Levy Man Sentenced for Child Sex Offense

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

Donald Keith McLaughlin (4-8-67) was sentenced in Levy County Circuit Court on November 4, 2015.  McLaughlin entered a plea to one count of Engaging in Sexual Activity with a Child aged 12 to 18.  Circuit Judge William Davis thereafter sentenced McLaughlin to 18 years of prison to be followed by 15 years of Sex Offender Probation. 

Levy County Sheriff’s Office Investigators became aware of the crimes in 2014 when McLaughlin was arrested on unrelated charges in Putnam County, Florida.  Putnam SO Investigators notified Levy Investigators of documentary evidence of sex crimes they had located in their county.  The evidence was substantial and included videotapes and journals kept by McLaughlin. 

After painstakingly reviewing the evidence, LCSO Investigators identified several child victims and determined that some of the crimes occurred in Levy County.  The offenses occurred as far back as the year 2000.  The Investigators then began interviewing victims. 

In May of 2014, Sgt. Mike Narayan and Cpl. Tom Martin interviewed McLaughlin in Putnam County.  They obtained admissions from McLaughlin that he had engaged in sex crimes with a child in Levy County.  After compiling the evidence, LCSO Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for McLaughlin on May 21, 2014.  The warrant was executed on September 8, 2014. 

LCSO Investigators are pleased to be able to assist in the long-term incarceration of McLaughlin and to help bring closure to some of his victims.  Unfortunately, LCSO Investigators believe there are additional victims who have not come forward and the Sheriff’s Office would like to see McLaughlin punished for all of the crimes he has committed.  Victims or anyone who believes they may have information about crimes committed by McLaughlin are encouraged to call Sgt. Narayan or Cpl. Martin at the Sheriff’s Office.  Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Levy County at 1-877-349-8477

 

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WILLISTON AREA HOME INVASION ROBBERY REPORTED



December 28, 2015

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a home invasion robbery that occurred on December 23, 2015.  The incident occurred during the early afternoon hours at a residence on State Road 121 south of the city of Williston.    

The victim reported being alone at his residence when he heard banging on the door.  Before the victim could answer the door, two unknown black male subjects broke into the residence and detained the victim.  The perpetrators tied the victim and covered his head with something to prevent him from seeing.  The suspects demanded money from the victim and ransacked the residence.  They also threatened to kill the victim. 

After a short period of time, the unknown suspects fled on foot to a waiting vehicle.  The vehicle was described as a dark colored Chevrolet car with chrome rims and door handles.

Deputies on scene described the victim as extremely shaken by the events. The victim was not physically injured.  LCSO deputies were able to locate multiple witnesses who provided statements that corroborated the victim’s account of the incident.  Additional evidence led investigators to believe that the perpetrators were searching for specific items that belonged to a person other than the victim.   

The investigation is continuing.  Crime Stoppers of Levy County has authorized a cash award of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons involved in this home invasion robbery.  That information can be provided anonymously at 1-877-349-8477 or 24 hours a day at 352-486-5111. 

 

 

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

 

 

Suwannee River Fairgrounds Burglar Arrested

December 9, 2015

On December 5, 2015 LCSO deputies responded to the Suwannee River Livestock Fairgrounds located in Fanning Springs to a reported burglary.  Fair Director Loran Brookins advised that recently an unknown person had broken into one of the Fair offices and had stolen some handheld radios and chargers.  Mr. Brookins also advised that it appeared someone had been living in one of the offices on the fairgrounds. 

On December 7, 2015 Deputy Sam Quincey and other deputies went to the fairgrounds to conduct a security check.  Deputy Quincey located David Alec Summers (12-3-80) sleeping inside one of the offices.  Summers was detained by the deputies.  Their subsequent investigation revealed that the office door had been damaged to gain access. Deputies found three syringes and a methadone tablet among Summers’ belongings.  Summers was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Mischief. 

After being transported to the Levy County Detention Center, Summers was interviewed by Investigator Scott Stancil.  During the interview Summers admitted that he had stolen the radios from the fairgrounds.  Based on information provided by Summers, LCSO investigators were able to recover the radios and chargers.  Summers was also charged with Burglary and Petit Theft. 

Summers remains in the Levy County Detention Center where he is being held on $135,000.00 total 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.

Dogs Attack 1 Year Old Child and Couple

December 9, 2015

On December 8 at 2:45 in the afternoon the Levy County Sheriff’s Office received several 911 calls. Citizens were reporting a man, a woman and a child were being attacked by a pack of dogs. Deputies responded to the area of NE 75 Street and NE 105 Avenue outside of Bronson and found several large breed dogs running free. They also found three dog bite victims.

