2nd Meth Lab Discovered near Chiefland

In a period of less than 48 hours, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office has located and dismantled a second methamphetamine lab in the Chiefland area. LCSO Drug Task Force Investigators discovered this lab at 7751 NW 115 Street in Chiefland, and were able to render the site safe. This investigation led to the arrest of Rowdy Elton McCall 6-7-85 who is being held at the Levy County Detention Facility on a $75,000 bond. Investigators work continuously to locate and put these operations out of business.

The dangerous and volatile chemical components used to manufacture the substance; which is then ingested by various methods, create one of the most hazardous conditions for officers to work in. The LCSO is dedicated to locating and arresting the individuals who are making this deadly drug and ask our citizens to report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous

***UPDATE** Missing and Endangered Female Located

April 29, 2014

The missing and endangered female, Ms. Cannon has been located by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Arrangements are currently being made to return Ms. Cannon to her home in Pinellas Park.

Thank you to all the citizens who assisted in the rapid response which helped locate her so quickly.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous

Missing and Endangered Female

April 29, 2014

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Barbara Denise Cannon. Ms. Cannon is described as a 52 year old white female. She has long, below the shoulder, brown hair with a light mixture of gray. She is approximately 5’-5” tall, approximately 140 pounds and has blue eyes.

Ms. Cannon suffers from several mental health conditions. She has not been able to take her medication since April 26, 2014. Ms. Cannon resides at 1600 78 Ave North, Pinellas Park, Fl. and has not been seen in 3 days.

Ms. Cannon was last seen in the area of US Highway 19 near the Levy County/Citrus County line. She was attempting to make her way to an unknown named church in Hernando County. She has no known family in that area.

If anyone sees Ms. Cannon please contact your local authorities.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

3 Arrested for Armed Robbery

 Sylvia Chisolm 11-8-83

 Billie Jo Grant 1-13-82

Richard Hall 12-14-59

April 29, 2014

On April 25, 2014 at approximately 10:45 PM Levy County Deputies responded to the Waco 6 convenience store located at 8731 NW 174 Street in Fanning Springs. The clerk reported an unclothed Hispanic male ran into his store requesting help. With the aid of interpreters, Deputies determined the male had been the recent victim of a robbery. The robbers had taken his clothing which contained his wallet filled with approximately $1,000 in cash.

The subsequent investigation led to the identification of three robbers, one male identified as Richard Hall 12-14-59 and who is a registered sex offender; and two females, Billie Jo Grant 1-13-82 and Sylvia Chisolm 11-8-83. The investigation revealed the trio planned the robbery earlier in the evening. Their plan was for the females to find a Hispanic male, lure him to a home and into a bedroom. The females were to promise him sexual acts and when he got undressed, the male who was waiting in an adjacent room and armed with a machete, was to take his clothing.

Their plan was executed, but with one flaw. The Hispanic male knew these ladies. With the assistance of the interpreter, investigators were able to quickly locate and arrest all three suspects.    

Hall is being held at the Levy County Detention Facility charged with Robbery and his bond has been set at $100,000. Chisolm was also arrested for Robbery and is being held in Levy County on a $75,000 bond. Grant was located in Gilchrist County and arrested on an unrelated charge. The charge of Robbery for her involvement in this crime has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office and a warrant is pending.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

Road Closed

Road Closed

NW 46 Lane -  Fowlers Bluff

April 29, 2014

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is notifying citizens that NW 46^th Lane, the main entrance to Fowlers Bluff, at the intersection of NW 152 Ave., has been closed to vehicular traffic. As the Suwannee River continues to rise above flood level, this road has been affected. Currently there is approximately 8” of water covering the road. Vehicular traffic will be restricted to residents only as they attempt to protect their properties from the rising water.

A message board will be placed at the intersection of NW 46^th Lane and CR 347 alerting travelers of this closure. On-lookers are asked to avoid this area of Levy County as the wake produced by their vehicles will cause damage to the homes located along this road. Additionally, traveling on flooded roadways places the driver and any occupants of the vehicle in unnecessary danger.

Any questions regarding the current conditions of the Suwannee River in and around Levy County can be answered by visiting the Levy County Emergency Operations Center web site at www.levydisaster.com or contacting them directly at 352-486-5212.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

2 Arrested in Active Meth Lab Investigation

April 28, 2014

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office Uniformed Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division stumbled across an active “meth lab” operation early Sunday afternoon at 3 NE 12^th Ave. in the City of Chiefland. Calah Crandall 6-30-89 and co-habitant Klayton Adams 6-19-79 were both arrested after Deputies located the active “cook” operation.

