Homicide in Bronson

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                December 10, 2012

Time:                11:15 AM

 

On December 8, 2012 deputies responded to 10151 NE 48 Lane in reference to a 9-1-1 call. Upon arrival deputies made contact with a family member who stated that George Hamilton Pierce, 51 years of age was deceased inside the residence.

 

Detectives confirmed that the decease was in fact George Hamilton Pierce. This case has been classified as a homicide the second homicide in 2012.  At this time the cause of death will not be released.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jimmy Anderson or you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

 

 

###

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

Sexual Predator

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 15, 2012

Time:                9:45 AM

 

Sexual Predator Address Change:

 

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

 

David Brian Fulcher was convicted in Dade County in 2001 for lewd and lascivious molestation on a child and sexual battery.  November 8, 2012, Fulcher was released from Department of Correction and now residing at the below address in Levy County.  For a complete listing of all registered sexual predators and offenders residing in Levy County, or to search by zip code, please visit www.flde.state.fl.us and go to the sexual data base.

 

 

Sexual Predator:

 

David Brian Fulcher

13050 NW 82 Court

Chiefland, Fl.

W/M, 09/13/1963

 

 

###

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

Dunnellon Man Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 13, 2012

Time:                11:00 AM

 

On November 11, 2012 Deputy Allen Breeding arrested Lawrence Gabriel Padilla for driving under the influence in Yankeetown, Fl.

 

Deputy Breeding observed a grey vehicle parked in the turn lane at the Yankeetown General store with the car running and headlights on.  The driver, Lawrence Padilla was sitting behind the wheel and Breeding could smell a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his person.  Upon Padilla getting out the vehicle he was very unsteady on his feet and failed the road side performance test.  Padilla was arrested for driving under the influence and was transported to jail where he refused to blow on the intoxilyzer.  At first appearance Padilla was given a $5,000 dollar bond.

 

Defendant:

 

Lawrence Gabriel Padilla

20686 Walnut Street

Dunnellon, Fl.

W/M, 05/06/1963

 

 

                                                                                     ###

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

Chiefland Man Arrested

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                November 6, 2012

Time:                9:00 AM

 

On November 5, 2012 Lonnie Wilkerson was arrested for using a firearm while under the influence of alcoholic beverage.

 

Deputy Clint Anderson responded to 13000 NW N.W. 85^TH Ave Chiefland, in reference to a disturbance.  Upon Anderson's arrival he made contact with the complainant and he advised that Wilkerson was at his residence drinking vodka and he was very intoxicated.  

 

Around 11 o'clock at night Wilkerson left the residence traveling on his horse.  While he was riding his horse down the rode the horse bucked him off and he became outraged at the horse.  Wilkerson was armed with a 40 caliber pistol and started shooting numerous times at the horse.  Fortunately, Wilkerson was a not a good shot and missed the horse completely.

 

Wilkerson was arrested for the above charges and was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries from being thrown from the horse.  Wilkerson was treated and released from the hospital and was booked in the Levy County Jail.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Lonnie Wilkerson

12290 NW 85^TH Ave.

Chiefland, Fl.

W/M, 05-10-1948

 

 

###

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

Trio Arrested in Crime Spree

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 25, 2012

Time:                2:30 PM

 

On October 24, 2012 the Levy County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Detectives arrested Ronald Jack Davis, Edward Lee Garcia and Di'Amonta Antwain Robinson for two counts of burglary and grand theft.

 

On October 17, 2012 deputies responded to two Williston homes in reference to residential burglaries.  The victim's stated that unknown person(s) forcibly entered their residence and stole a washing machine, dryer and vacuum cleaner.  Sgt Mike Narayan and Detective Roger Bell had no leads but feared that the suspects may return to the crime scene to steal other items inside the residence. The suspects carried the stolen items and threw the stolen property over the victim's fence on October 20, 2012. 

 

Through old fashion police work the trio were identified. The suspects were living in Alachua County.  With the assistance of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office Detectives the men were located and arrested for burglary and grand theft. 

 

Detective Roger Bell stated "Additional charges are expected in Levy County".

 

Defendants:

 

Ronald Jack Davis

13627 SW 156^th Terrace

Archer, Fl.

