Grand theft Xbox

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: November 30, 2009
Time: 5:45 P.M.

Bronson, Florida-On November 29, 2009 655 pm Detective Tom Martin responded to 920 East Hathaway unit 3 in reference to a Home Invasion. The victim, Cheri May stated that the Sam White a family acquaintance for over 12 years attempted to gain entry into her residence through her front door as she was looking through the peep hole . Sam White then kicked in the door breaking the frame and the locks off the victims door. Ms May advised that her door struck her in the face and knocked her to the ground. Sam White then walked into the living room and yanked her Xbox out of the wall and walked towards the front door again. Sheri May then attempted to take the Xbox from White when she was again shoved against the wall. Subject left the victims residence and stole the victim's phone. Some time later Detective Martin located the Defendant at his residence and he was apprehended at 12:30 am on Nov 30, 2009. White was then arrested for Home Invasion and Grand theft and transported to the Levy County Jail.

Defendant:

Samuel O White
423 Marshburn Dr
Bronson, Florida
White Male
07/16/83

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Williston Stand Off

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: November 30, 2009

Time: 5:00 P.M.

On November 29, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1-1 at 2451 S.E. State Road 121 in Williston. The caller stated that six people entered his residence and attempted to kidnap him. During the incident the caller stated that he was thrown in the closet where he armed himself with a Glock 9mm pistol. The caller stated while the subjects were in the residence he exited the closet and shot a female police officer and another victim.

Upon arrival at the residence Corporal Lauree Allen heard several shots being fired from inside the residence and a perimeter was immediately set up around the residence. During the stand off State Road 121 had to be shut down for the safety of any motorist. Sergeant Danny Turner was able to speak to the reportee on the phone and he stated that he had shot several people that were still inside the residence and some of the subjects were able to escape prior to law enforcement arriving.

During the stand off a white adult male was seen exiting the residence armed with a pistol. The subject dropped the weapon and ran to deputies and stated there were injured people inside the residence. The tactical team entered the residence and did not locate anyone injured.

The investigation revealed that caller is a Vietnam Veteran and has some mental issues. Inside the residence he shot 33 times inside the residence. There were numerous firearms and over 6000 rounds of ammunition in the residence. The adult male was taken to the Veterans Hospital in Gainesville for a mental evaluation.

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Jaree Stone Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 22, 2009

Time:                7:45 P.M.

 

Bronson, Florida-On November 21, 2009 Deputy Joseph Sabbag responded to 640 Mashburn Drive in reference to a disturbance.  The victim, Gerald Duke Jr. stated that he is friends with Jaree Stone and they got into a verbal altercation.  Stone left the residence and returned driving her vehicle off the roadway and attempting to run over the victim which was standing in driveway.

 

Stone was arrested for aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and transported to the Levy County Jail.

 

Jaree Gale Stone

3190 NE 192^nd Ave.

Williston, Florida

White Female

01/15/71

 

 

 

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Charles Duke Indicted First Degree Murder

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 22, 2009

Time:                7:00 P.M.

 

On November 6, 2009 Charles Edwin Duke, 23, from Cedar Key, was arrested for second degree murder and armed kidnapping.  Duke allegedly shot and killed his wife Felicia Fine Duke only days after returning from their honeymoon.  After the murder Duke kidnapped his friend Justin White and drove to the power lines which are a common place for people to meet and mud bog.  After a six hour standoff with Sheriff Deputies and Officers from the Florida Wildlife Commission Duke surrendered to Sheriff Johnny Smith.

 

On November 20, 2009 Duke was indicted on first degree murder and armed kidnapping and he is currently in the Levy County Jail with no bond.

 

 

 

 

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Couple Arrested In Child Abuse Case

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: November 20, 2009

Time: 2:45 P.M.

Williston, Florida-On November 20, 2009 Detective Roger Bell arrested Alexander Merida for lewd and lascivious molestation on a two year old child and also arrested his girlfriend, Christina Morales for neglect of a child.

The investigation revealed that a DCF Investigator responded to the residence at 11452 NE 48 Street on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 in reference to a child abuse complaint. The investigator noticed injuries to the child's face and scheduled a medical examine the following day. Upon the medical examine being performed the Levy County Sheriff's Office was notified and Detective Roger Bell responded to the DCF Office in Gainesville.

