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Monday, August 30, 2010
DUI Check Point Inglis
On Sept. 3, 2010 from 10pm-2:00 AM the Levy County Sheriff's Office and the Inglis Police Department will be conducting a DUI, driver license and a vehicle safety check point on Highway 40 in front of the Inglis Town Hall. Drivers are asked to have their drivers license, registration and insurance card ready at the check point.
Bronson Man Arrested In Domestic Dispute
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 30, 2010
Time: 10:00 am
On August 30, 2010 around 2:30 in the morning Deputy Joseph Sabbag & Deputy Matthew King responded to 559 East Thrasher Drive in Bronson. A female caller was screaming on 9-1-1 that her husband was beating & choking her and then the phone was disconnected.
Upon arrival they knocked on the door and announced Sheriff's Office open the door. After a considerable amount of time they could see a male moving in the residence but he would not open the front door. King stated that if he did not come to the door he was going to kick the door in.
Joseph Williams finally came to the door and was very aggressive to the two deputies. Williams was held at gun point and instructed to get on the ground but he refused their orders. Williams used some obscenities towards the deputies stating he would not comply and Dep. Sabbag shot him with his department taser. Williams went to the ground and complied with the deputies orders and Williams was taken into custody without further incident.
The altercation began when Williams asked the victim where the money order was and she replied in her wallet. After Williams could not find the money order he threw the victim's wallet striking her in the back and then threw her down on the couch and began choking her. The victim was able to retrieve a phone and call 9-1-1 but never had a chance to speak to a 9-1-1 operator. The 9-1-1 operator attempted to contact the caller but Williams would not allow her to answer the phone.
Williams was charged with felony battery with strangulation, domestic batter and depriving a victim to call 9-1-1.
Defendant:
Joseph Williams
559 East Thrasher Drive
Bronson, Fl.
Joseph Williams
10/22/81
###
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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
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Flooding in Rosewood
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 28, 2010
Time: 6:00 am
According to the National Weather Center Levy County has received over 15 inches of rain in the past week. Levy County Citizens in the Rosewood area has seen there share of water. Businesses in the Rosewood area had to close there doors due to the flooding. The photo attached to this press release was taken Friday, August 27, 2010. The business is the Viertel U-haul located at 7150 SW SR-24 and it is owned by Mr. & Mrs. Viertel.
The Levy County Sheriff's Office would caution motorist to be careful in their travel and watch for flooded roads. At this time with have no reports of any major roads that are flooded. If you need assistance and it is not an emergency please contact our office at 352-486-5111.
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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
Thursday, August 26, 2010
David Knutson Sr Arrested For Grand Theft
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 26, 2010
Time: 700 pm
On August 26, 2010 Detective Tom Martin and Jay Crooms assisted Code Enforcement & the Health Department in condemning the residence at 7871 NE 134 Terrace Bronson. On August 16, 2010 Martin was at the residence in reference to a child abuse investigation. The result of the child abuse investigation, David Knutson and Cathy Speer were arrested and charged with child abuse. Inside the residence were soiled diapers, trash and living conditions were deplorable.
While detectives were on the property the defendant, David Leroy Knutson Sr., the father of Knutson Jr. was at the property. Knutson Sr. stated he was there to help his son clean up the yard. While at the residence detectives observed a trailer behind the residence with an air compressor and a Miller Bobcat welder. Detectives went to the jail and asked Knutson Jr. if he owned the above equipment. Knutson Jr. stated that the trailer belonged to his father and he believed that the items inside the trailer were stolen.
Detectives recovered a Kellogg air compressor and a Miller Bobcat welder that were reported stolen on April 17, 2008. Knutson Sr. confessed that he had been on a stealing spree since 2005. Inside a semi tractor cargo trailer detectives located a trailer load of stolen property. During the interview Knutson Sr. admitted to stealing the items and showed detectives various locations where he had stolen the property.
Knutson Sr. now shares something in common with his son. They are both currently in the Levy County Jail.
Defendant:
David Leroy Knutson
6839 NE 96 Terrace
Bronson, Fl.
