May 2, 2019
Rodney Morris (9-9-82) of Morriston was arrested by members
of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division after receiving a
tip. On Thursday, April 25, 2019 a neighbor of Morris’ reported to Levy County
Deputies that his Cub Cadet 48” riding lawn mower was stolen from underneath
his attached parking garage. He parked it there during the early afternoon
before having to go to a doctor’s appointment. He discovered it was missing
when he returned home.
Detectives received a tip that the mower had been sold to a
subject in Chiefland and they contacted this person. Through their
investigation, Detectives recovered the stolen lawn mower and three small
trailers. Detectives learned Morris brokered the sale and the buyer contacted
him at his home in Morriston to pick up the mower.
Morris was located at his home late Friday afternoon by LCSO
Detectives. Detectives saw 11 marijuana plants growing in a garden area while there
speaking to him and his girlfriend. Morris was arrested and has been charged
with burglary, grand theft and cultivation of marijuana. He is currently being
held in the Levy County Detention Facility on a $70,000.00 bond.
Detectives are seeking the public’s help in this case. The three
small lawn style utility trailers Detectives recovered during this
investigation that cannot be identified to a specific owner. These trailers are
known to be stolen and one trailer (pictured above) is unique. This trailer is
a tilt style trailer, which has been painted black. The trailer was previously
red. Detectives are asking Levy County citizens who live in the Morriston area,
specifically on CR 337 and/or CR 326 and own a small trailer, to check and
see if it is still on your property. If you are missing your trailer contact
Detective Mike McNeil at 352-486-5111 ext. 266. He will need a detailed description
and proof of ownership prior to releasing any items recovered during this
investigation. Additional charges are anticipated to be filed in this case.