High School Students See The Harsh Reality Of Drinking & Driving

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 31, 2011

Time:                6:45 PM

 

On May 25, 2011 the Levy County Sheriff's Office & the Levy County School Board sponsored, Renee Napier the founder of "The Meagan Napier Foundation".  Ms. Napier spoke to Bronson High School students about her mission in life which is to share the message of the seriousness and the consequences of drinking and driving. While sharing the message, Napier also showed a short video and brought with her a trailer carrying the actual car that her daughter was in on the night she was hit by a drunk driver so the students could see.

 

The nightmare began on May 11, 2002 when Eric Smallridge decided to drink and drive.  That decision changed the lives of many.  Meagan Napier (Renee's daughter) and friend, Lisa Dickson was driving home when Smallridge struck their vehicle sending it out of control.  In that moment two lives were lost and Smallridge was arrested for DUI manslaughter.  Smallridge had a blood alcohol level of 0.202.  Smallridge was sentenced to 22 years in the Department of Corrections.

 

After Napier spoke to the students, Eric Smallridge was escorted by deputies in an inmate uniform, ankle shackles and handcuffs.  Smallridge talked about his life growing up and he never expected that this could happen to him.  He explained to the students that this could happen to them if they choose to drink and drive. 

 

This presentation by Napier and Smallridge was extremely touching. In 26 years of law enforcement I have never seen a more heartfelt and compelling presentation. It not only drove home the consequences of drinking and driving but also the healing power of forgiveness.

 

With graduation upon us, the Levy County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the students to be wise, and not drink and drive.  Also remember friends do not let friends drink and drive.       

 

If you would like to watch the video you can go to www.youtube.com and search Eric Smallridge.  The foundation web address is at www.themeagannapierfoundation.com.

 

 

 

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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

Memorial Day

MEDIA RELEASE

Memorial Day

Date:                May 30, 2011

The last Monday in May United States observes Memorial Day.  The holiday was formerly known as Decoration Day and it commemorates U.S. Service Members who died while in the military service.  The Levy County Sheriff's Office honors the men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  We pray for God to bless all of our service men/women, their families and a safe return home to our great Nation.

 

We ask that you do not drink and drive and have wonderful day.

 

God Bless America!

 

 

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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

Otter Creek Man Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 30, 2011

Time:                8:15 AM

 

On Saturday, 5/28/11, at approximately 12:58 AM, James George a family member of the recently deceased owner of Hershel's Quick Stop, in Otter Creek reported a burglary in progress.  George stated to deputies that he had a bad feeling that someone might attempt to break into the store, so he remained inside the store after the business closed.  George reported that he heard glass breakage three times and seen Brian Smetana running towards the business armed with a fence post.  Smetana hurled the fence post through the window and George armed himself with a 44 caliber pistol.  George gave a verbal warning and then fired one round not trying to hit Smetana.  After the shot was fired Smetana immediately ran on foot and was later located by deputies at his residence in Otter Creek.

 

Smetana stated to Investigator Roger Bell that his mother used to work at the store and was let go.  Smetana advised that he shot three times with a BB gun into the store.  Smetana then armed himself with a fence post and through the post through the glass door.  Smetana told Investigators that he was surprised that someone was inside the store and they fired a shot in his direction.  Smetana stated that he had no intentions to entering the store, but was mad that his mother was terminated from the store.

 

Smetana was arrested for shooting into an occupied dwelling.  Smetana bonded out ($15,000) of jail on May 28, 2011.

 

On May 29, 2011 the Levy County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1-1 call in the Cedar Key area.  A mother, of a 15 year old child reported that Brian Smetana used a ladder and entered her daughter's bedroom. The complainant found Smetana naked in her daughter's bedroom and held him at gun point until deputies arrived on the scene.

 

The investigation revealed that the victim knew Smetana and they have been having sexual intercourse for the past two months.  Smetana admitted to having sex with the 15 year old and he was arrested for lewd & lascivious sexual battery with a child.