B/M, 12/18/1988

 

Edward Lee Garcia

16377 SW CR-347

Archer, Fl.

W/M, 06/30/1991

 

Di'Amonta Antwain Robinson

14192 SW 170^th Street

Archer, Fl.

B/M, 10-09/1991

 

 

 

###

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

Archer Men Arrested in Drug Buy Bust in Bronson

MEDIA RELEASE

 

 

Date:                October 25, 2012

Time:                10:15 AM

 

On October 24, 2012 members of the Drug Task Force arrested Leroy Brown Jr. and John Edward Blair during a buy bust operation.  Both men were charged with numerous felony charges.

 

Sergeant Jay Bolton with Chiefland Police Department and a member of the Drug Task Force Unit had a confidential source make a control phone call to Leroy Brown for the purpose of buying narcotics.  The suspects live in Archer and agreed to sell an ounce of powder cocaine and a shotgun to the source for $1,350 dollars.  Brown and Blair agreed to meet at the entrance of Blue Springs Park to conduct the drug deal. 

 

Upon the men arriving they informed the confidential source they did not have an ounce of cocaine or the shotgun,, but they did have two eight balls which is commonly known as a ¼ of an ounce of powder cocaine.  After the suspects and confidential source haggled about the price the confidential source purchased the eight balls of cocaine for $300.00.

 

After the drug deal the suspects left in their brown Buick sedan and a felony traffic stop was conducted. The suspects were overwhelmed with Drug Agents, Patrol deputies and a K-9 team and they surrender without incident.

 

During the arrest it was discovered that Blair had over 43 grams of marijuana in his pants pocket which led to additional charges.  An inventory of the vehicle yielded over 4 grams of crack cocaine and 12 grams of marijuana.

 

Defendants:

 

Leroy Brown Jr.

17525 SW SR 45

Archer, Fl.

B/M, 12/30/1992

Charges:  Sale of Cocaine within 1000 feet of a park

                  Conspiracy to sell Cocaine

                  Possession of Marijuana with intent to sell

                  Possession of Crack Cocaine with intent to sell

                  Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

 

John Edward Blair

17300 SW 129 Ave

Archer, Fl

B/M, 07/09/1986

Charges:  Sale Cocaine within 1000 feet from a park

                  Possession powder Cocaine with intent to sell within 1000' from a park

                  Conspiracy to sell Cocaine

                  Possession of Marijuana with intent to sell within 1000' feet from a park

                  Possession Crack Cocaine with intent to sell within 1000' from a park

                  Possession of Marijuana

                  Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

                  Driving While License Revoked (Habitual Offender)

 

 

 

###

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

Dixie County Man Arrested for Armed Burglaries

 

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 25, 2012

Time:                11:00 AM

 

On October 24, 2012 Rodney Charles Kirkland also known as "Stump" was arrested at 517 Main Street Bronson, Fl.

 

Kirkland is accused and had warrants from Dixie County for three counts of armed burglary and grand theft.  The Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force received information that Kirkland was in Levy County selling narcotics.  Yesterday members of the Drug Task Force located and arrested Kirkland at a residence in Bronson.  Kirkland was inside a residence and after the house was surrounded he decided to peacefully surrender to authorities. 

 

Kirkland was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail with no bond.

 

Defendant:

 

Rodney Charles Kirkland

517 Main Street

Bronson, Fl.

B/M, 03/25/1992

 

 

###

Two Violent Suspects Arrested in Raleigh

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:               October 19, 2012

Time:               3:00 PM

 

On October 18, 2012, the Levy County Sheriff's Office and the US Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Julian Christopher Howard and Arnett Clarence Bryant Jr. in Raleigh, Fl.

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force began the investigation in February 2012.  Howard is considered to be a mid level drug dealer in the Raleigh area.  Howard is known to sale crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana.  The first phase of the investigation was concluded but other arrest is expected. 

 

On September 27, 2012, a warrant was signed for Howard and charges included sale of crack cocaine, possession of crack cocaine and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.  Howard went on the run but his luck ran out last night.  Members of the Drug Task Force and the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force did a surveillance at 8384 NE 190 Ave and walked miles in order to arrest a violent fugitive.  Howard was located at the residence and he was doing what he does best, which is selling narcotics.  Members of the Task Force were only a few feet away when the men were making drug deals and had no idea that there freedom was coming to an end.  The Task Force members reverted to they're training when dealing with felony offenders and ordered the men out of the vehicle at gunpoint.  The suspects complied and the arrest went without incident.

