Drug Deal at South Chevron

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                December 30, 2010

Time:                9:30 AM

 

On December 27, 2010 the Drug Task Force arrested Randi Lynn Fumea for possession of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church.  On December 28, 2010 Fumea's co-defendant, Johnny Lee Welch was arrested for possession of crack cocaine. 

 

On August 25, 2010 Welch delivered crack cocaine to a confidential source at the South Chevron located in Chiefland.  Upon the drug deal Welch had the confidential source pay Fumea $ 40.00 for the crack cocaine.  The drug transaction occurred less than 1000 feet from the Power House Faith & Praise Church of God.

 

Welch is well known to law enforcement.  Welch, 31 years of age has been arrested on 30 felony charges & 21 misdemeanor charges.  Welch has only 2 felony and misdemeanor convictions.

 

 

Defendants:

 

Johnny Lee Welch

809 SE 6^th Street

Chiefland, Fl

Black Male, 09/22/79

 

Randi Lynn Fumea

7571 NW 153 Lane

Chiefland, Fl

White Female, 10/04/87

 

 

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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Morriston Man Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                December 12, 2010

Time:                4:30 PM

 

Gulf Hammock, Florida- On December 10, 2010 the victim was in the woods hunting off Lebanon grade in Gulf Hammock.  The victim noticed that his Primo ground blind was stolen and seen a red Ford Bronco leaving the property.  The victim ran back to his truck to chase the suspect down when the suspect drove through a metal gate when leaving the property.  The subject stopped long enough on Lebanon Grade road to throw the stolen property out of his Bronco and fled the area in a high rate of speed. 

 

The victim was able to obtain a tag number and provided the information to Deputy Scott Stancil and Investigator Jay Crooms.  Later in the day the suspect, Christopher Loren Eckblad was located at 21160 SE 65^TH street in Morriston.  Eckblad stated that he was in the woods looking for snakes when he noticed a ground blind in the woods.  Eckblad admitted to stealing a ground blind, chair and a shovel valued at $ 370.00.  Eckblad was charged with grand theft and criminal mischief.

 

Defendant:

 

Christopher Loren Eckblad

21160 SE 65^TH Street

Morriston, Fl

W/M, 01/05/85

 

 

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Branford Man Arrested On Firearm Charge

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                December 12, 2010

Time:                4:00 PM

 

Fanning Springs, Florida-On December 10, 2010 Deputy Jason Gallup stopped a vehicle for a minor traffic violation at 17400 NW Hwy 19.  The driver, John Earl Thomas Jr. is a habitual traffic offender and he has a suspended driver's license. 

 

During the traffic stop Deputy Gallup noticed a shotgun in the vehicle.  A criminal history check on Thomas revealed that he is a convicted felon.  Thomas was arrested for driving on a suspended drivers license and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Defendant:

 

John Earl Thomas Jr.

919 Kort Road

Branford, Fl

W/M, 04/22/58

 

 

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                December 12, 2010

Time:                11:00 AM

 

Fanning Springs, Florida-On December 11, 2010 the Levy County Sheriff's Office received a robbery alarm at Tienda Mexican Store.  The victim advised the Communication Center that the three suspects left in a white Ford Explorer.  Prior to arriving at the store the vehicle was located in the parking lot of Stones BP gas station.   Two suspects were seen entering the store and a third suspect was getting out of the Explorer.  One of the suspects was taken into custody and the other two suspects fled on foot through a heavily wooded area.  Three Sheriff's Office K-9's were utilized in tracking the men over three hours but they were able to elude deputies. 

 

The investigation revealed that the suspects entered the store around 9:50 AM.  The suspects acted like they were going to make a purchase and while at the cash register demanded money armed with a gun.  The clerk and the male customer was pistol whipped and the male was tied up.  The suspects robbed the clerk and the customer of an undisclosed amount of money and fled in the above vehicle. 

 

This is the second time this store has been robbed at gun point.  On October 10, 2010 the store was robbed at gun point and the same modus operandi during that robbery. 

 

Later in the day a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Florida tag 713-WTZ was stolen from Discount Liquor in Chiefland.  The victim left the vehicle running and went into the liquor store only to find their vehicle stolen.  It is believed that that two armed suspects stole the vehicle and may be traveling to the south Florida area.  The two robbery suspects are depicted in the press release. 

 

 

Defendant:

 

Norbin Dejuses Medina

Almar Road Apt#B 8717

West Palm Beach, Fl

Honduras Male, 02/05/75

Charges:  Two Counts Armed Robbery

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Two Arrested On Drug Offenses

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                December 3, 2010

Time:                12:15 PM

 

On December 2, 2010 Agent Jay Bolton arrested Melvin Alday and Walter Burns in the Chiefland area.  In August 2010 Agent Jay Bolton utilized a confidential source and purchased 19.1 grams of vicodin.  The listed threshold for trafficking in vicodin is 4 grams.  Alday, 76 years of age was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail and has a $ 50,000 bond.