 

Defendant:

 

Brian Anthony Smetana

250 N. Otter Creek Ave.

Otter Creek, Fl

W/M, 07/02/1992

 

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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 At Horse Hole Mud Boggs

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:               May 29, 2011

While working the Horse Hole Mud Boggs Deputy Willie Barnes observed a white male inside the park yelling and screaming at his girlfriend.  The defendant, Anthony Dale Musslewhite had been drinking all day and was very intoxicated. 
 
Barnes advised Musslewhite to calm down several times and return to his tent.  Musslewhite refused to calm down and began screaming and disturbing other citizens that were attempting to sleep. 
 
Musslewhite was placed under arrest for disorderly intoxication and transported to the Levy County Jail.
 
Defendant:
Anthony Dale Musslewhite
33 N.E. 2nd Avenue
Williston, Fl
W/M, 06/02/1969

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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

15 Year Old Stabs a Man To Death

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 29, 2011

Time:                12:45 PM

 

On May 28, 2011 deputies were working a detail at the Horse Hole Mud Boggs at 13210 SE Hwy 19 Inglis. Citizens notified the deputies and advised that a stabbing occurred in the mud pit.  Within minutes deputies arrived on the scene and they identified the stabbing victim as 24 year old, Roderic L. Sparks.  Emergency personnel were working on the victim and an eye witnesses advised that the person that stabbed him was in a blue Jeep.  Citizens blocked the suspects with their vehicle preventing the suspect from leaving the scene. 

 

Witnesses identified 15 year old, Christopher Sutherlin as the suspect.  The investigation revealed that Christopher J Sutherlin's father was involved in verbal altercation with the victim about revving his engine.  Sutherlin Sr. threw a beer can at the victim, which resulted in a physical confrontation.  The victim was getting the best of the Sutherlin Sr. and his son, Sutherlin Jr., with the use of a knife stabbed the victim in the upper torso.  The victim was transported to Seven Rivers hospital where he was pronounced dead.

 

Efforts to locate the murder weapon were unsuccessful last night. It is believed that the murder weapon was thrown in the mud pit and the Horse Hole Mud Boggs has been shut down. 

 

On May 29, 2011 Investigators resumed the search for the murder weapon and located the knife in the mud pit.

 

Sutherlin Jr. was been charged with manslaughter.

     

 

Defendant:

Christopher J Sutherlin

7848 Fashion Loop

New Port Richey, Fl

W/M 02/14/1996

 

 

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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 for Animal Cruelty

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: May 28, 2011

Time: 7:00 AM

On May 27, 2011 Deputy Clint Anderson (K-9 Deputy) responded to 550 N.E. 154^th Ave. Williston, in reference to an animal cruelty case. Upon arrival Anderson made contact with the victim, Heather Balger. Balger advised that she looked out the window and did not see her dog on his chain and the dog were missing from the back yard. The victim stated that she heard dogs barking down the street and also heard gun shots.

Balger drove to the area of the gun shots and eye witnessed Wayne Smith dragging her Pit bull across the road. Balger questioned Smith why he shot and killed her dog and he replied that the dog jumped his five foot fence and attempted to kill his animals.

During the investigation Anderson interviewed Smith and he advised that he heard a dog bark and observed a pit bull dog jump his fence and was attempting to breed his dog. Smith stated that he grabbed his 22 caliber rifle and shot the dog. During the interview Smith changed his story and stated that the dog jumped his fence and attempted to kill his goats and then attempted to breed his dog and he shot the dog. Smith gave a third conflicting statement that the dog attempted to attack him and he shot the dog and the dog ran across the road and he shot the dog between the eyes, which resulted in the dog's death.

The physical evidence at the scene did corroborate Smith's statement. Anderson arrested Smith for felony animal cruelty and he was transported to the Levy County Jail.

Defendant:

Wayne E. Smith.

491 NE 154 AVE

W/M, 11-10-1947

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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

Fiery Crash

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:               May 27, 2011

Time:               1:50 PM

 

On May 26, 2011 Corporal Brian Marra was responding to an emergency call in the Bronson area.  Upon entering the City of Bronson a vehicle traveling in the same direction changed lanes and the two vehicles collided.  The crash sent Corporal Marra's patrol car spinning out of control striking a concrete telephone pole. 