 

Major Evan Sullivan stated "The arrest was successful due to the element of surprise, great strategic planning and the willingness of the members to go the extra mile".  "Two drug dealers have been removed from the streets".

 

Howard was arrested on the Levy County Fugitive warrant and was also charged with additional charges.  When Howard was sitting in the vehicle he had in his lap 5.6 grams of crack cocaine and 6/10 of a gram of powder cocaine.  Bryant had 2 grams of crack cocaine and 2.7 grams of marijuana in his lap.

 

Howard and Bryant are convicted felons and they are no strangers to law enforcement.  Howard has extensive criminal history as a juvenile and an adult.  Howard has been arrested for cocaine, battery on a police officer, robbery, weapons charges and homicide.  Bryant has been convicted for domestic battery, child neglect, resisting arrest and has been arrested nineteen (19) times for felony charges and nine (9) misdemeanor charges.

 

The Levy County Drug Task Force agents have submitted and arrested ninety-two wanted fugitives to the US Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force this year.  Major Sullivan explained that once a Levy County case has been adopted by the US Marshals Service the federal Task Force will pay the overtime accrued by Levy County deputies.  Major Sullivan stated, "In economic lean times this Task Force has been a God Send".  "It has saved Levy County taxpayers thousands of dollars in overtime".   

 

Defendants:

 

Julian Christopher Howard

11528 SW 169^th Way

Archer, Fl

B/M, 05/24/1980

 

Arnett Clarence Bryant Jr.

16015 SW 133^RD Lane

Archer, Fl

B/M, 08/08/1983

 

 

                                                                                    ###  

 

 

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

Concealed Weapons Permit Fundraiser Class

Need a concealed weapons permit?

Fundraiser for L.W.G.F   Levy World Games Fund

To benefit Cpl. Tom Martin and Lt. Scott Tummond as they go to represent

Levy County in the World Police/Fire Olympics in Belfast, Northern Ireland

This class is

Taught by Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors

Class begins:

Sat Oct 27, 2012 8am to 1pm at Levy County Sheriff’s Office

9150 NE 80th Ave, Bronson FL 32621

You are encouraged to bring your own weapon, 20-25 rounds of factory loaded ammunition, eye and ear protection.  If you do not own a pistol, please bring 20 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition and a pistol will be supplied.

This class will qualify you to submit your application to the state to receive your Florida Concealed Weapons permit (additional State fees will apply)

Register online at www.levypistolclass.info

$60.00 pre-registration or $75.00 day of class

Fee includes instruction, fingerprints, photo for license and notary

For more information call Scott Finnen at 352-443-3611

or email sgtfinnen@hotmail.com

Sexual Predator Christopher McNeely

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                September 28, 2012

Time:                9:00 AM

 

Sexual Predator Address Change:

 

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

 

Christopher Shawn McNeely was convicted in 2005 for lewd and lascivious molestation on a child.  McNeely was released from the Florida State Department of Corrections in September 2012 and now he is living at the below address in Levy County.  For a complete listing of all registered sexual predators and offenders residing in Levy County, or to search by zip code, please visit www.fdle.state.fl.us and go to the sexual data base.

 

 

 

 

Sexual Predator:

 

Christopher Shawn McNeely

21161 NE 35^th Street

Williston, Fl.

W/M, 05/06/1985

 

 

 

###

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

Volusia Man Arrested For Making a Bomb

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:               August 27, 2012

Time:              10:30 AM

On August 23, 2012 Robert Demaine was arrested on a Levy County warrant for possession and making a destructive device. 
On December 17, 2011 Deputy Justin Mashburn responded to 8150 SE 140 Lane in reference to a verbal disturbance.  The report stated that Demaine buried a blue bag behind the residence and then left in a white Dodge van prior to the deputy's arrival.   
A witness advised that he dug the bag up prior to the deputies arrival and located the following items: thirty insulin syringes, seven straws, three spoons, one scissors, four prescription bottles, three smoking pipes, one pill crusher, one razor, one small blue case with three grams of cocaine, eight grams of unknown powder substance and one homemade bomb with gun powder.  The homemade bomb was disarmed and the above items were placed into evidence.
On August 15, 2012 a warrant was issued for Demaine and he was arrested in Volusia County.  On August 23, 2012 the Levy County transportation deputy picked Demaine up and arrested him on the Levy County warrant.

