IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE
Date: September 16, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM
Williston, Florida-On September 15, 2009 Deputy Crooms arrested William Bennett and Lori Bennett for interference of custody and resisting arrest without violence.
On September 14, 2009 Levy County deputies went to 5250 NE 153 Court in reference to a court order. The court order was signed by the honorable Circuit Judge Stan Griffis III and directed law enforcement to remove Daniel Bennett from his parents William and Lori Bennett. Daniel Bennett is 31 years of age and is severely handicapped. The court order directed law enforcement to place Daniel in the custody of his brother Christopher Bennett. Upon arrival at the residence Lori Bennett refused to comply with the court order and barricaded herself in the home. Deputies endeavored to negotiate with Lori Bennett for several hours to open the door but she refused and would laugh at deputies. The court order did not allow deputies to forcibly enter the residence and they were forced to leave the premises.
On September 15, 2009 Judge Stan Griffis III amended the guardianship court order. The new court order directed any duly authorized law enforcement officers to take any measure necessary to protect and conserve the person and property of Daniel Bennett. The new measures included but not limited to entering the Bennett's home by force if necessary to retrieve Daniel Bennett and place him in the custody of his brother.
On September 15, 2009 Deputy Crooms, Sergeant Turner and Captain Anderson went to the Bennett's residence to enforce the guardianship court order. Upon arrival Lori Bennett would not open the door and Sergeant Turner read Lori the court order. Lori Bennett continued to not comply with the court order and Sergeant Turner advised her that the door would be breached and she could possibly be arrested to refusing a court order.
Due to Lori Bennett's non compliance the door was breached and upon entering the home she pushed Captain Anderson and attempted to run towards Daniel. Captain Anderson deployed his department issued taser and Lori was subdued. During the investigation William Bennett was arrested for not complying with deputies verbal orders to get on the ground and he had to be physical restrained. The couple was charged with interference of custody which is a third degree felony and resisting arrest without violence.
Defendant:
William Bennett
5250 NE 153 Court
Williston, Fl
White Male
10/03/58
Lori Bennett
5250 N 153 Court
Williston, Fl.
White Female
09/30/59
###