Stephen Woodley Arrested On Drug Charges In Bronson

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 29, 2009

Time: 5:00 PM

Bronson, Florida-On September 24, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force arrested Stephen Tophileo Woodley for sale of crack cocaine within 1000 feet from a government housing, possession of crack cocaine within 1000 feet from a government housing and possession of controlled substance.

On August 24, 2009 the Drug Task Force agents met Woodley on Main Street in Bronson. Woodley was driving a green Polaris ATV when the drug transaction occurred. Woodley sold crack cocaine and left on the ATV.

On September 24, 2009 drug agents arrested Woodley for the above incident. During the arrest Woodley had pills in his pocket that was identified as lortab which is a schedule III controlled substance.

Defendant:

Stephen Tophileo Woodley

10295 NE 102 Ave.

Chiefland, Fl.

Black Male

08/01/76

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Stephen Walther Arrested For Dealing In Stolen Property

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 29, 2009

Time:                5:30 PM

 

Chiefland, Florida-On September 28, 2009 Detective Roger Bell arrested Stephen Matthew Walther for dealing in stolen property.

 

The victim reported that unknown person(s) burglarize the Chiefland residence and stole a television, recurve bow and numerous DVDs.  The investigation revealed that Walther pawned the victims recurve bow and 17 DVDs at Cash Munny Pawn Shop on July 29, 2009.  The stolen property valued $520 was pawned for $67.

 

During the interview Walther stated that he purchased the recurve bow at the flea market and the DVDS at Wal-Mart.  Walther then changed his statement and said that he purchased the stolen items but refused to give the persons name.

 

Walther was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail.

 

Defendant:

 

Stephen Matthew Walther

3109 SW 341

Chiefland, Florida

White Male

10/24/80

 

 

 

 

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Pork Chop Thief Strikes Again

Date: September 21, 2009
Time: 1:05 pm

On 9/14/09 Deputy Britton Drew responded to The IGA Grocery Store in Bronson in reference to a retail theft from the day before that was caught on surveillance tape. Upon arrival, he made contact with the manager and watched the defendant, Carl Carryer on video tape, place pork chops under his shirt in order to disguise them. The pork chops were later discovered in the restroom of the store. While Deputy Drew was in the store, the defendant came back to the store again to shop. Deputy Drew then began to question the subject and post Miranda, he confessed to taking the pork chops in question and Deputy Drew then placed him under arrest. While conducting a pat down for officer safety he discovered another package of pork chops in the defendant pants.

Defendant:

Carl Carryer
11250 NE 77ct
Bronson Fl 32621
white male
09/29/1965



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Home Invasion Robbery

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 19, 2009

Time: 3:45 PM

Bronson, Florida- On September 18, 2009 at approximately 9:49 PM, the Levy County Sheriff's Office received a 911 hang up call at 10351 NE 88^th Lane. Deputies responded to the scene and upon arrival discovered the residents had just been the victims of a home invasion armed robbery.

One of the victims, a 67 year-old male, was outside on the porch when two black male suspects approached him at gun point and forced him inside the residence. Upon entry, the suspects ordered three other adult victims in one room. The intruders robbed the victims of an undetermined amount of money and fled on foot. It is believed that the suspects parked an unknown vehicle a short distance from the victim's residence.

The suspects were described as black males, 5'09"-6'00", wearing dark clothing. If you have information regarding this incident please call Detective Roger Bell at 352-486-5111.

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Michael Kerklin Arrested For Burglary & Grand Theft Charges

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

On August 18, 2009 the victim reported to the Levy County Sheriff's Office that someone broke into their residence. The victims stated that the burglary occurred between 1100-1330 hours and the suspect(s) stole a Toshiba laptop computer valued at $ 220.00.

Through the investigation Detective Narayan received information that Michael Kerklin may be responsible for the burglary at 21231 SE 66^th Street Morriston. Kerklin admitted to Detectives that he did break into the home and stole the laptop computer.

Kerklin was currently in jail on unrelated burglary and grand theft cases and Detective Narayan made the additional felony charges of burglary and grand theft in this case.