Kayula Most (26) reported to deputies she and Arthur Tyson (20) were sitting near the edge of the road waiting on a child to get off the school bus. She was also holding a 1 year old child at the time.

Tyson stated three large dogs approached them in an aggressive manner. Tyson told deputies he stood up and one of the dogs began attacking. Tyson said he began fighting the dog when the other two joined in the attack. He saw Most being bitten several times then one of the dogs grabbed the child she was holding by the upper thigh and snatched her from her grip. Tyson said he saw the dog shaking the child like a rag doll.

Most reported she began screaming and fighting the dogs. She was ultimately able to grab the child from the dog and used her body to shield her from further attack. Most sustained the more extensive injuries.  All three victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.

LCSO deputies contacted Levy County Animal Control Services who responded and impounded 11 dogs total from the home located at 7530 NE 105 Avenue. The owner, Laura Trauchber, was cited by Animal Services and had has a pending appearance in court.

   

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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.

Yankeetown General Store Burglary Suspects Arrested

Noah Bevins

Robyn Johnson

December 7, 2015

LCSO deputies responded to the Yankeetown General Store located at 6611 HWY 40 West on November 29, 2015. The store clerk discovered someone had entered the store through the roof sometime after closing and took miscellaneous food items and gasoline valued at approximately $190.00.

The clerk reviewed video footage and identified the suspects as Robyn Johnson (9-22-89) and Noah Bevins (2-4-81). Johnson and Bevins were both personally known by the clerk. She also identified Johnson as the daughter of the store owner.

On December 2, 2015, Deputy C. J. Perryman witnessed a disturbance at the Kangaroo gas station in Inglis and responded to intervene. Dep. Perryman quelled the argument and as a normal course of his duties discovered one of the participants in the argument was Robyn Johnson.  Johnson had an active outstanding warrant for her arrest issued by the State of Indiana for failure to appear on a larceny charge.  As Johnson was being taken into custody for the warrant she resisted arrest.

During a search of her purse, Dep. Perryman discovered she was in possession of Methamphetamines and Oxycodone. She was booked into the Levy County Detention Facility and charged with possession of narcotics and resisting arrest. She is being held on an $115,000 bond.

On December 3, 2015, Investigator M. Wilkinson located and arrested Bevins. Bevins was booked into the Levy County Detention Facility and charged with burglary and theft. He also had outstanding warrants for failure to appear. His total bond has been assigned at $37,000.00

On December 7, 2015 Investigator M. Wilkinson filed burglary and theft charges at the Detention Facility on Johnson. She has not been arraigned on these new charges at the time of this release.  

 

This case is yet another example of how illegal drugs impact the families of the addicted and our community. Robyn Johnson exploited an opportunity to steal from her family which ultimately impacts all the residents of the Yankeetown community.

We at LCSO urge our citizens to stop being victims and report crimes or suspicious activity. Crimes can also be reported anonymously by contacting 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.

CITIZEN REPORT LEADS TO DUI, CHILD NEGLECT AND DRUG CHARGE

On November 25, 2015 at approximately 4 PM, a concerned citizen contacted the Levy County Sheriff’s Office to report a reckless driver.  The caller stated they observed a blue Ford pickup truck traveling north on US 19 from the Inglis area.  The truck was being driven in an erratic manner and had nearly collided with several vehicles. 

More concerning was that the caller observed a child (reported to be approximately 4 years of age) inside the vehicle.  The child was not restrained in a car seat and was being shaken about in the vehicle. 

Deputy Ryan Sullivan responded to the call and observed the vehicle traveling northbound near Gulf Hammock.  Deputy Sullivan observed the vehicle being operated in an erratic manner and saw it nearly collide with another vehicle.  He also observed the small child standing in the rear seat of the vehicle. 

Deputy Sullivan initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Joshua Robert Vogel from Palm Harbor, Florida.  Vogel smelled of an alcoholic beverage, and admitted that he had consumed two beers earlier.  Deputy Sullivan found a 4 year old female child in the backseat of the vehicle. The child was not restrained but was found to be uninjured.  Sgt. Carl Rogers responded to the traffic stop scene and stood by with the child until a relative arrived to take custody of her. 

Vogel agreed to submit to field sobriety exercises.  He was unable to satisfactorily complete the exercises and was arrested for DUI by Deputy Sullivan.  During the search incident to arrest, Deputy Sullivan found a glass smoking pipe that contained burnt marijuana inside it.  The pipe was found on the console of the pickup truck. 

