On February 19, 2013 Detective Mike Wilkinson, Patrol Sgt. Todd Houchin and Dep. Matt King combined efforts which resulted in the arrest of Michael Q. Florence W/M 11-5-70 of Chiefland, Fl and Mikal L. Rodriguez W/M 5-3-93 of Chiefland, Fl.
An alert citizen provided information on a black Chevy S-10 seen leaving a home where recent thefts had been occurring located at 11916 NW 80 Court in Chiefland. Dep. King was able to locate the S-10 driven by Florence on US 19 and conducted a traffic stop. Florence was still in possession of some of the stolen property. Dep. King detained Florence and summoned assistance from Sgt. Houchin and Det. Wilkinson. The three were able to collect witness statements and locate the property owner, who responded to the traffic stop and identified his property.
Rodriguez was found at his home a short while later. Det. Wilkinson obtained his confession. Rodriguez claimed he and Florence removed two furnaces, washer and dryer, refrigerator and other items from the home.
In two days Florence and Rodriguez removed approximately $10,000.00 worth of miscellaneous personal property and scrap metal from this one home. Additional charges are still being investigated in Gilchirst County for disposing of portions of the scrap metal sold to a recycle center there.
Florence is being held at the Levy County Jail charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft on a $100,000.00 bond. Rodriguez is being held charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft on a $100,000.00 bond.
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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111