 

In an unrelated drug deal Walter Burns was arrested for possession of cocaine and sale of cocaine.  Burns sold .6 grams of cocaine to a confidential source for $ 70.00.  Burns is a convicted felon for drug related offenses.  Burns was lodged into the Levy County Jail and has a $ 30,000 bond.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Melvin Alday

7951 NW 147 Place

Chiefland, Fl.

W/M, 01/01/34

 

Walter Alexander Burns

2830 NW 31 Ave

Gainesville, Fl

B/M, 03/22/71

 

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Williston Man Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 30, 2010

Time:                4:15 PM

 

On November 29, 2010 Investigator Mike Wilkinson responded with Marion authorities to arrest William Edward Carter for a Marion County warrant.  Carter had an outstanding arrest warrant for grand theft for stealing property from the Lowell Prison construction site.  Upon arriving at Carter's residence Investigator's noticed in plain view two rifles by the front door and Carter was immediately located and arrested.  Carter is known to law enforcement and he is convicted felon for drug possession. 

 

Investigator Wilkinson obtained a search warrant to search the residence and recovered two rifles, one shotgun, ammunition, 7 grams crystal methamphetamine and over $ 5,000 worth of stolen property from the Marion County case.  Carter was transported to the Levy County Jail and charged with possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and the grand theft warrant.

 

Defendant:

 

William Edward Carter

15751 NE 60 Street

Williston, Fl.

 

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Archer Man Threatens Deputy With A Gun

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 29, 2010

Time:                10:30 AM

 

On November 27, 2010 Corporal Todd Houchin responded to the Discount Food Mart located at 9931 NE SR-24 to meet with a complainant from a previous call.  While in the parking lot Cpl Houchin was approached by a white male that was later identified as Jimmie Saunders from Archer.  Saunders wanted to know why Cpl Houchin was at the store and who called law enforcement on him.  Cpl Houchin explained that he was at the store in reference to another call but he would gladly help him if he needed assistance.  Saunders behavior got more bizarre and he started speaking in Spanish and French.  Due to his behavior Cpl Houchin asked him for identification and Saunders produced a Florida driver's license.  Saunders had no warrants for his arrest and Cpl Houchin gave him his driver license back and told him he was free to leave.  Cpl Houchin worked the original call but noticed that Saunders remained in the parking lot. 

 

Upon completing the assigned call Cpl Houchin was walking back to his patrol car when Saunders stepped in his path and produced a Florida concealed firearm permit.  Cpl Houchin advised Saunders that he did not need to see his permit and went to walk away when Saunders said that Houchin was yanking his chain so he was going to yank his chain.  Saunders then reached in his rear pants pocket and started pulling something out.  Cpl Houchin immediately recognized that Saunders had a pistol and grabbed his arm and placed Saunders in custody.  Cpl Houchin arrested Saunders for aggravated assault & improper exhibition of a firearm.  Saunders had a fully loaded .380 pistol in his back pocket which was placed into evidence.

 

Defendant:

 

Jimmie Clint Saunders

10851 NE 128 Lane

Archer, Florida

White Male

12/24/41

 

 

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Levy Dispatchers Graduate From New Dispatch Academy

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the graduation of two of their dispatchers from a 240 hour Dispatch Academy hosted by Marion County Sheriff’s Office. This academy is a brand new state requirement that goes into effect the Fall of 2012 for any one with less than three years of experience as a dispatcher. During their 6 weeks of training LCSO dispatchers Jennifer Byrd and Janice Wasson (pictured fourth and fifth in the photo) received training in First Aid, Emergency Response , Incident Command, map reading, radio procedures, and extensive scenario practice in dealing with various incidents from medical to armed standoffs. Our thanks go out to Marion County for hosting the academy. We are proud of our dispatchers for being the first in our county to graduate from a state approved dispatch academy and to our dispatch staff for covering for them while they were gone for the last 6 weeks.

Pistol class for Charity "Haiti Mission Trip"

This Fund raiser is for First Baptist Church of Bronsons Youth mission trip to Haiti in summer 2011. This class hosted by Levy County Sheriffs Office will qualify for Florida concealed weapons permit and the date is Jan 8, 2011 8am till 1pm at the Levy County Sheriffs Office Classroom 9150 NE 80th Ave Bronson Fl 32621. Cost will be $55 dollars in advance or 60 dollars day of class you can register at www.Levypistolclass.info Lunch will be provided and additional donations will be appreciated and accepted. please email any questions to sfinnen@levyso.com or contact the sheriffs office at 3524865111.