After being arrested, Vogel became belligerent. He resisted Deputy Sullivan’s attempts to handcuff him.   Vogel cursed and threatened Deputy Sullivan. He was transported to the Levy County Detention Center where he refused to provide a breath sample and again cursed and threatened Deputy Sullivan and Detention Staff.

Vogel was charged with DUI, Child Neglect, Corruption by Threat Against a Public Servant, Possession of Cannabis, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Officer Without Violence.  Vogel’s bond was set at $10,000.00, and he was released after posting the bond on November 26, 2015.

As always, LCSO greatly appreciates the assistance of the public to make our county safer.  Citizens who wish to report suspicious activity can always contact the Sheriff’s Office at 352-486-5111 or anonymously contact CrimeStoppers of Levy County at  1-877-349-TIPS or 1-877-349-8477)

Handicapped Parking to be Enforced at Yankeetown Boat Ramp

 

 

November 18, 2015

 

Levy County has recently designated handicapped parking at the County boat ramp located at the end of State Road 40 West in Yankeetown.  LCSO has received information that the parking space is being used by vehicles without the proper handicapped tag or placards.  Under Florida State Statute 316.1955, law enforcement officers are required to remove vehicles illegally parked in handicapped spaces. 

 

LCSO will begin enforcing handicapped parking violations at the boat ramp immediately.  Please help us avoid the necessity of towing any vehicles due to illegal parking. 

 

Thank you for your cooperation and please contact our office if you have any questions. 

 

 

 

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FANNING AREA DRUG DEALER ARRESTED ON FELONY CHARGES



October 29, 2015

Levy County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jermaine Carl Curtis (5-16-83) on multiple charges on October 20^th, 2015.  The arrest stemmed from an incident which occurred in the Fanning Springs area on October 4, 2015. 

The Victim reported traveling to Curtis’ residence in order to purchase illegal narcotics from Curtis.  During the attempted purchase, Curtis forcibly grabbed the victim and moved her into another room of the residence.  Curtis stole more than $1,000.00 in cash from the victim.  Curtis beat the victim and threatened the victim with a firearm.  The victim was able to escape from the residence and report the incident to law enforcement.  Prior to the deputies’ arrival, Curtis fled the area. 

Based on the statements by the victim and witnesses as well as physical evidence that was recovered, Deputies obtained an arrest warrant for False Imprisonment, Robbery and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm (3 counts).   Deputies located Curtis on October 20^th in the city of Chiefland where he was taken into custody based on the warrant.  A wallet that Curtis admitted having in his possession at the time of his arrest was found to contain multiple pieces of crack cocaine. 

Curtis is being housed at the Levy County Detention Center under a 1 million dollar bond. 

 

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

 

 

Arrest Made In Cold Case Murder

 

 

 

 

 

ARREST MADE IN COLD CASE MURDER

 

October 27, 2015

On September 15^th, 2015 the Levy County Grand Jury handed down an indictment for Merle Mackey (4-8-43) for first degree murder.  The indictment was based on an incident reported to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in 1982.  At that time, Evelyn “Laverne” Mackey was reported as a missing person.  Evelyn Mackey was the wife of Merle Mackey.

Throughout the following years, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office interviewed several witnesses and developed information indicating that the murder actually took place in Levy County.  The victim’s body was not recovered. 

An arrest warrant was issued based on the Grand Jury indictment.  Mackey was arrested in New Mexico by the U.S. Marshal’s Service and transported to Levy County.  Mackey is being housed at the Levy County Detention Center without bond where he awaits trial.

 

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

 

 

Fundraiser to support Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches

 

Basic Pistol Class

Hosted By the Levy County Sheriff's Office

Will qualify for Florida Concealed Weapons License

Nov 14, 2015 8am Levy County Sheriff's Office Classroom

9150 NE 80th Ave., Bronson, Fl 32621

Cost $65 dollars on line price
Cost $75 dollars day of event

Fundraiser for
Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch

.
Sign up and pay on line at

http://www.active.com/bronson-fl/classes/florida-sheriffs-youth-ranch-pistol-class-2015

Register offline by calling 3524865111 or email sfinnen@levyso.com

Lunch will be provided and additional donations will be accepted

**Update – Inglis Shooting Incident**

October 3, 2015

 

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office received notification from medical personnel at Shands at UF and the family of Otis Ray Bean that he did succumb to his injuries late last night. His passing increases the death toll perpetrated by Walter Tyson to four.