Morales began dating Merida eight months ago. Prior to Merida living at the residence, a 15 year old reported to Morales that Merida was bathing the child and she heard a noise that sounded like the child being slapped. During this incident Morales was at work but she asked Merida about the injuries when she returned home. Merida denied any involvement. Even though Morales was suspicious about this incident she allowed Merida to move into the residence and care for the children while she worked the night shift.

Detective Bell observed obvious marks on the victim's face from the nose to her right ear and questioned Morales about the injury. Morales concocted a story that her daughter was playing with her three year old brother and they were struggling over a toy and the victim fell and received the injury. Morales finally confessed and stated that about three weeks ago the child defecated on the carpet. For punishment Merida grabbed the child and rubbed her face in the carpet like you would discipline a dog for an accident.

The child had scars on her buttocks and feet and Morales was questioned about this incident. Morales stated that approximately two months ago her children were outside playing in the yard and they came in the house with dirty feet. Morales asked her three year old son to take his sister in the bathroom and take a bath. According to Morales her son turned on only hot water which comes out of the faucet immediately. Scalding hot water burned the two year old child. Morales stated that she heard the baby screaming and removed her from the bath tub. Morales stated that she neglected to provide any medical service for the two injuries because she knew that DCF would remove her children from the residence.

Upon a further medical examination the child had bruising and marks inside her inner thigh area and also a bite mark or suck type marks around the navel area. Through an interpreter Merida stated that he placed his mouth in the above areas and sucked hard enough to cause bruising. Merida was arrested for lewd and lascivious molestation on a 2 year old child and more charges will be filed at a later date. Merida is not a US citizen.

Defendants:

Christina Morales

14452 NE 48 Street

Williston, Florida

White Female

05/18/81

Alexander Merida

14452 NE 48 Street

Williston, Florida

Guatemala Male

09/29/77

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Youth Arrested For Burglary & Arson

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                November 20, 2009

Time:                8:30 A.M.

 

Bronson, Florida-On November 18, 2009 Detective Jay Crooms arrested Duane Chartrand for burglary, arson, grand theft, petit theft and criminal mischief.

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1-1 call from a witness stating that they had observed a young white male leaving the residence at 10239 NE 69^th Place.  The caller stated that the subject had a fire extinguisher in his hand and they saw smoke bellowing from the residence.  The witness grabbed his binoculars to get a better look at the subject and stated they were able to identify the subject as Duane Chartrand.

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office and the Bronson Fire Department responded to the scene.  The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department and the victim stated that the fire caused over $ 3,500 in damages to the residence.  Detectives Crooms and Mike Narayan located Chartrand at his residence and he was taken into custody.  Chartrand admitted that he has a fire problem and likes to start fires.  Chartrand stated that he entered the residence through the back door and started a fire in the bedroom.  Upon entry Chartrand stole a fire extinguisher, which is a felony, and some loose coins. 

 

Chartrand admitted to entering the residence two weeks prior to the above incident and stole some jewelry.  Chartrand will also be charged with another burglary and petit theft.

 

The Sheriff's Office has had dealings with Mr. Chartrand in the past.  On March 25, 2008 Chartrand was arrested for lewd and lascivious molestation on a child.  The 2008 charge was later pled down to a child abuse and Chartrand is currently on probation.

 

Chartrand was booked in the Levy County Jail and was later transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Gainesville.

 

Defendant:

 

Duane Chartrand

10191 NE 74 Place

Bronson, Florida

White Male

07/29/92

 

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Spencer Davis Arrested For Grand Theft

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 17, 2009

Time:                2:45 P.M.

 

Inglis, Florida-On November 17, 2009 Deputy R. Cannon arrested Spencer Davis for grand theft.

 

On November 6, 2009 the victim, Lawrence Jennings Jr. reported that unknown person(s) stole his trolling motor and draw tight trailer hitch valued at $ 340.00 from his shop.  The victim stated that employee; Spencer Davis was cleaning out the shop at Big Bass & Trailer Park located at 10530 SE 201 Street in Inglis when the items went missing. 

 

On November 16, 2009 Deputy Cannon was doing a follow up on this incident.  The investigation revealed that Davis sold a trolling motor and a trailer hitch for $ 40.00 to Mark Hughes. When Davis was questioned he stated that he sold Hughes a trolling motor but did not sell the trailer hitch.  Davis was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail.

 

Defendant:

 

Spencer G. Davis

10530 SE 201 Street

Inglis, Florida

White Male

05/12/65

 

 

 

 

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Trenton Man Arrested For Burglary & Domestic Battery

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 17, 2009

Time:                12:00 p.m.