Defendant:

Michael Kerklin

6800 NW 39 th Ave

Coconut Creek, Fl

White Male

12/28/86

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Man Assaults Firemen With Knife

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 16, 2009

Time:                3:45 PM

 

Morriston, Florida-On September 15, 2009 Deputy Prine arrested Delrich Bess for two counts of aggravated assault on firemen and also arrested a 17 year juvenile for disorderly conduct.

 

The Morriston Fire Department responded to 21671 SE 70^th Street in reference to persons burning tires behind the residence.  Upon the Fire Departments arrival and attempting to extinguish the fire Bess assaulted two firemen by swinging a 12 inch knife in a threatening manner.  Bess placed the two firemen in fear of their life and they were forced to retreat in the fire truck. 

 

Upon arrival Deputy Prine made contact with Bess and the juvenile and questioned them about the allegations.  Deputy Prine questioned Bess about the incident and Bess claimed that he did not have a knife.  During the investigation Bess and the juvenile were extremely abrasive towards Deputy Prine by using profanity.

 

Deputy Prine arrested Bess for two counts of aggravated assault on firemen and the juvenile was charged with disorderly conduct.  After Bess was placed in the patrol car he stated that he had a knife but never verbally threatened the victims.  Bess is currently in the Levy County Jail on a $ 20,000 bond.

 

Defendant:

 

Delrich Kenyon Bess

2264 NW 12^th Street

Ocala, FL.

Black Male

06/23/87

 

 

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Couple Arrested In Interference With Custody

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

 

 

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Church Burglaries On The Rise In The North Central Florida Area

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 16, 2009
Time: 11:45 AM

Over the last few weeks there have been three burglaries that have targeted churches in Levy County. Lt. Scott Tummond has met with other law enforcement agencies in an endeavor to share information and intelligence on the church burglaries. It has been determined that there have been close to 30 church burglaries over several counties which show an alarming trend towards houses of worship.

We are asking for your help in solving these crimes. We have also enclosed a surveillance video depicting a white male committing a burglary at the Methodist Church in Dunnellon Florida. It is unknown if this person in the video is responsible for the church burglaries in Levy County. If you have any information regarding any church burglaries in or around Levy County please call Lt. Scott Tummond at 352-486-5111 or you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

Suspect:

White Male

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Newberry Woman Arrested For Second DUI In A Month

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 14, 2009

Time:                3:00 PM

 

Bronson, Florida-On September 9, 2009 Deputy Allen Breeding arrested Jessica Lauren Creasman for driving under the influence.

 

On September 9, 2009 an off duty Alachua County Deputy observed a red Chevrolet truck running other vehicles off the roadway in Alachua County.  The off duty deputy sheriff requested help and an on duty Alachua County deputy sheriff responded and stopped the vehicle in Levy County at 12150 NE CR-337.  

 

Deputy Breeding responded to the scene and identified the driver as Jessica Lauren Creasman.  A road side sobriety test was given to Creasman and she was unable to successfully pass the test.  Creasman was arrested for driving under the influence and cited for having an open container in the vehicle. 

 

Upon arrival at the jail Creasman consented to a breath test and blew a .174 and a .170 which is over twice the legal limit.  Creasman was driving on a permit from a previous driving under influence arrest in Alachua County on September 1, 2009.

 

Creasman was given a $ 10,000 dollar bond at first appearance.

 

Defendant:

 

Jessica Lauren Creasman

3715 SW 202 Street

Newberry, Fl.

White Female

06/03/90

 

 

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Man Arrested At Bronson Post Office

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 14, 2009

Time:                2:30 PM

 

Bronson, Florida-On September 10, 2009 K-9 Deputy Clint Anderson arrested Richard Lee Lyons for disorderly intoxication at the Bronson Post Office.

 

Deputy Anderson responded to the Bronson Post Office in reference to a white male panhandling at the Bronson Post Office.  Upon arrival Deputy Anderson made contact with Lyons who appeared to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.  When Lyons was questioned he was unsteady on his feet and stated that he was looking for money.  Lyons became belligerent by yelling profanities and he was arrested for disorderly intoxication.