Defendant:

Robert Demaine

1341 2 Ave

Deland, Fl.

W/M, 11/27/59

Charges:  Possession & Making a Destructive Device (Bomb)

###

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

Levy County Schools Will Remain Open On Monday

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:    August 26, 2011

Time:   4:30 PM

Mark Johnson the Director of Levy County Emergency Management called a meeting with County leaders in reference to Tropical Storm Isaac. The 1PM conference call with the National Weather Service projected that Issac continue to move

over the Florida Straits this afternoon and it could strengthen to a hurricane within the next 24 hours. Isaac is predicted to track north-northwest across the Gulf of Mexico and the current weather modules projects landfall early Wednesday morning near Mobile, Alabama as a category two(2) hurricane. The weather briefing for Levy County is expected 35-40 mph winds with gust to 50 mph throughout Monday. It was decided to not close any schools in Levy County.

Coastal flooding is a possibility due to storm surge in the Cedar Key and Yankeetown areas. Citizens should be mindful when traveling to work or school of down trees and power lines. Please take normal precautions and stay vigilant to any changes with Tropical Storm Isaac.

For the latest updates please visit www.levysostar.com and www.levydisaster.com


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

Senior Citizen Attacked by Pit Bull

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:       August 25, 2012

Time:       9:00 PM

 

On August 25, 2012 the Levy County Sheriff's Office received a frantic 9-1-1 call in reference to an animal attack.  Upon arriving at 5530 NW 97 Court Chiefland the victim, 84 years of age was bleeding profusely and had serious dog bites from his head to his legs.  The victim reported that he was mowing the grass when the pit bull dog  attacked him for no reason.  The victim fought the dog for over ten minutes before he was able to free himself and call 9-1-1 for help.

 

The victim had severe lacerations to his head, neck,arms and legs and he lost a tremendous amount of blood.  A trauma alert was called and the University of Florida ShandsCair responded and the victim was air-lifted to a local hospital.  The victim is listed in serious condition and currently in the intensive care unit.

 

Investigator Jay Crooms and the Levy County Animal Control Officer located the owner of the pit bull.  The owner had two dogs but only one dog attacked the victim.  Both dogs were seized and confined at the Levy County Animal Services. The owner of the dogs were cited and will answer in open court on September 11, 2012 for this vicious attack.

 

 

###

 

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

Car Chase Ends With Multiple Felony Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:               August 20, 2012

Time:              11:30 AM

 

On August 17, 2012 Jonathan Maurice Allen was arrested for attempted murder on a law enforcement officer, five counts of aggravated assault, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, tampering with evidence, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, sale of cocaine within 1000 feet from a place of worship and two counts of unlawful use of a two way communication device.

 

The Levy County Drug Task Force Agents working under the authority of the US Marshal's Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force were conducting surveillance on Allen who was a fugitive from justice.  On May 15, 2012 the Drug Task Force purchased crack cocaine from Allen in the Chiefland area only 1000 feet from a church.  On August 10, 2012 Honorable Judge James T. Browning signed a warrant for Allen's arrest for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, sale of cocaine within 1000 feet of a place of worship and unlawful use of a two-way communication device and issued a $90,000 bond. 

 

Friday, August 17, 2012 Agents located Allen driving a car at the McDonald restaurant in Chiefland.  Upon positively identifying the driver as Allen and the only person in the car they attempted to arrest Allen.  Fearing a high speed chase, Agents attempted to block Allen's car at the drive thru line and identified themselves by having emergency lights on and wearing Sheriff's and or US Marshal insignia.  Captain Anderson upon blocking Allen's vehicle got out of his Sheriff's office vehicle and advised Allen that he was under arrest.  Allen refused to surrender and attempted to run over Captain Anderson while he was on foot in the parking lot. Captain Anderson narrowly escaped death by jumping out of the way and Allen jumped the curb and was able to elude the drag net. 