 

LCSO and EMS responded numerous 911 calls to a home located across the street from Inglis Town Hall on Thursday evening. 911 callers reported gunfire at this home. EMS arrived first on scene and discovered two people shot in the front yard. EMS personnel were able to rescue Otis Bean. Good Samaritan Walter “Buzz” Terhune, whom was also shot, had died immediately from his injuries.

 

LCSO along with members of the US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force surrounded the home. The investigation ultimately led to the discovery of the body of Patricia Tyson on the ground floor and the body of Walter Tyson in a second story bedroom. Patricia Tyson had been shot several times. Walter Tyson died from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

 

LCSO is still actively working on this investigation and continues to ask for public assistance. LCSO investigators are attempting to gather information of Walter Tyson’s activities on the days prior to this violent and deadly act. Anyone who has information is asked to call (352) 486-5111 and ask for Investigations.

                                                                                                              

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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.

Domestic Dispute Ends in Multiple Deaths

Walter A. Tyson

October 2, 2015

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office received numerous 911 calls at approximately 6:10 pm Thursday evening. Callers were reporting hearing shots fired across the street from Inglis Town Hall on Hwy 40 West. Callers also reported there may be injuries related to these shots.

LCSO Telecommunicators immediately dispatched law enforcement and rescue units to the described location. A Levy County Department of Public Safety EMS unit happened to be in very close proximity to this location and immediately responded. The EMS and Inglis Fire Department personnel arrived prior to law enforcement and were not aware the incident location was not safe. EMS, putting themselves in harms way, immediately identified two male victims in the front yard and exited their emergency response vehicle to render aid. EMS quickly recognized the extreme volatile nature of the situation, continued their mission by putting their own lives in peril and heroically rescued Otis Ray Bean Jr. (11-17-61). Mr. Bean was successfully transferred and transported by air ambulance to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.

A large law enforcement response occurred immediately thereafter. The US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force was operating in the Inglis area on an unrelated investigation. These team members comprised of US Marshal’s, LCSO Deputies, FDLE Agents, Chiefland Police Officers, Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies and Gainesville Police Officers surrounded the home. Eye witness testimony was quickly given to these officers confirming the shooter had entered the home. Officers acted quickly and mounted a rescue operation to aid the other male victim found in the yard. Walter Scott “Buzz” Terhune (6-4-47), a local Inglis resident, was removed from the yard, but had unfortunately succumbed to gunshot related injuries.

A secure perimeter had been established by other officers and orders for surrender were immediately given to all occupants of the home. Officers reported seeing a man on the second story of this single family home walk to the window. This person later identified as Walter A. Tyson (1-6-58) disappeared from their sight. Officers heard a single gunshot, followed by a loud thud from inside the home. Task Force officers deployed a robot into the interior of the home and verified one male subject on the upper level of the home who appeared to be dead.

Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum requested mutual aid assistance from Citrus County Sheriff Dawsy who sent several members of his SWAT team to assist with this situation. Upon their arrival SWAT members deployed “distraction devices” into the home and made entry. They discovered the remains of a white female in the kitchen area of the home, who was later identified as Patricia Tyson (8-9-61). It was confirmed that Walter Tyson, now apparent suspect, was in fact deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators discovered “Buzz” Terhune, reported by friends as a retired US Vietnam veteran and good Samaritan, upon hearing the gunshots and recognizing local children in the area were in danger went to confront Mr. Tyson. Investigators believe Mr. Terhune was unaware he was walking into this deadly situation as he was going to confront a person he believed was just recklessly discharging a weapon.

Sheriff McCallum and his members at LCSO want to express their condolences to the families and our community who have been affected by this violent act. Sheriff McCallum wants to convey his assurance to the Inglis community that we are committed to ensure their safety. He also wishes to express his deepest gratitude to the members of the Marshal’s Task Force, Sheriff Dawsy for his immediate response for assistance with both his SWAT team members and forensics unit, the Inglis Fire Department, the Levy County Department of Public Safety and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Without their cooperative efforts this tragic event would have taxed his agencies resources and potentially lengthened this investigation. Their assistance aided in the quickest possible resolution for the families and the community.

LCSO continues to actively work this investigation and requests the community’s assistance. If anyone has information to aid the investigation we are asking them to contact LCSO at 352-486-5111 and ask for an investigator in the Criminal Investigations Unit.

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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.

