MEDIA RELEASE
Date: December 24, 2011
Time: 12:15 AM
The victim, Rex Vance reported that unknown person(s) stole his Franklin logging skidder valued at $7,500. The victim had the skidder parked at the Wolf Springs Hill area in Bronson. During the investigation Investigators developed a suspect, Michael Douglas. Douglas stated that he purchased the skidder from Andrew Brown on December 11, 2011. Investigators were able to track down Andrew Brown and he advised that he didn't sell a skidder to Douglas and he has not seen him in several years.
Douglas was re-interviewed and he advised on December 18, 2011 he used his Ford F-350 truck, flatbed trailer and his loader to remove the skidder. Douglas transported the stolen skidder to his residence and cut the skidder up for scrap metal. Douglas contacted Glenn Perry to assist him in cutting the skidder and told him that he would give him 1/3 of the profit if he took the steel to Ocala scrap yard. After speaking to Perry he did not know the skidder was stolen and he took the cut up skidder to Williston Recycling. Employees at Williston Recycling advised Perry that the police were looking for a lime green skidder and Perry got scared and called Douglas to pick up the stolen skidder.
The victim positively identified his skidder. Douglas was arrested for grand theft and dealing in stolen property and he was transported to the Levy County Jail. Investigators seized Douglas' truck, flatbed trailer and loader since his equipment was used in a felony crime.
Defendant:
Michael Dwayne Douglas
10290 NE 67th Ave.
Bronson, Fl.
W/M, 08/19/1960
###
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218