Deputies were conducting follow up investigations into recent vehicle burglaries and contacted suspect Calah Crandall. Crandall gave consent to search the home she was living at and while looking for stolen property, Deputies recognized numerous chemical components used to manufacture Methamphetamines. Containers which contained the combined ingredients to manufacture methamphetamines were found inside the home after a more extensive search. This discovery required an activation of the Chiefland Fire Department Haz-Mat unit. Deputies specially trained in the dismantling of methamphetamine laboratories responded to safely collect this evidence.

Crandall is being held at the Levy County Detention Facility on a $115,000 bond and Adams is being held on a $180,000 bond.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

DEBIT CARD PHONE SCAM

LCSO has received several reports from citizens saying they are receiving an automated phone call from an unknown party. Complainants are Drummond Bank customers and are being told during the message their card has been stolen. The call center at Drummond Bank is checking each member’s account, and has not reported any fraudulent transactions. Drummond Bank assures LCSO they are not making these calls and will not contact customers in this manner. Each customer is urged to NOT respond to this automated message. If customers have responded, please contact Drummond Bank to secure their account information. Customers may also contact LCSO to make a formal report of any fraudulent account activity.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous

Child Abuse Investigation Results in Sex Offender’s Arrest

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a child abuse complaint on April 22, 2014. The subsequent investigation led to the identification of registered sex offender, Reggie Kearney, as the suspect.  Bobbie Jo Gibbs, the child’s mother, was also identified as a suspect.

Kearney and Gibbs co-habited at a home located in Chiefland.  Kearney was a registered sex offender who was supposed to be residing in Gainesville. The child, a 6 year old boy, was with his biological father who discovered severe bruising on the child’s legs. The father reported his findings to law enforcement. The investigation revealed Kearney spanked the child with a belt for disobeying him and playing a video game. The child had injuries more severe and inconsistent with normal discipline.

Investigators arrested Kearney and charged him with one count of felony child abuse and failure to register an address as a convicted sex offender. Gibbs, who had witnessed the abuse and did not intervene, was charged with one count of child neglect. Kearney is being held at the Levy County Detention Facility on a $150,000 bond and Gibbs is being held on a $50,000 bond.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

Bronson Power-Lines Arrest

April 22, 2014

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office has been working toward a solution to issues which continue to arise at the “Power-Lines” in Bronson. The “Power-Lines”, as they are known locally, is an area of unimproved properties north of the Town of Bronson and west of County Road 337. Youth and young adults trespass and congregate on these privately owned properties.  While on the property they drink, use drugs and mud bog. The LCSO has seen a surge in reports of violent crimes resulting from these Friday and Saturday night gatherings.

Patricia L. Miller W/F 3-11-96 was arrested April 21, 2014 after an extensive investigation was concluded. Miller attacked a 16 year old Gainesville youth on April 7, 2014. The attack was so brutal the victim had to undergo surgery to repair her nose, which had been broken in three places.  Miller is being held in the Levy County Detention Facility on a $100,000.00 bond. 

LCSO will continue to seek to stop illegal activities in this area.  We ask that the public report any suspicious persons or activity to LCSO or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-TIPS. 

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

Levy County Boat Ramp Closures

April 17, 2014

The Levy County Board of County Commissioners and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office announced a combined decision to close all boat ramps on the Suwannee River.  Due to rising river conditions and hazardous navigation, the ramps at Clay Landing, Fowler’s Bluff and Camp Azalea are closed until further notice.  For vessels navigating the area of Fowlers Bluff, a no wake zone has been established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  The Suwannee River will be patrolled by FWC.  All agencies are asking citizens who will be on the water to be respectful of the no wake provision which will reduce damage to homes on waterfront properties.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

Levy County Teen Driver Improvement Program

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Community Relations Division, is offering a Teen Driver Improvement Program to all Levy County students who have a current Operators License or Learners Permit or who are about to get their Learners Permit.