W/m, 05/12/56
Charge:
Grand 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
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
88 Year Old Missing But Found Alive & Well
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 25, 2010
Time: 9:45 pm
Dozen deputies responded to the area of 12430 NE 80 Street Bronson in reference to 88 year old missing person. The investigation revealed that relatives left the home around 7 AM and discovered her mother missing around 5 PM. The Sheriff's bloodhound and a helicopter was enroute to assist in a ground and air search.
The daughter stated that her mother has dementia, but has never walked away from the home. Shortly before night fall the missing person was located in the woods. Deputies reported that she was very tired and thirsty.
We would like to remind all Levy County citizens that we have a Special Needs program. If you like more information about the program you are encourage to contact Lt. Sean Mullins.
###
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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
Monday, August 23, 2010
Bronson Parents Arrested For Child Abuse
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 23, 2010
Time: 2:00 PM
Friday August 20, 2010 Sheriff Deputies responded to 11330 NE 83rd Terrace Bronson in reference to a missing ten year old boy. Upon arrival deputies and Investigators spoke to James Saucedo, the step father and the child's mother, Donna Scott. Saucedo and Scott stated that the child was mowing the grass and they believed that he ran away. A search party of over 15 deputies began searching for the young child. The child was located on foot at the Sheriff's Office parking lot five hours after he disappeared. The child stated that he left the home because his step father (Saucedo) did not want him at the house and he does not perform his chores in a timely manner.
Detective Tom Martin interviewed the child, Saucedo and Scott at the Sheriff's Office and questioned them about the youth's knuckles being raw. The explanation given was the boy does bare knuckle push ups and that is how he received the injuries. There was no other evidence observed that would indicate the child was being abused and he was released back to his mother. Later that evening Saucedo used a wooden back scrubber and struck the victim on the buttocks and over his entire body.
The following morning the child told his mother about the beating and stated that his bottom hurts if he sits down. The mother Donna Scott looked at the injuries but failed to call authorities.
Saturday morning August 21, 2010 the victim called his grandmother who lives out of state. The child stated to his grandmother that Saucedo punched him in the mouth and told her about the beatings. The victim's grandmother called the Sheriff's Office to do a well being check and Sgt. Danny Turner responded to the residence. Upon arrival Sgt. Turner made contact with the mother Donna Scott and she advised that her son was not at home. Deputies returned back to the residence Saturday evening and made contact with the victim and the parents. During the interview Saucedo stated that he used a wooden back scrubber and struck the victim multiple times over his entire body. During the interview with Scott, she told Detective Jimmy Anderson that the victim has received this type of punishment in the past. The two were arrested for child abuse and transported to the Levy County Jail. The following day the suspects went to first appearance and Saucedo received a $ 10,000 bond and Scott was released on her own recognizance.
Detective Jimmy Anderson stated that in his seventeen year career this is the worst child abuse case he has worked.
Defendant:
James Saucedo
11330 NE 83RD Terrace
Bronson, Fl
W/M, 08/08/71
Charge: Child Abuse
Donna Angelina Scott
11330 NE 83rd Terrace
Bronson, Fl
W/F, 02/25/75
Charge: Child Neglect
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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
Parents Arrested For Child Abuse
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 23, 2010
Time: 2:15 PM
On August 16, 2010 Detective Tom Martin responded to 7871 NE 134 Terrace Bronson in reference to an allegation of child neglect. Upon his arrival he met with Department of Children & Families Investigator James Ledford and discovered that the residence was unsafe and also unsanitary.
There was a four month old baby and three year old child living in the residence. Detectives discovered garbage inside the residence, rotten food, soiled clothes, and an infestation of flies and cockroaches throughout the residence and in the children's crib. In the master bedroom there were pornographic pictures and trash littered to the point that the bathroom was inaccessible due to the trash and soiled linens on the floor. Profanity was spray painted on the walls and a large open knife was lying on the dresser.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of David Knutson and Cathy Speer for child abuse and they were transported to the Levy County Jail. The two are the children's biological parents. Bonds were set at $ 50,000.
