arrested Griffin for arson. Griffin is also currently on felony probation for possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

Deputy Ella Anderson and Major Evan Sullivan transported Griffin to the Tri-County Hospital for his injuries. Griffin was treated and released and booked in the Levy County Jail for arson. Griffin will be held with no bond.

Defendant:

Jermain Lashaun Griffin

7571 NE 92 Court

Bronson, Fl.

B/M, 08/26/82

###

Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Drug Dealer Arrested

2012-03-30T17:44:00.000-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: March 30, 2012

Time: 5:31 PM

On March 29, 2012 Captain Scott Anderson arrested Kenyatta Daron Howard for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Last year the Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force executed a drug search warrant in the Chiefland area. Several subjects were arrested in the search warrant, but Howard was allowed to leave the residence since he was not the focus of the investigation. Inside the Chiefland residence a large amount of cocaine was seized during the search warrant and a witness came forth and testified that Howard was weighing and packaging the cocaine the night the search warrant was executed.

After the above search warrant the Drug Task Force began an investigation on Howard. Agents purchased cocaine from him in Levy and Dixie Counties and obtained a warrant from the 2011 investigation.

Howard is known in Levy County and he is a mid-level drug dealer. Prior to Howard's arrest he was out on bail ($360,000) from local drug charges. Howard was arrested on the Levy County warrant and has a $100,000 bond and the warrant in Dixie County he has no bond.

Major Evan Sullivan said "The Levy County Sheriff's Office has a zero tolerance for drug dealers". "We will seek, find and arrest all drug dealers to make our streets in Levy County safer."

Defendant:

Kenyatta Daron Howard

1414 Braden Powell Road

Melrose, Fl.

B/M, 10/11/1975

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218