 

It is unknown why the patrol car burst into flames with Marra still in the vehicle.  Two citizens removed Marra from the fiery crash and the vehicle was completely destroyed.  Marra was transported to a local hospital and sustained a broken femur and tibia.  Marra is expected to have surgery today for the fracture.

 

Last year the Levy County Sheriff's Office purchased Rhino grill guards for every patrol car.  The investigation revealed that the bumper guards saved Marra's life.  The Rhino bumper guard absorbed a lot of the energy and impact eliminating the engine from being pushed through the firewall and into Marra's lap.  The bumper guards were installed on every Patrol car in the fleet.  The bumper guards cost less than $400 dollars and this was a small cost to save one of our own.  The driver of the second vehicle was not injured. No citations have been issued at this time.  

 

 

 

###

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

Theft of Utilities Leads to Discovery of Grow House

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:   May 26, 2011

Time:   2:00 PM

 

 

On May 25, 2011 the Drug Task Force along with members from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Central Florida Electric Revenue Protection conducted an investigation at 5191 NW 127th Place in Chiefland. It was discovered that electricity had been rerouted underground in two ditches with one leading to a concrete building. The odor of marijuana was evident.

 

A search warrant was issued which led to the confiscation of 73 marijuana plants with a street value of $73,000 and seizure of 6 high power firearms.

 

Arrested at the scene were Rafael Russinyol and Katia Calleiro-Russinyol. Both subjects were charged with Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Cannabis, Theft of  Utilities and Possession of Firearms During the Commission of a Felony. In addition Rafael Russinyol was charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence. Central Florida Electric estimated approximately $12,000.00 in electricity was stolen.

 

Defendants:

 

Rafael Russinyol

W/M 12/04/1963

Bond $115,000

 

Katia Calleiro-Russinyol

W/F 04/12/1950

Bond $90,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smash & Grab

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 25, 2011

Time:                8:15 PM

 

On May 25, 2011, Deputy Ricky Turner responded to the Raleigh General Store in reference to an alarm call.  Upon arrival two subjects forcibly entered the front door shortly after midnight.  Upon entry the subjects stole lottery tickets, cigars and beer.  During the smash and grab the suspects were wearing mask.

 

Earlier this year the store clerk was robbed at gun point, but Investigators do not believe the suspects are connected.

 

We are asking anyone with information to contact Sgt Mike Narayan 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

National Missing Children's Day

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 25, 2011

Time:                1:00 PM

 

NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN'S DAY

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office recognizes that May 25, 2011 is National Missing Children's Day.  According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Center (NCMEC) every year in America an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing.

 

It is very unfortunate that our precious kids are abused by predators each year.  The safety of our kids is a top priority of the Levy County Sheriff's Office.  The National Center of Missing & Exploited Children has 25 ways to make our kids safe.  Please refer to www.missingkids.com for the safety tips.

 

 

 

 

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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

Yankeetown Man Arrested For Felony Battery

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 25, 2011

Time:                1:00 PM

 

Deputy Allen Breeding was dispatched to 4703 Riverside Drive Yankeetown in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival the victim reported that Lawrence Jennings had assaulted him.  The investigation revealed that Lawrence Jennings was drinking and got mad at him about putting his dog in a crate.

 

The altercation led to a physical fight where Jennings punched the victim in the face two times and kicked him on the leg. A criminal history check revealed that Jennings had been convicted in 2008 for battery and is currently on probation.  Jennings did admit to Breeding that he got mad at the victim about the dog.

 

Jennings was arrested for felony battery and was transported to the Levy County Jail.

 

Defendant:

 

Lawrence Jennings Jr.

4703 Riverside Drive

Yankeetown, Fl

W/M, 01/161954

 

 

###

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

Missing Child

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: May 25, 2011

The Chiefland Police Department is currently searching for a 10 year old girl. She has been missing since 8:30 PM, on May 24, 2011. She was last seen leaving her residence on South Main Street in Chiefland, walking towards a friend's house.