The goal of this program is to educate the teen drivers of Levy County of the dangers of aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, and to reinforce the benefits of seatbelt use. These four issues have been found to be major causes of teen involved crashes, injuries and fatalities. This program is free of cost and is 4 hours in duration. This program consists of classroom instruction, videos, power point presentations and hands-on time during which the students will drive golf carts through a course to learn first hand the dangers of their choices they make while driving. This is a graphic presentation that will show students the human consequences of their driving choices. Parent waivers are required due to the graphic nature of the presentation. Waivers are available online at www.levyso.com, and then click on the Teen Driver Improvement Icon on left side of screen. All students will be required to pre-register for the class by calling Lt. Sean Mullins or Sgt. Max Long at 352-486-5111 ext 276 or via e-mail smullins@levyso.com or mlong@levyso.com. This class has a minimum of 5 students for the class to take place so these dates are tentative. ALL CLASSES BEGIN AT 9:00 AM

Williston HS.       June: 24      July: 3, 8, 15, 16, 31,      August: 5, 6

Chiefland HS.      June: 25      July: 2, 9, 17, 28, 29,      August: 7, 11

Bronson HS.        June: 26      July: 7, 10, 30                 August: 12

Cedar Key HS.    June: 30      July: 14

Yankeetown:                            July: 1                             August: 4

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

LCSO Begins Williston Crab Festival Preparations

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office has ramped up planning for Crab Festival 2014. Sheriff McCallum and his executive staff have attended meetings with Williston community leaders who offered their assistance to make this event safer. In the wake of last years tragedy, where five people were shot and one died of his injuries, this event is of great concern to LCSO.

 

Community leaders are telling LCSO the event will happen on April 26, 2014.

 

Citizens and travelers through Levy County can expect traffic congestion in and around US Alt Hwy 27 and County Road 318 in Williston on Saturday, April 26, 2014. There will be no parking on CR 318 (including at vendor’s booths), or on its right-of-way. Any vehicles parked on the right-of-way may be towed for the safety of all concerned.

 

The LCSO has enlisted the help of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Williston Police Department and the Florida Department of Agriculture. It will be the efforts of Law Enforcement to curb the illegal sales of alcoholic beverages, address drug violations, control traffic, food safety and health violations.

 

County Road 318 will be closed at 3:00 pm or before; depending on pedestrian and vehicle traffic congestion and safety concerns. Residents of Williston who have homes accessed via CR 318 should be prepared to show photo ID with a current address. All through traffic will be re-routed at NE 212 Court and NE 35 Street to US Alt 27. The Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone that is not attending the event to avoid the area by using alternate routes.   

 

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

Sexual Predator

                                                          Sexual Predator                   

Public Address Notification

April 9, 2014

On April 8, 2014 John Wayne Hudson registered as a Sexual Predator with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. By Florida law Hudson is required to notify law enforcement whenever he changes addresses.

John Wayne Hudson was convicted in 2004 in Levy County, Fl for Sexual Battery by weapon or force - F.S. 794.011. Hudson was released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has registered his address as: 11950 NE 116 Street Archer, Fl

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 offender data base.

Sexual Predator:

John Wayne Hudson

11950 NE 116 Street

Archer, Fl 32618

White/Male

DOB: 05/03/1968

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

Sexual Predator

Sexual Predator

Public Address Notification

April 9, 2014

On April 2, 2014 James Solomon, Jr registered as a Sexual Predator with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. By Florida law Solomon is required to notify law enforcement whenever he changes addresses.

James Solomon, Jr was convicted in 2001 in Alachua County, Fl for Sexual Battery of a child under 12. Solomon was released from the Florida Department of Corrections and has registered his address as: 21161 NE 35 Street Williston, Fl.

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 offender data base.

Sexual Predator:

James Solomon Jr

21161 NE 35 Street

Williston, Fl 32696

Black/Male

DOB: 03/19/1950

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Levy County Sheriff's Office in partnership with the Levy County Prevention Coalition will be participating in the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency's National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative.

This year's event will be held at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday April 26th, 2014, from 10:00AM until 2:00 PM. Sheriff’s Deputies will be present to accept all medications. The collection site will be located at the South Entrance to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office complex located at 9150 NE 80 Ave., Bronson, Fl 32621.

Participants are encouraged to bring in prescription medications that are no longer used, out of date, or medications from loved ones who have passed away. Medications can be loose or in containers.

Participants will be able to drive in and drop medications off into boxes provided without having to exit their vehicles.

Please join us in participating in this important initiative to keep unwanted or unneeded medications off our streets.

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

"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.