Joseph Moscato Accepts 6 Year Plea for Sex Crime

September 25, 2015

Joseph Moscato Jr. (6-21-47), who was arrested by LCSO investigators on February 7, 2015 for sexual battery on a child between the ages of 12-18 years old, accepted a plea today. The victim reported the attack occurred while attending church located at 16750 NW 60 Avenue in Fanning Springs on November 17, 2014. Moscato was sentenced to six (6) years in the Florida Department of Corrections to be followed by nine (9) years of sex offender probation upon his release. Moscato will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Moscato, as a condition of this plea, had to make an allocution to the crime. Basically, he admitted he attacked the child against her will. This plea spared the child victim the trauma of having to testify to the attack Moscato perpetrated.

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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.

Burglary Investigation Leads to Five Arrests and Meth Lab

Mack Anthony Miller

Danny Lee Kincaid

Lester Hamilton Piersall

September 25, 2015

On September 11, 2015 a Chiefland resident reported his shed located on his property had been broken into within the last 18 hours. LCSO deputies and investigators responded to the complainant’s home and discovered guns, ammunition and tools had been taken. The burglars cut locks and forced the door off the tracks to gain entry. The initial investigation did not produce any leads or potential suspects.

A second burglary was reported from the same location on September 18th. Tools, ammunition and other miscellaneous items were stolen. Investigators developed leads with the assistance of observant community members which aided in the identification of the suspects.

Investigators were able to catch up to the primary suspect; Mack Anthony Miller W/M (8-20-74) on September 21^st at a home located 8291 NW 130^th Street in Chiefland. Investigators subsequently identified and arrested the second suspect of these burglaries, Danny Lee Kincaid W/M (8-24-86).  Both men were charged with armed burglary and grand theft. As this investigation continued at this address, property was found and identified as belonging to the victim of both the burglaries.

But, investigators didn’t stop there. Evidence was found near this home indicating methamphetamines were being manufactured at the location.  LCSO Drug Task Force investigators identified Lester Hamilton Piersall W/M (5-19-61), a registered sex offender and also resident of this home as the methamphetamine “cook.”  He was taken into custody for manufacture of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and transported to the LCSO Detention Facility.

And, investigators still weren’t done. Keith Martin Davis W/M (8-21-80) then drove to the home and became verbally combative with investigators who were still actively working this crime scene.  Davis’ actions drew more attention to him than he probably wanted.  Investigators discovered Davis drove there after his driver’s license had been permanently revoked for failure to pay traffic fines.  He too was arrested and taken to the Levy County Detention Facility.  Kerry Bush W/F (9-16-80), a passenger in the vehicle, was found to have a warrant for her arrest.  She was taken into custody and booked into the Levy County Detention Facility.

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office encourages all citizens who may have information about burglaries, drug activities or other crimes to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 352-486-5111.  The information can also be given anonymously to CrimeStoppers of Levy County at 1-800-349-8477 and you may be entitled to a cash reward.

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Keith Martin Davis

  Kerry Bush

 

 

 

 

Levy Man Arrested for Multiple Child Sex Offenses

 

 

September 23, 2015

Corporal Jay Crooms, of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, arrested James Lambert (10/14/1949) on September 21, 2015 for multiple sex offenses.  Lambert resided in the Fanning Springs area of the county.  In August of 2015, LCSO was contacted by a concerned parent of two victims who reside outside the county. 

Corporal Crooms of the Criminal Investigations Division was assigned the case.  His investigation revealed that the victims’ family was acquainted with Lambert and had regularly visited him.  The victims, who were both under the age of 12 when the crimes occurred, stated that they were sexually molested on multiple occasions during these visits.  During their interviews, the victims were able to give specific details of the abusive incidents which were beyond the normal knowledge of victims this age.  Lambert allegedly would force himself upon the children when no other adults were present at the residence. 

Lambert agreed to be interviewed by Corporal Crooms.  He denied committing any illegal acts against the victims.  Lambert did admit to being alone with them on multiple occasions. 

After the interview, Corporal Crooms arrested Lambert for 2 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation and 2 counts of Sexual Battery upon a child.  Lambert is being held at the Levy County Detention Center where he is awaiting trial.  His bond was set at 4 million dollars.  

 

 

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Alcohol Sales Compliance Checks Results in Arrests

 Kartik Kisho Bose

Parimalkumar Rambhai Patel

September 23, 2015

A concerned citizen contacted a LCSO deputy and filed a complaint stating local businesses were selling alcoholic beverages to under aged kids. To support their claim, the citizen told our deputy they recently discovered their child was purchasing beer. The child told them they had purchased it from a local convenience store.