 

Bronson, Florida-On November 15, 2009 Deputy E. Anderson arrested Alonzo Jay Harden for burglary and domestic battery.

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1-1 call at 3:16 a.m. in reference to a burglary in progress at 11590 NE Hwy 27 in Bronson.  Upon arrival the victim stated that she was sitting in bed watching television when her ex-spouse, Alonzo Harden broke the window and entered the residence.  Upon entry Harden shoved the victim against the wall and she advised that she was in fear of her life.  The victim's friend intervened and restrained Harden to further harming her.

 

During the investigation Harden's vehicle was located 200 yards parked behind the victim's residence and he apparently walked to the residence and was looking inside the house.  Harden was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail.

 

Defendant:

 

Alonzo Jay Harden

13891 NE 6^th Court

Trenton, Florida

White Male

11/24/81

 

 

 

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Suspicious Man Places Bronson School In a 45 Minute Lock Down

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 9, 2009

Time:                12:00 P.M.

 

Bronson, Florida- On Monday, November 9, 2009 at approximately 10:30 am Bronson Elementary School received information about a suspicious person on campus. The suspicious man was seen near the building 200 which is near the schools buses and he ran on foot. For the safety of students and faculty the school was placed on lock down for forty five minutes until they received the all clear from Sheriff's deputies.

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office was on the scene within minutes of the call. A thorough search of the school, school property and immediate area was conducted with negative results. Deputies will continue to be on the lookout for any suspicious persons in the vicinity of the school and the school will remain in a heightened level of alert for the remainder of the school day as a precaution.

Description of suspicious person:

White Male, possibly in his mid 50's, 5'07", with salt & pepper hair and facial hair.  He was last seen wearing a green or brown shirt and blue jeans.

 

 

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Fundraiser Huge Success

On Nov 7 , 2009 46 people met at the Levy County Sheriffs Office to
participate in a basic pistol class. This class was as fundraiser to support the
Cates family. Who lost their mother Carrie less then a month ago when she was killed by a truck while jogging in Bronson. As a result her five kids are now being raised by their Grandparents. This event sponsored by the sheriffs office raised over 2500 for the family and had such a great response we had a waiting list for this class and are holding another class Dec 5 to fill a need. If interested please contact Scott Finnen at sfinnen@levyso.com or 3524865111 to reserve a slot.

Helping With The class
Lunch Donated By Hungry Howies Of Bronson
Volunteer Instructors Were
Bill Hartman Veterans Affairs Police Department
Larry Galyean Williston Police Department
Mike Bell Levy County Sheriffs Office
Scott Finnen Levy County Sheriffs Office
Evan Sullivan Levy County Sheriffs Office

photo courtesy of chiefland citizen

2010 Deputy Sheriff Testing Cycle Begins

The Levy County Sheriffs Office is currently seeking candidates to fill its 2010 hiring list for the position of Deputy Sheriff. Successful candidates should be a certified law enforcement officers with a clean driving record and criminal history. First step in the hiring process will be a written exam to be held on Nov 20, 2009 at 9 am at the Levy County Sheriffs office. Applicants should contact Candius Turner at cturner@levyso.com or 3524865111.to reserve a testing slot.

No applications will be accepted till after one achieves a passing score on the written exam. Then one will be invited to finish the testing process.

Murder and Kidnapping In Rosewood

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                November 5, 2009

Time:                5:00 A.M.

 

Rosewood, Florida-On November 5, 2009 Detective Mike Narayan arrested Charles Edwin Duke for murder, armed kidnapping and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.

 

On November 4, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. Crystal Fine called the Levy County Sheriff's Office and stated that she received a text from Justin White.  The text message stated that somebody was dead.  Ms. Fine called the Sheriff's Office and reported this incident, but was unable to provide an address on the whereabouts of White.  Deputies had knowledge that the White's had property near Carters Store on CR-345 and responded to the area and began a search.  While deputies were on the White's property the Sheriff's Office received a call from a male subject that was later identified as Charles Duke.  Duke stated that he killed his wife, Felicia Duke and we would find her body at the Peters hunting camp in Rosewood.  Duke stated that he had Justin White hostage at gun point and was located at the power lines but would not be taken alive.  The power lines are a known area where people mud bog with their four wheel drive trucks.