 

Allen refused to stop at stop signs or traffic lights and the high speed pursuit continued into the county.  Deputy Britton Drew joined and assisted in the car chase at County Road 347 and State Road 55 and was able to capture the chase on his dash cam video.  A rolling road block was attempted to end the chase, but Allen refused to stop and continued to elude law enforcement officers.  Allen drove across the grassy median and traveled south in the north bound lane running numerous vehicles off the road. 

 

Allen while driving in the wrong direction of traffic ran numerous motorists off the road and finally lost control of his vehicle traveling across the median and unto the southbound lane.  Agent Rob Bowers attempted to stop Allen by tapping his back quarter panel and forcing him to spin out in the median.  Allen refused to stop and was using his 4000 pound vehicle as a weapon.   Due to Allen's actions showing no regard for human life Investigator Rob Bowers fired shots attempting to stop Allen.  Allen continued to assault law enforcement officers and Lt. Duane Dykstra was able to tap Allen's quarter panel and Allen spun out but was attempting to flee the scene when Captain Anderson rammed Allen's vehicle and the chase was ended. 

 

Allen was arrested without further incident and charged with seventeen (17) felony charges.  Allen received a six (6) million dollar bond at first appearance.

 

 

Defendant:

 

Jonathan Maurice Allen

10091 NW Ave.

Chiefland, Fl.

B/M, 01/13/1988

 

 

###

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

"Operation Safe Start" launches August 20

Operation Safe Start

 

As another summer comes to an end, our children prepare for their next adventure in their Levy County School. On August 20, they will begin this timeless ritual, their first day back. Children will face new challenges, making new friends, new teachers and for some, a new school.

 

Among this change comes danger. Children become at an increased risk from transportation related injury such as motor vehicle crashes, bicycle related injuries and pedestrian injury. Traffic patterns change as parents, bus drivers and the children themselves, rush to school. Increased congestion around the schools entrances and exits become the focal points for law enforcement and citizens alike who try to navigate in and out of the school zones, all the while trying to hurry.  It is time for everyone—motorist, parents, educators and students—to improve their traffic safety practices.

 

Currently our Levy County School Board bus division is completing all the last minute safety inspections on the icons of education system. On the 20^th, our buses will hit the streets in force. Law Enforcement will be watching as our buses make the scheduled stops and pick up our children.

 

Motorists are reminded of the traffic laws and dangers associated with this. School buses make multiple stops each morning, most of which are not part of the everyday motorist schedule. Most child related injury as related to our buses occur during the time they enter or exit the bus. The danger zone for our children extends 10 feet from all sides of the bus. Motorists need to be aware of this and be especially mindful and diligent in their travels taking heed to the warning lights each of our buses display while collecting our children each morning and dropping them off in the afternoon.

 

"Operation Safe Start" began three years ago and is a program we intend to continue. The Sheriff's Office will be present to assist in the safe and efficient welcome of our students back to school. For the first three days of school, each school will have a Uniformed Deputy assigned to greet our children and assist the staff. Resource Officers, Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (COPS) and Uniformed Patrol Deputies will be monitoring the school zones and bus stops in marked and unmarked vehicles looking for traffic violations. We urge all of our parents, educators and students alike to travel safe and be alert to the dangers as they travel toward their next adventure in life.

 

###

 

--
Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Smart911

Levy County Launches Smart911 to Deliver Enhanced Emergency Response

 

Levy County Sheriff's Office urges Citizens to Create a Safety Profile Providing Emergency Responders

with Critical Information that Can Save Time and Lives

 

Bronson, FL, 8/6/2012 - Levy County E911 announced today that they have implemented Smart911 to enhance delivery of 9-1-1 emergency services for area citizens. Rave Mobile Safety's Smart911 is a public/private partnership creating a first-of-its-kind, critical caller database that is already helping citizens and emergency responders across 20 states. Currently, when 9-1-1 receives a call, only a phone number and minimal levels of location data are displayed. With Smart 911, citizens create a Safety Profile online consisting of additional data about themselves and family members which is automatically displayed to 9-1-1 call-taker during emergency calls. The result is far greater emergency response effectiveness and saved lives.