LCSO contacted the State Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) and explained the complaint. ABT licenses and governs the local sales of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. ABT, familiar with these types of complaints offered to partner with LCSO and the Williston Police Department to address the problem.

The partnered agencies conducted compliance operations at 10 stores in the Williston area of Levy County and inside the City of Williston. Of these checks, six (6) stores were found to be in compliance by verifying the purchasers age with proper identification prior to the sale.  Two store clerks, who were found not to be in compliance by selling alcoholic beverages to an underage buyer, were issued a Notice to Appear in court for the violation.

In addition to these violations, two arrests were made. Kartik Kisho Bose (1-9-57), clerk at the Lil Food Ranch on SR 121 and Parimalkumar Rambhai Patel (8-27-79), clerk at the Kwik King in Morriston, were arrested for sale of alcohol to a person under 21. Neither of these men had identification to confirm their identity and appearance notices could not be issued. Both men were transported to the Levy County Detention Facility where the Rapid ID fingerprint system is located and were properly identified. Bose posted a $2,000 bond the following morning and was released. Patel was released on his own recognizance.

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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.

TRAFFIC WARNING

 

The traffic light in Bronson (intersection of State Road 24 and U.S. Alternate 27) is disabled due to a traffic crash.  Please use caution when traveling through the area.  FDOT is enroute to repair the signal but it is unknown at this time how long the repairs will take to be completed. 

Thanks for your cooperation. 

 

 

 

 

 

Task Force Arrests Suspected Meth Dealer  

 

September 17, 2015

On September 17, 2015 at approximately 2:30 AM, Deputies from the Levy County Drug Task Force observed a male subject walking along Southeast 144^th Place near Inglis, Florida.  The subject was identified as Patrick A. Lookingbill (28 yoa).  Lookingbill appeared to be intoxicated and deputies stopped to check on his welfare.  They conducted a pat-down search of Lookingbill for weapons and recovered a folding knife. 

Lookingbill then voluntarily emptied his pants pockets and produced a small plastic tube.  The tube contained three small plastic baggies with a white powdered substance inside.  The powder tested positive for methamphetamine.  Deputies found additional drug paraphernalia in a backpack that Lookingbill was carrying.  The paraphernalia included syringes, additional plastic baggies, cotton swabs and a metal spoon with burn marks on it. 

Lookingbill was arrested by Investigator Joe Barrera for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Lookingbill was booked into the Levy County Detention Facility, and his bond has been set at $60,000.00. 

The Drug Task Force encourages all citizens who may have information about drug activities or other crimes to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 352-486-5111.  The information can also be given anonymously to CrimeStoppers of Levy County at 1-800-349-8477 and you may be entitled to a cash reward.  

 

 

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South Levy Traffic Stop Results in Drug Arrest

 

September 17, 2015

On September 17, 2015, Deputies from the Levy County Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 model Ford “dually” truck for erratic driving.  The vehicle was driven by Reinhard Bailey (60 yoa) of Dunnellon.  The truck had been seen earlier at an inactive clandestine methamphetamine lab site.  The deputies, who are also Certified Clandestine Lab Investigators, observed both Lye and 2 containers of Coleman camp fuel in plain view in the vehicle.   Both substances are used in the process of illegally manufacturing methamphetamine. 

During the subsequent search of the vehicle, the deputies located 7 individual baggies of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.  The methamphetamine had been concealed in the driver’s side door.  Bailey was arrested by Deputy Tim Rogers for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bailey was booked into the Levy County Detention Facility and his bond has been set at $90,000.00. 

The illegal manufacture, distribution and use of methamphetamine continue to be a problem in Levy County.  The Drug Task Force encourages all citizens who may have information about these activities to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 352-486-5111.  The information can also be given anonymously to CrimeStoppers of Levy County at 1-800-349-8477 and you may be entitled to a cash reward. 

 

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National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

 

 

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

 This year's event will be sponsored by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday September 26th, 2015, from 10:00AM until 2:00 PM. Sheriff’s Deputies will be present to accept all medications. There will be 4 collection sites available in Levy county.  These will be: 

 1.  The South Entrance to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office complex located at 9150 NE 80 Ave., Bronson, FL 32621;

 2.  First Baptist Church, 511 North Young Boulevard, Chiefland, FL  32626;

 

3.  Inglis Town Hall, 135 Highway 40 West, Inglis, FL, 34449;

 4.  Ornan Lodge, 250 NE 6^th Boulevard, Williston, FL  32696.  This location will be manned by Williston Police, Department. 

 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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