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Wildlife Commission responded to the area off N.E. 128 Lane and County Road 337.  Sheriff Johnny Smith negotiated with Duke for over six hours by cellular phone attempting to have him release White and surrender to authorities.  White was extremely adamant that if law enforcement attempted to approach him he would kill White and the officers.  Duke parked his truck in the middle of the wet lands and during negotiations stated he would release White if he could talk to his father.  Duke's father was located in Archer and transported to the area.  After a lengthy dialogue with Duke he was allowed to speak to his father and after many tense moments he surrendered to the Sheriff's Office.

 

The investigation revealed Duke and Felicia Fine Duke were married less than two weeks.  On the night of November 4, 2009 an altercation occurred between Duke and his wife.  During the argument Duke shot his wife multiple times at their residence at 6490 SW 95 Ave.

 

Defendant:

 

Charles Edwin Duke

5650 SW 102 Court

Cedar Key, Florida

White Male

08/03/86

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Three Fugitives At Large

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 26, 2009

Time:                9:00 AM

 

Chiefland, Florida- On October 23, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office executed five search warrants in the City of Chiefland and arrested 13 people during the round up.

 

During a six month investigation, the Drug Task Force has been purchasing powder/crack cocaine and cannabis from several drug dealers in the Chiefland area.  At 5 p.m., Drug Task Force Investigator Burt Miller briefed "Operation Trick-Or-Treat" to law enforcement officers that participated from the Chiefland Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff's Office, Dixie County Sheriff's Office, Gainesville Police Department, US Marshals Office and Probation & Parole.

 

Halloween night came early in Chiefland with over 40 law enforcement officers knocking on doors in search for drug dealers and not candy.  Operation Trick-Or-Treat is the conclusion of a six month investigation where undercover agents purchased drugs from drug dealers.  This round up was a success arresting 13 people and no one was injured.  Agents confiscated approximately $5,000 dollars in cash, recovered seven guns and seized powder/crack cocaine and cannabis. 

 

Operation Trick-Or-Treat round up will continue this week in arresting drug dealers that remain at large.  The Drug Task Force Agents have 85 felony charges and 15 misdemeanor charges to file on the subjects.

 

Follow Up:

 

On November 2, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office is still searching for three fugitives involved in Operation Trick-Or Treat.  The whereabouts of the fugitives are unknown and we are asking the public to call law enforcement if they see Jarvis Green, Rickey Alston and Derald Young.  The fugitives have felony warrants for cocaine drug sales.  The fugitives can turn themselves in to Agent Burt Miller or they can expect the members of the US Marshals Service North Florida Violent Fugitive Task Force to locate and arrest them when they least expect it.  Attached to the press release are photographs of the fugitives.

 

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Cedar Key Man Arrested After Crashing His Vehicle

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 2, 2009

Time:                10:15 A.M.

 

Bronson, Florida-On October 31, 2009 Deputy Allen Breeding arrested Kyle Jason Arsenault for Driving Under the Influence.

 

Arsenault was involved in a traffic crash two miles west of Bronson on State Road 24.  Arsenault lost control of his vehicle and drove off the roadway striking some trees.  Deputy Breeding could smell a strong odor of alcohol on his person and observed Arsenault unsteady on his feet.  Arsenault admitted that he had been drinking and crashed his vehicle but refused a road side sobriety test.  Arsenault was arrested and blew .159 on the intoxilyzer at the Levy County Jail.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Kyle Jason Arsenault

12571 Merie Ave

Cedar Key, Fl.

White Male

04/28/86

 

 

 

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Guatemala Man Arrested For Indecent Exposure & Disorderly Intoxication

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 2, 2009

Time:                9:30 A.M.

 

Fanning Springs, Florida-On October 31, 2009 Deputy Ella Anderson arrested Jose Anival Alva for indecent exposure and disorderly intoxication.

 

Deputy Anderson was investigating a vehicle crash at McDougal Mobile Home Park located at 17959 NW 90 Court.  Alva was identified as a passenger in the vehicle.  Deputy Anderson was attempting to speak to Alva but there was a language barrier because Alva did not speak English.  While speaking to other witnesses at the scene Deputy Anderson heard someone yelling at Alva and seen him exposing his privates and urinating in the residents front yard.  Alva exposed himself in front of approximately twenty residents including children.

 

Alva was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail and his bond was set at

$ 5,000.  Alva is not an United States citizen and there is hold for US Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Jose Anival Alva

17959 NW 90 Court

Fanning Springs, Fl.

Guatemala Male

08/19/83

 

 

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