 

"Having more information is an immeasurable benefit to emergency responders and we encourage citizens to create a Smart911 Safety Profile," said Major Evan Sullivan, of the Levy County Sheriff's Office. "The profile can detail medical conditions and disabilities that help dispatchers understand why a caller might be uncommunicative, expediting and supporting EMT response. They can let fire crews know not only how many residents are at a home, but locations of bedrooms. Police can be alerted to potential threats and photos can be available to facilitate the search for a missing child. In an emergency, more information means greater effectiveness, saving invaluable time and lives."

 

Smart911 is a nation-wide service that is entirely private and secure. The service is provided at no cost and citizens can create a Safety Profile at www.Smart911.com, entering vital data they want made available on themselves and family members, a residence, even pets. This can include data on medical conditions, disabilities and/or special needs, children's photos, home addresses of cellphone callers, floor plans and other pertinent information. Smart911 delivers this information automatically to telecommunicators, who then enable responders to be more effective because they have access to critical health and logistics information before arriving at the scene of an emergency.

 

"By deploying Smart911 and urging citizens to create a Safety Profile," said Tom Axbey, president and CEO, Rave Mobile Safety. "Levy County is demonstrating their commitment to delivering the most effective emergency services possible to area citizens. Municipalities are realizing how detailed information can dramatically improve emergency outcomes, and as this public/private partnership expands, we can look forward to increased public safety across the entire country."

 

About Rave Mobile Safety

Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award-winning portfolio of RaveAlert, RaveGuardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information please visit www.ravemobilesafety.com

--
Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Second Cattle Rustler Captured in Mexico

Some redemption for the Suwannee River Fair Children

 

The United States Marshals Service International Investigations Branch has notified the Levy County Sheriff's Office they located and CAPTURED Ron Shepard recently in a small fishing village in Mexico. Shepard was extradited to the United States on 7-10-12 and is on-route to a Benton, Ill federal detention facility. Shepard will be presented to a Federal Judge regarding his pending violation of probation on a former federal charge. Levy County Sheriff's Office is in the process of filing detainer's with the Federal Government to extradite Shepard to Levy County.

The Suwannee River Fail & Livestock Association took a huge financial hit when Ron Shepard and Jeremy Pierce failed to deliver the proceeds of the Tri-County Fair cattle sale to Larry Lindsey, broker for the cattle sale. Fair President Loran Brookins promised and made good the payment to OUR children for all of their hard work in raising the livestock for the show.

Jeremy Pierce has been in custody in Illinois after turning himself in a day after warrants were issued in Levy County.

###

--
Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Todd Houchin Promoted to Sergeant

On July 5, 2012, Sheriff Smith promoted Cpl. Todd Houchin to the rank of Sergeant for the Patrol Division.  At this time, Sgt. Houchin is with Alpha Company, under Lt. Perry Ott as Watch Commander.

 

Sgt. Houchin began his law enforcement career with the Cedar Key Police Department in February of 1998.  He became employed with our department in August 1999 and has continued his career here.  Todd was promoted to the rank of Corporal in February 2003, assisting with supervisory duties with his patrol shift.  After much consideration, Sheriff Smith promoted Todd to Sergeant.  Todd has "stepped up to the plate" in a leadership role for his shift and we look forward to great things from him in his career at the Levy County Sheriff's Office.

 

Congratulations Sergeant Todd Houchin!

--
Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

Suwannee River Fair & Livestock Assoc.

They just cannot catch a break!

 

Suwannee River Fair and Livestock Assoc. president Loran Brookins made a saddening discovery on Tuesday July 3, 2012. Brookins went to the Fairground to conduct some business. When he tried to turn the lights on, nothing happened. Thinking a breaker had blown, he checked the electrical box only to discover that the copper wiring had been stripped.

 

It appeared that the suspect(s) broke a window to gain entry into the showroom area of the pavilion. Once inside they removed approximately 1000 feet of wiring for the lights, taking time to remove the wires from the walls, wire from inside the conduit to the electrical sockets and lighting fixtures and the adjoining offices. There is thousands of dollars worth of damage, for a few dollars in copper.

 

Copper thieves are difficult to capture. However, new laws have recently passed that require persons' who scrap copper products sign a statement where the copper came from. The Levy County Sheriff's Office is currently looking for any lead that would identify the party responsible for this crime. If you have information please contact CRIME STOPPERS at 1-877-349-8477. You could be eligible for a reward.

--
Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111