The Girl, Kyia Elane Ellerby, is a black female approximately 3' 09" tall, 55 lbs. She has short "afro" style hair with brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt with small white dots, blue jean shorts, and pink sandals.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Kyia, please contact the Chiefland Police Depart at 352-493-6777.

Follow-Up: Lt. Tremblay and Sgt Narayan has located the child unharmed.

###

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

Trenton Woman Arrested For Pills

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 24, 2011

Time:                9:00 PM

 

 

On May 24, 2011, Deputy Britton Drew observed a white female driving a red moped in the area of the Bears Den bar in Fanning Springs. The driver was later identified as Rhonda Lynn Dehart.  Dehart was explained why she was stopped (No Tag) and asked for her drivers license and registration.  Dehart produced an expired Florida Identification Card and the title to the moped.  

 

A driver's license check was done and Dehart has had multiple suspensions.  In 2002 Dehart refused to submit to a breath test in a DUI arrest & has numerous suspensions from 2002-2006 for failure to pay traffic fines.  On April 14, 2005, Dehart was classified as a habitual offender.  Dehart was arrested for the traffic offenses and a search was conducted. 

 

Inside Dehart's purse was a pill bottle with no labels on the bottle.  Inside the pill bottle were 84 yellow pills, 25 small white pills, 6 large white pills and 1/1/2 blue/green pills. The pills were identified to be tramadol (Pain Reliever) and Cyclobenzaprine (Muscle Relaxer).  Dehart did not have a prescription and was unable to provide an explanation of why she was in possession of the narcotics. Dehart was arrested for driving while license suspended (Habitual Traffic Offender), no vehicle registration and possession of narcotics without a prescription.

 

Defendant:

 

Rhonda Lynn Dehart

16971 NW 80^th Ave

Trenton, Fl

White Female, 02/15/1971

 

 

###

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

Trenton Man Arrested For Pills & Firearm

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 23, 2011

Time:                3:30 PM

 

On May 17, 2011 the Drug Task Force conducted a search warrant at 8150 NW 167^th Place in Fanning Springs. The was warrant obtained due to drugs sales at the residence. During the search Michael Ray "Milky" Worley was order to the ground several times but would not comply.  Worley had to be physically restrained and arrested for the below listed charges.

 

The search of the residence revealed a 9mm pistol, oxycodone and cannabis. Worley is a convicted felon.  He was convicted in 2008 for possession of marijuana and a weapon charge.  Worley is currently in the Levy County Jail on a $631,000 bond.

 

Charges:

 

8 Counts Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute

8 Counts Sale of a Controlled Substance

Maintaining a Drug Dwelling

Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Possession of Ammunition by a Felon

Possession of Oxycodone without a Prescription

Possession of Cannabis less than 20 grams

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

 

Defendant:

 

Michael Ray Worley Jr.

8150 NW 167th Place

Trenton, FL

White Male 11/15/1987

 

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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

Contraband at the Jail

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:         May 23, 2011

Time:         3:15 PM

 

On May 16, 2011 Marshall Mick Myrick Jr. was arrested for Introduction of Contraband,

 

A local Bondsman surrendered Myrick's bond. Myrick was charged with driving with revoked or suspended license.  Upon arrival at the Levy County Jail Myrick was searched in the Sally Port area. It was discovered that MyRick had on his person four (4) white pills and five (5) orange pills. The pills were identified as Tylenol 3 and Flexeril.  Myrick advised that he did not have a prescription for the pills.

 

Defendant:

 

Marshall Mick Myrick Jr.

244 SE 10th Street

Williston, FL.

Black Male 06/07/1989

 

 

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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

Mother & Son Arrested On Oxycodone

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 23, 2011

Time:                12:30 PM

 

On March 23, 2011, the Levy County Drug Task Force Agents conducted an undercover operation at 17171 NW 75^th Ave., Trenton.  During the course of the investigation, a confidential informant purchased oxycodone from Robert Mathew Andrews on five different occasions from March-May.

 

During one of the drug transactions Andrews was armed with an assault rifle and fired in the air approximately 30 rounds from the front porch. 