 

Defendant:

 

Richard Lee Lyons

Homeless

White Male

07/30/53

 

 

 

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Williston Peanut Man Arrested On Drug Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 14, 2009
Time: 8:40 AM

Williston, Florida-On September 1, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force arrested James W. Scott for sale of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession of marijuana.

Agent Rob Bowers with the Drug Task Force received information that Scott was selling pills and marijuana from his peanut stand located between Williston and Bronson on highway Alt-27. Bowers made contact with Scott on May 7, 2009 to discuss the sale of narcotics.

On May 8, 2009 Scott told Bowers to return to the peanut stand and he would sell pills and marijuana. Bowers returned to the peanut stand and Scott sold him 9.5 grams of marijuana for $45.00.

On September 1, 2009 Agent Joey Barrera with the Drug Task Force arrested Scott and he was transported to the Levy County Jail.


Defendant:

James W. Scott
17851 NE Hwy 27
Williston, Florida
White Male
02/04/58



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Home Invasion Two Men From Inglis Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 10, 2009
Time: 11:00 AM

On September 9, 2009 two intruders armed with knives entered the residence at 10050 SE CR 40 lot #53 in Inglis, Florida. The burglars entered the residence through a locked door around 7:24 AM. Upon the suspects entry inside the residence an eyewitness observed the break in and started yelling for the home owner to wake up. The eyewitness entered the victim’s screened in porch and confronted the two suspects that were inside the victim’s home and told them that she has called 9-1-1.

The eyewitness stated that the suspects ran out of the house and fled the scene at a high rate of speed in a white Jeep. A bolo was immediately issued and Corporal Kerry Runnels saw the Jeep traveling on CR-40 entering Marion County. Corporal Runnels followed the Jeep and requested additional assistance for a felony traffic stop. Dunnellon Police Department responded and assisted in the traffic stop in the city of Dunnellon.

Through the investigation Lt. Scott Tummond arrested Brandon Hunter and James Hodson for occupied armed burglary and grand theft. Hunter and Hodson stole collectible coins valued over $ 300.00 from the victim.

Jerry McKay was a passenger in the Jeep and he was not charged with the burglary. McKay was arrested by Dunnellon Police Officer for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All suspects were transported to the Marion County Jail.

Defendants:

Brandon Hunter
438 Sharer Street
Inglis, Fl
White, Male, 20

James Hodson
19650 Vicki Street
Inglis, Fl.
White, Male, 32

Jerry McKay
141 SE Deborah Street
Inglis, Fl.
White, Male 27

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Burglar Receives 212 Months In Federal Prison

Media Release
Date: September 9, 2009
Time: 7:15 PM

On September 24, 2008 Gregory Day committed several burglaries in Levy County. Day was located at 4627 S.E. 1 Place Gainesville, Florida and was arrested for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of burglary tools and dealing in stolen property.

Levy County has been experiencing an increase in residential burglaries and thefts and Sheriff Smith decided to form a new unit called “Street Crimes Unit”. This Unit was formed on September 22, 2008 and was commanded by Lt. Evan Sullivan. Within two days of the newly formed Street Crimes Unit was averaging one burglary arrest a day. The Street Crimes Unit is designed to assist the Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division in stakeouts, surveillance and is trained in high tech electronic equipment.

On September 24, 2008 a witness reported to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office a suspicious vehicle at 14631 N.E. 10 Ave. The witness reported that the suspect was a black male and he was driving a black Kia 4-door sedan car. Upon arrival at the residence it was discovered that the suspect forcibly entered the residence and stole a laptop computer and a 12 gauge shotgun. During the crime spree the suspect also committed another residential burglary at 13451 North Bronson Ave and stole a laptop computer and a computer projector.