Williston Man registers as a Sexual Predator

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: Nov 2, 2010

Time: 1:20 PM

Sexual Predator Address Change:

In accordance with Florida Statue 775.21, this is a mandatory notification of the changing address of a registered sexual predator in Levy County.

Billy Patterson was convicted in Levy County in 2003 for

SEX BAT BY ADULT/VCTM UNDER 12; F.S. 794.011(2) (PRINCIPAL IN ATTEMPT)

Patterson has moved to the below address and the Florida Court has classified him as a sexual predator. He has registered with the Levy County Sheriff's Office and for a complete listing of all registered sexual predators and offenders residing in Levy County please visit www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Sexual Predator:

Billy Patterson

6691 NE 128th Terrace

Williston, Fl 32696

W/M, 08/11/1962

Victim Pistol Whipped in Fanning Springs Robbery

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: October 20, 2010

Time: 3:00 PM

On October 20, 2010 around 1 PM the Levy County Sheriff's Office responded to Tienda Mexicana Mari store at 17312 NW Highway 19 in Fanning Springs in reference to a robbery. Preliminary investigation revealed that three male suspects entered the store shortly before 1PM and demanded money. The victims, two females and their small child were working in the store when the suspects entered the store and demanded cash. One of the victims attempted to activate the alarm and suspect #3 pistol whipped the victim in the head causing a laceration. The victim was treated by EMS and released at the scene.

The victim's hands and legs were tied and the suspects robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of cash, watches and pre paid cell phones. The suspects may possibly be driving a white mid 1990's SUV and believed to be traveling south on Highway 19.

The Levy County Sheriff's is asking for any assistance in locating the suspects and a reward is being offered. The suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

Suspect #1:

Hispanic male, mid to late 20's, approximately 6'00", slim build, wearing a red shirt, blue jeans with embroidery of possibly the face of Jesus on the lower legs. Armed with silver in color handgun.

Suspect #2:

Indian Male, mid to late 20's, approximately 6'00", slim build, wearing a black shirt, black jeans. No weapon seen.

Suspect #3:

Hispanic male, early 20's, approximately 5'04", muscular build, black shirt with a red shirt underneath, blue jeans, armed with handgun silver in color.

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Cedar Key Drug Raid

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                       October 19, 2010

Time:                      5:00 PM

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office began a three month drug investigation in the Cedar Key area.  Drug agents served two search warrants simultaneously and arrested five subjects in the early morning raid.  Upon receiving a complaint that the suspects were selling narcotics (Pills) from their residence agents infiltrated the suspects utilizing a confidential source. 

 

The investigation revealed that Richard Cantlebarry and Geneva Harris sold morphine pills at 517 2^nd Street Cedar Key.  Jonathan Thompson sold oxycodone pills at 13550 SW 72^ND Place Cedar Key.  Shannon Random, Thompson's co-habitant was present during the drug transaction and she was charged with maintaining a drug dwelling.  While agents were at the Thompson's residence, Jeremy Stephens was observed walking on foot in the area and he was arrested for outstanding warrants from St. Johns County.  Stephens was not involved in any of the narcotics purchases.

 

Defendant:

 

Richard Lee Cantlebarry

517 2^nd Street

Cedar Key, Fl

W/M, 10/26/64

Charges:

Sale of a controlled substance (Morphine)

Possession of a controlled substance

Maintaining a drug dwelling

 

Geneva F. Harris

517 2^nd Street

Cedar Key, Fl.

W/F, 03/20/52

Charges: 

2 Counts Sale of controlled substance (Morphine)

2 Counts Possession of controlled substance

Maintaining a drug dwelling

 

 

Jonathan N. Thompson

13550 SW 72^nd Place

Cedar Key, Fl.

W/M, 04/16/80

Charge: 

Sale of controlled substance (Oxycodone)

Possession of controlled substance

 

Possession of cannabis

Maintaining a drug dwelling

 

 

Shannon Lynn Random

13550 SW 72^nd Place

Cedar Key, Fl.

W/F, 02/28/69

Charge: 

Maintaining a drug dwelling

 

Jeremy Scott Stephens

200 SW Hobby Place

Lake City, Fl.

W/M, 08/29/81

Charges:

2 Outstanding warrants from St. Johns County for retail theft

 

 

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Bronson Man Registers as a Sexual Predator

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 4, 2010

Time:                1:20 PM

 

Sexual Predator Address Change:

 

In accordance with Florida Statue 775.21, this is a mandatory notification of the changing address of a registered sexual predator in Levy County.

 

Shawn Lorenzo Wideman SR. was convicted in Virginia in 2007 for sexual battery on a child and lewd and lascivious molestation on a child.

 

Wideman has moved to the below address and the Florida Court has classified him as a sexual predator in Florida.  He has registered with the Levy County Sheriff's Office and for a complete listing of all registered sexual predators and offenders residing in Levy County please visit www.fdle.state.fl.us. 