 

On May 17, 2011, the Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the Andrew's residence.  Agents found 22 oxycodone pills, marijuana plant, drug paraphernalia, and they recovered 12 guns in Andrews's bedroom.  Andrews was arrested on five counts of sale of a controlled substance, six counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count maintaining a drug dwelling and engaging in a crime while in possession of a firearm.  Andrews has never been convicted of any felony crimes.

 

Andrews stated that he has been living with his mother, Debra Andrews for over 5 years.  In the past year Andrews stated that he has been selling his mother pills.  Agents searched Debra Andrews and located two pill pods in her bra containing 83 ½ pills and marijuana in her bedroom.  Upon interviewing Debra Andrews, she confirmed that her son has been selling her pills (Oxycodone) for over one year to keep a roof over their head.  Debra stated that she would not sell the pills because she did not want to get into trouble but they were in a 50/50 partnership.  Debra Andrews was arrested for trafficking in oxycodone, maintaining a drug dwelling and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.

 

At first appearance Robert Andrews received a $ 421,000 bond and Debra was issued $101,000.

 

Defendants:  

Robert Matthew Andrews

White Male, 02/22/1988

 

Debra Spaulding Andrews

White Female, 05/25/1955

 

 

###

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

Trenton Man Arrested For Killing Family Dog With Machete

MEDIA RELEASE

 

On 05/19/2011 deputies responded to 13370 NE 17th Ct in reference to an altercation.  Gavin Brown reported to the 9-1-1 operator that his sister had ran out of the house yelling that her father,  Gary Denning, had injured the family dog with a machete.

 

Upon arrival deputies saw Denning on the back porch covered in blood and he was detained.  The investigation revealed that Denning accused his brother-in-law of damaging his vehicle.  Denning started arguing with the victim and hit him in the chest and attempted to kick him.  The victim stated that Denning threatened to kill him and went into the residence and he heard the family dog, a Golden Retriever howling and moaning. 

 

When deputies cleared the residence they found a blood trail throughout the house and found the dog severely injured but still alive.  Denning, with a machete struck the dog several times severing the dog's spinal cord.  Denning's daughter (Juvenile) was in the residence when the attack occurred.  The juvenile stated that she heard the dog yelping and attempting escape this brutal and unnecessary attack.  The juvenile screamed to her father to stop and he turned with the machete in his hand, but didn't say anything to her.  The juvenile stated that her father's behavior frightened her and she immediately ran out of the house.

 

Denning stated that the dog was not aggressive towards him and he was getting the victim back for the small dent in his truck.  Cpl Lauree Allen (K-9 Deputy) summons Levy County Animal Control and the dog unfortunately had to be euthanized.

 

Denning was arrested for domestic battery and cruelty to an animal.

 

Defendant:

 

Gary Eugene Denning

13390 NE 17 Court

Trenton, Fl.

White Male, 03/15/1961

 

 

 

 

###

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

Fire Destroys Deputy Sheriff's House

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                May 19, 2011

Time:                12:00 PM

 

On May 18, 2011 the Levy County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1-1 call in reference to a house fire. Three Fire Departments responded and upon their arrival the house was fully engulfed. The home owner, Deputy Marshall Smith, an eleven year veteran with the Levy County Sheriff's Office and part time EMS medic was devastated when he found his home destroyed.  Smith have just left the residence with his one year old son, five year old daughter and his wife when he received a call that his home was fully engulfed.  

 

The Sheriff's Office has established the "Marshall Smith Benefit Fund" at Perkins State Bank in Bronson.  If anyone would like to donate money, please go to any Perkins State Bank in Levy County.  The family is in need of household items and Ms. Edith Brown, the Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate, or Captain Paige Hiers with EMS will coordinate this effort.  You can contact Ms. Brown at 352-486-5111 or Captain Hiers at 352-486-5209

 

Public Information Officer Danny Wallace, with Williston Fire Department will coordinate a boot drive on Saturday, May 28, 2011 from 8:00AM-1:00PM at Main Street and Noble Avenue in Williston.

 

Any gift cards can be given to the Levy County Sheriff's Office or the local Police Departments in Levy County.

 

 

 

 

 

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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