The investigation revealed that the suspect was driving a 1999 KIA sedan and the tag was registered to a deceased relative. Members of the Street Crimes Unit and the Criminal Investigation Division responded to Gainesville to search for Day and his vehicle. Detective Lauree Allen was the case agent and remained at the scene to interview the victims and supervise the crime scene. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Levy County Sheriff’s Office by conducting a traffic stop and inside of Day’s car were the stolen computer laptops, stolen gun and computer projector, burglary tools and numerous amounts of jewelry from the Levy County burglaries.

Day is a 32 time convicted felon and is currently on probation for burglary. Probation and Parole was contacted and retrieved a rifle from Day’s residence and he was charged for the violation of probation charge and transported to the Alachua County Jail.

With Day’s extensive criminal history he was federally indicted in Gainesville on February 24, 2009. On September 9, 2009 Day was sentenced to 212 months in federal prison.


Defendant:

Gregory Day
4627 S.E. 1 Place
Gainesville, Florida
Black Male 06/02/51

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Morriston Man Arrested For Sexual Battery Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 8, 2009

Time: 8:30 AM

Morriston, Florida-On September 4, 2009 Detective Roger Bell arrested Ruben Sanchez-Perez for sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under 12 years of age.

On September 3, 2009 the victim reported to the Levy County Sheriff's Office that Sanchez-Perez has sexual assaulted her since she was 6 years of age. The victim is known to Sanchez-Perez and would often stay with the suspect at 2990 SE 199 Terrace Morriston, Florida. Sanchez-Perez is from Mexico but recently acquired a legal resident card.

Sanchez-Perez was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail with a

$ 200,000 bond.

Defendant:

Ruben Sanchez-Perez

2990 SE 199 Terrace

Morriston, Florida

White Male

03/06/59

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Chiefland Man Arrested for Firearm Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 7, 2009

Time:                11:00 AM

 

Chiefland, Florida-On September 6, 2009 Corporal Lauree Allen arrested RandyThurlby for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Corporal Allen responded to the area of Buck Bay subdivision in reference to persons shooting in the area.  Upon arrival Corporal Allen located Thurlby at 10630 NW 72 Court shooting a 30-30 rifle and also in possession of .22 caliber rifle.  The firearms were confiscated and place in evidence.  Thurlby is a five time convicted felon and has past criminal history of selling marijuana and receiving stolen property.  Thurlby was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail and his bail has been set at $ 10,000.

 

Defendant:

 

Randy Thurlby

10630 NW 72^nd Court

Chiefland, Florida

White Male

09/19/61

 

 

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Illegal Alien Arrested On Felony Domestic Battery

IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 4, 2009

Time: 9:30 AM

Fanning Springs-On September 3, 2009 Deputy Kevin Kinik arrested Joquin Mora for felony domestic battery.

On August 30, 2009 the victim reported that her boyfriend accused her of having an affair. Mora began punching and kicking the victim in the face and stomach area. Mora beat the victim so bad the victim's face was extremely swollen and bleeding and she could hardly speak.

Mora left the residence before deputies arrived on the scene. The search for Mora ended on September 3, 2009 when he was seen driving his car in the area of NW 160 Street at US Highway 19. A traffic stop was conducted and Mora was arrested without incident. Mora is an illegal alien from Mexico.

Defendant:

Joaquin Mora

17977 NW 90 Court Lot #1

Trenton, Florida

White Male

01/18/65

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Chad Cumbo Arrested For Grand Theft & Dealing In Stolen Property

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 3, 2009

Time:                8:30 AM

 

Bronson, Florida-On September 2, 2009 Detective Mike Bell arrested Chad Alexander Cumbo for grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

 

On August 25, 2009 the victim reported that she had been living in a shed at 13071 NE 75 Place Bronson.  The property belonged to Cumbo and the victim moved out leaving some of her belongings behind in the shed.  The victim stated that she attempted to retrieve her belongings on several occasion but was denied by the property owner.  The victim reported that a surround system, mini refrigerator, jewelry and window air conditioner was stolen from the shed valued at $ 2,150.