Defendant:
David Knutson
7871 NE 134 Terrace
Bronson, Fl
W/M, 10/18/81
Cathy Speer
7871 NE 134 Terrace
Bronson, Fl
W/F, 12/16/86
###
--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218
Operation Safe School
MEDIA RELEASE
OPERATION SAFE SCHOOL
Date: August 23, 2010
Time: 8:30 AM
It seems hard to believe that another summer has come and gone and it's time to start getting the kids ready to go back to school. On August 23rd Levy County will begin that timeless annual ritual: the first day of school. It is a time when parents breathe a sigh of relief and students and teachers anticipate new beginnings and new challenges.
Unfortunately, the beginning of school is also a time when children are at increased risk of transportation-related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus and motor vehicle crashes. This happens because there are more children on the road each morning and afternoon which may cause driving patterns to change. So as schools open their doors, it's time for everyone—motorists, parents, educators and students—to improve their traffic safety practices.
The familiar yellow school bus has become one of the most powerful icons in American society. Day-in and day-out, the nation's 418,000 yellow buses travel more than 4.5 billion miles a year at a cost of nearly $10 billion. They safely carry 24 million children-nearly half of all the nation's children-to and from school.
While school buses can be proud of their safety record, there are still aspects of school bus transportation that are dangerous to children. More children are hurt outside a bus than inside one. Getting on and off the bus is the most dangerous part of the bus ride. This loading and unloading area is called the "danger zone." This area extends 10 feet in front of the bus, 10 feet on each side of the bus and 10 feet behind the bus. The danger zone is where children are at greatest risk of not being seen by the bus driver. The child who bends over to retrieve a dropped school paper, or who walks too close to the bus while crossing the street, is at greatest risk of becoming the next statistic in this danger zone.
Parents and other adults must also do their part. For instance, most motorist need to learn to share the road with school buses. They must stop when the bus stops to take on or let off passengers. If we all do our part—if motorists heed school bus warning lights, bus drivers drive defensively, parents help their children learn to ride safely and children learn to avoid the bus's danger zone---we can increase the safety of the yellow bus ride to and from school.
Safety precaution education is the best way to keep your child safe this school year. Get involved and get your children involved. The more you know the safer your children are.
Please be careful during your travels and the Sheriff's Office has kicked off a new program called "Operation Safe School". This program is to ensure the safety of the kids. The School Resource Officers, Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (COPS) and the Sheriff's Executive Staff will be monitoring the school zones and school bus stops for traffic violations in marked and unmarked cars. Additionally the Executive Staff and the teachers will be welcoming the students and parents at the drop off line.
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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
Monday, August 16, 2010
Two Arrested For Shooting Up Meth
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 16, 2010
Time: 5:00 PM
On August 16, 2010 shortly after midnight Deputy Patricia Horne responded to 7300 NE 112 terrace in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival Horne observed a Chevrolet Blazer parked on the side of the road and a syringe on the ground by the driver's door. Horne saw a lot movement inside the vehicle and two individuals in the back seat. The two were later identified as Warren Seekell and Veronica Sorenson.
The investigation revealed that Seekell and Sorenson admitted to shooting up meth and having sex in the back seat. Upon searching the vehicle a bag of crystal meth was located inside the blazer. Seekell was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sorenson is on felony probation for possession of marijuana more than 20 grams and she lied about her identity. Sorenson was subsequently arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest without violence. The suspects were transported to the Levy County Jail.
Defendant:
Warren Seekell
11928 SW 35 Drive
Webster, Fl.
W/M, 04/07/70
Veronica Sorenson
8145 Cr-624A
Bushnell, Fl
W/f, 04/07/84
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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
Saturday, August 14, 2010
K-9 Taz Apprehends Auto Thief
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 14, 2010
Time: 4:00 pm
On August 14, 2010 around 1:30 in the morning Deputy Matt King was patrolling in the area of the Dawg House bar, in Fanning Springs. King observed a white 2004 Toyota SUV leaving the bar and proceeded on US Hwy 19. The vehicle made a U-turn spinning the tires and accelerated to a high rate of speed. King attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver made another U-turn on US Hwy 19 and drove on the property of the Suwannee River Fair grounds. The suspect turned around abruptly and drove towards King's patrol car causing him to slam on his brakes to prevent a vehicle crash. The driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree disabling the SUV. The suspect immediately jumped out of the passenger side door and ran on foot.