 

 

 

Sexual Predator:

 

Shawn Lorenzo Wideman Sr.

723 Pennsylvania Ave

Bronson, FL.

B/M, 09/17/1974

 

 

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Chiefland Man Receives 30 Years in Prison

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: September 29, 2010

Time: 9:15 AM

The Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force arrested James Joseph Thompson on March 24, 2010 for possession of cocaine with intent to sell, tampering with physical evidence, driving while license suspended and possession drug paraphernalia.

On September 22, 2010 Thompson went to court and was found guilty on all charges. Thompson has an extensive criminal history and received 30 years in the Department of Corrections.

Defendant:

James Joseph Thompson

P.O. Box 811

Chiefland, Fl

B/M, 12/11/69

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218

Chiefland Man Barricaded With A Knife

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 29, 2010

Time:                8:15 AM

 

Deputies responded to 3550 NW 120 Street Chiefland in reference to a subject armed with knives and threatening suicide.  Deputies endeavored to negotiate with the subject but he refused to come out of his residence.  The subject had the doors barricaded and deputies had to forcibly enter the residence.  The subject refused to surrender and was tased upon entry.  The subject was taken into custody and was transported to Nature Coast Hospital for evaluation.

 

 

 

###

 

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Archer Man Arrested For Burglary & A/C Thefts

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 23, 2010

Time:                5:45 PM

 

A concerned citizen reported a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road at 12390 NE 75^TH Street.  Upon arrival Deputy Ella Anderson made contact with Brandi Brock in a 2006 Hyundai around 12:15 in the morning and inquired what she was doing.  Brock stated that she lived in Archer and was visiting a friend in the area and her car over heated.  Deputy Anderson detected some red flags on Brock's story and set up surveillance on her vehicle.  A short time later Deputy Anderson observed the car run a stop sign and conducted a traffic stop and noticed a male person in the car.  The passenger, Kenneth William Fogg was in the front seat. There was a copper cooling system from an external air conditioning unit in the back seat of the car. 

 

The investigation revealed that Brock was dropping off her boyfriend, Kenneth Fogg, and he was stealing A/C units. They were communicating with two way radios.  Fogg was arrested for burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief.  It is believed that Fogg is responsible for over a dozen A/C thefts in the area and the investigation continues. 

 

Defendant:

 

Kenneth William Fogg

13325 SW 161^st Way

Archer, Fl.

W/M, 12/04/70

 

 

 

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Two Adults Arrested On Sex Offense Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 23, 2010

Time:                2:00 PM

 

The Criminal Investigation Division received allegations that Willie T. Davis and Johnnie Randal Williams had a sexual relationship with a 13 year old female.  The incident between the victim and Davis occurred in July 2010 on several different occasions.  The incident between Williams and the same victim occurred in May-June 2010.  Through the investigation Davis and Williams were arrested for lewd and lascivious battery on a child. 

 

The victim was known to Davis and Williams and they admitted to having a sexual relationship with the child.  Davis is currently in the Gilchrist County Jail and Williams is in the Levy County Jail.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Willie T. Davis

804 SW 1^st Drive

Chiefland, Fl.

B/M, 04/02/1987

 

Johnnie Randal Williams

5050 NW 60^th Street

Chiefland, Fl.

W/M, 12/18/91

 

 

###

--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Clerk Arrested For Organzied Fraud

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 23, 2010

Time:                11:00 AM

 

On September 22, 2010 Randi Lynn Fumea was arrested for organized fraud.  Fumea was a clerk at the Tackle Box in Fanning Springs and the manager noticed discrepancies with her cash drawer.  Investigator Roger Bell began the investigation and within a 12 day period Fumea stole $ 2,033 in lottery tickets and cigarettes.  Fumea was stealing $1-20 dollar lottery tickets and cashing the winning tickets at the store.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Randi Lynn Fumea

Chiefland, Fl

W/F, 10/04/87

Arrest Date:  09/22/10

Charge:  Organized Fraud

 

 

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218

Buy Bust Chiefland

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 23, 2010

Time:                10:00 AM

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force did a buy bust drug deal at 712 East Park Avenue in Chiefland. Agent Bowers posed as a drug dealer and purchased a trafficking amount of roxicodone from Rickey Mack Meeks for $ 800.00.

 

Upon the drug deal being completed agents immediately arrested Meeks and transported him to the Levy County Jail. Law enforcement agencies in the United States are seeing an alarming increase of prescription pills use and illegal transactions.  Anyone that would like to report prescription abuse to the Sheriff's Office can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Rickey Mack Meeks

712 east Park Avenue

Chiefland, Fl.

W/M, 02/04/58

Arrest Date: 09/22/10

Charge:  Trafficking in controlled substance

 

 

 

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--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell:    352-577-4218