 

Through the investigation Detective Bell recovered the stolen air conditioner and identified Cumbo as selling it for $ 20.00.  Cumbo was arrested for grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

 

Defendant:

 

Chad Alexander Cumbo

13071 NE 75 Place

Bronson, Fl.

White Male

06/01/84

 

 

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Bell Woman Arrested For 3 Counts Of Aggravated Assault

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:               September 2, 2009

Time:               1:45 PM

 

On August 28, 2009 Deputy Wilburn Wells responded to 7490 NW 168^th Lane Chiefland in reference shots fired inside the residence.   Upon Deputy Wells arrival on the scene he made contact with the victim, Gary Sullivan.  Sullivan stated that he was asleep in a chair and he woke up when Valerie Campbell entered his residence and pointed a shot gun at him. 

 

Campbell then turned the shot gun at the second victim, Ginny Koogle and stated that she was going to kill her.  Koogle was able to run out of the residence and she heard a gun shot from inside the residence.  Deputy Wells spoke to the third victim, David Koogle and he stated that he was inside the residence and he saw vehicles pull up to the residence.  David Koogle went outside to greet what he thought was a friend and seen Campbell get out of her vehicle armed with a gun.  David Koogle said when he saw the gun he went back in the house with Campbell following him inside the residence.  Campbell pointed the gun at David & Ginny Koogle and they ran out of the residence.

 

Campbell was located a short distance from the scene and arrested without incident.  Upon interviewing Campbell she stated that she was upset because Ginny Koogle called her mother a bad name some three months ago.  Campbell stated her intentions was to fight with Koogle and brought the gun as an equalizer. 

 

Defendant:

 

Valerie Melinda Campbell

1459 SW 70 Ave.

Bell, Florida

White Female

06/22/81

 

Charges:

 

Three Counts of Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon

 

 

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Louisiana Man Threatens Wife With A Knife

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 1, 2009

Time:                9:00 PM

 

Yankeetown, Florida-On August 31, 2009 Deputy Allen Breeding responded to 32 65^th Street Yankeetown in reference to a domestic disturbance.  The victim stated at 6:00 AM she woke up by her husband, Doyle Smith Jr.  standing over her.  Smith wanted the victim to give him prescription drugs and she refused.  A verbal altercation ensued which resulted in Smith striking the victim.   The victim was able to leave the residence after the altercation and only returned back when she thought that Smith had left the residence. 

 

Upon the victim driving in the driveway Smith confronted the victim with a knife in his hand while she was sitting in her car. Smith threatened the victim by stating that someone is going to die and also threatened to burn the hosue down.  The victim's son drove up when Smith was threatening his mother with a knife and Smith left the property on foot.  Deputy Breeding located Smith a short distance from the incident and arrested him for domestic aggravated assault with a weapon and domestic battery.

 

The victim stated that two days ago she moved from Louisiana.  The victim said that the two are separated because Smith has a history of domestic battery.

 

Defendant:

 

Doyle Wayne Smith Jr.

563 Highway 472

Georgetown, Louisiana

White Male

12/31/66

 

 

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Horse Abuse

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 1, 2009

Time: 10:45 AM

Bronson, Florida-On August 31, 2009 Deputy Ella Anderson responded to NE 154 Place and Martin Road in reference to an abandoned malnourished horse. Witnesses stated the area where the horse was dumped is a known area for illegal dumping of trash and animal carcasses (Wild hog and deer). The witnesses advised they drove by this area on August 30, 2009 at 8:30 PM and the horse was not at the location. On August 31, 2009 at 9:15 AM the witness discovered a brown mare lying on the ground that was malnourished and unable to stand on her feet.

Deputy Anderson summoned Morgan Silver, the Executive Director of Horse Protection Association of Florida, for expert advice and assistance. Ms. Silver and a veterinarian responded to the scene and immediately examined the horse. The horse was determined to be so malnourished the mare had to be euthanized at the scene.

The Levy County Sheriff's Office is asking for the publics' help in identifying the owner of the horse. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest of the suspect(s). Citizens either contact the Sheriff's Office at 352-486-5111 or they can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

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