A perimeter was cordon off with law enforcement officers with the Florida Highway Patrol and a deputy with Gilchrist County. K-9 Deputy Willie Barnes & his partner Taz (Belgian Malinois) responded to the area and tracked the suspect to the Bears Den Bar parking lot where he was apprehended without incident.
The driver was identified as Victor Vanderlinde and he has lengthy criminal history. Vanderlinde has been arrested over a dozen times on felony charges and some of the convictions are robbery, cocaine charges and auto theft. The investigation revealed the Toyota was reported stolen on August 8, 2010 in Cedar Key. Vanderlinde was arrested for grand theft auto, driving on a revoked driver's license for a habitual traffic offender and resisting arrest without violence.
Defendant:
Victor A. Vanderlinde
7731 NW 168th Lane
Fanning Springs, Florida
W/M, 05/15/73
Charges:
Grand Theft auto
Driving with a license revoked for habitual traffic offender
Resisting arrest without violence
###
--
Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sheriff Purchases New Vehicles
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 10, 2010
Time: 9:00 AM
Sheriff Smith announces the purchase of 6 vehicles as part of the Sheriff's Office Fleet replacement plan. The vehicles being replaced range in mileage from 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Sheriff Smith says, "The replacement of these vehicles is vital for our deputies' safety, which is paramount to me. One of these cars is down with a failed transmission."
The K-9 replacements will be Chevrolet Tahoe's that will be purchased through a State contract price. The K-9 vehicles are four- wheeled drive and they will be equipped with an alarm system that will warn the deputy if the vehicle overheats, which could be fatal to the K-9 dogs. These vehicles will also have automatic door openers, which give the officer the added safety ability to release the K-9 with a remote. The current K-9 vehicles do not allow for the transport of prisoners. The new K-9 vehicles will have that ability. This will eliminate the need for another officer to respond and transport.
The other two vehicles being replaced will go to the Criminal Investigation Division. In April 2010 Investigator Tom Martin was responding to a burglary in progress in Fanning Springs, when someone pulled out in front of him causing him to crash and totaled his car that had only 29,000 miles. The driver of the other car was cited for the crash and also found guilty in traffic court. The Sheriff's Office has not received any money from the driver's insurance company, and is currently in arbitration. Martin's replacement vehicle is being purchased at a cost to the taxpayers of only $700. The majority of funding for this replacement is from seized and auction vehicles that were sold at a public auction.
The second replacement is in the Criminal Investigation Division. This vehicle was a four wheel drive that had over 150,000 miles. It is being replaced with a four wheel drive truck.
Sheriff Smith say's "that in strategically planning for future needs of our fleet, consideration was given to the geographical lay out of our county in addition to the threats facing us as a coastal county and it only makes sense to move toward vehicle replacement with four wheel drive capabilities.
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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
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Wanted Fugitive Arrested
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 7, 2010
Time: 8:30 PM
The Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force arrested Derrick Bowers on Levy County warrants. Bowers has been on the run for the past three weeks as a wanted fugitive and he was located at 3155 NW 120th Street in Chiefland. The Task Force agents are sworn US Marshals and members of the US Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force. Bowers had nine warrants for five counts sale of a controlled substance, four counts of sale of cocaine within 1000 feet from a place of worship, eight counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Bowers was lodged in the Levy County Jail on a $ 430,000 bond.
Defendant:
Derrick D. Bowers
3155 NW 120th Street
Chiefland, Fl
B/M, 07/22/80
###
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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
Valery Zboralski Arrested
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: August 7, 2010
Time: 8:00 PM
Chiefland, Fl.-On August 5, 2010 Detective Jimmy Anderson arrested Valery John Zboralski for lewd and lascivious battery on a child. On July 12, 2010 the victim's mother went out of state to work and had a relative keep her 7 year old daughter. Zboralski is allegedly touched the victim inappropriately over a three week period. Zboralski told the victim not to tell anyone because it is there secret. Detective Anderson interviewed Zboralski and he advised that he may have tickled the victim in her private area a couple of times but if he did touch the victim it was an accident.
Zboralski was arrested for lewd and lascivious battery on a child and currently in the Levy County Jail on a
$ 200,000 bond.
Defendant:
Valery John Zboralski
5950 NW 76 Ave.
Chiefland, Fl
W/m, 05/31/43
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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