Sexual Predator Public Address Notification

January 18, 2018

On January 16, 2018 Robert J. Shilstone registered as a Sexual Predator with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. By Florida law Shilstone is required to notify law enforcement whenever he changes addresses.

Robert J. Shilstone was convicted in 2002 in Gilchrist County, Fl for Sexual Battery/Coerce by Threat-Child under 12; F.S. 794.011 (4) (b). Shilstone has registered his change in address as: 16910 NW US Hwy 19, Fanning Springs, Levy County, Florida.

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:

Robert J. Shilstone

16910 NW US Hwy 19          

Fanning Springs, Levy County, Florida

White/Male

DOB: 9-1-69

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Williston Man Arrested for Robbery

January 17, 2018

Sometimes the facts are just the facts and there is no need to embellish.

On December 23, 2017 a Williston resident “won” an early Christmas present when his scratch off ticket was a winner. His prize was $1,000.00. And to celebrate he purchased some spirits from a local shop and shared his story with his friend. But, the Grinch whom we will call Willie Sherman (11-3-90), decided that winning ticket was too tempting.  

The victim went to bed after celebrating his winnings, only to be awakened by Sherman pointing a gun in his face. The victim immediately recognized the gun as his own and knew it was loaded. Sherman had taken the victim’s keys while he slept, gone into the victim’s trunk and stolen the winning ticket and his shotgun. Sherman then stole the victim’s prized knife and other personal belongings. 

But wait, the weird story doesn’t end here. Sherman was in a quandary. How do you “cash in” a stolen winning lottery ticket and not get caught? You find a friend and offer to pay him $50.00. And, to really throw the cops off their game, have the friend wear women’s clothing when cashing it.

However, Levy County Investigators weren’t deterred. They located video of the ticket being cashed in and although the disguise did slow their progress slightly, they were able to identify the fella in drag. He (whom we can’t identify at this moment) cooperated with investigators and gave up the goods.

Sherman was located and interviewed by Deputy Adam Hiers. Sherman initially denied knowing the victim, but allowed investigators to search his room. There investigators found the stolen shotgun and the victim’s prized knife under Sherman’s mattress. 

Sherman has been arrested and charged with Robbery with a Firearm, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Grand Theft (for stealing the lottery ticket) and Burglary of a Conveyance. He is being held at the Levy County Detention Facility and his bond has been set at $200,000.00.

East Williston Drive-By Shooting

 

 

January 12, 2018

 On January 11, 2018 a large number of deputies and investigators responded to a reported shooting in the area of County Road 318 and NE 207^th Court outside of Williston, Florida.  The deputies were assisted by Williston Police Department units and personnel from the Levy County Department of Public Safety.  Investigators C.J. Perryman and Scott Stancil were assigned as the lead LCSO investigators. 

Once on scene, deputies located one elderly male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.  The scene was secured and the victim was transported to a hospital as a trauma alert patient by the Levy County DPS. 

The investigation revealed that an unknown person or persons had fired at least 12 rounds from an unknown firearm into a residence on NE 207^th Court.  The victim and another person (who was not injured) were inside the living room of the residence at the time of the shooting.  Witnesses told investigators that the bullets had been fired from an unknown type of vehicle that had a loud exhaust system on it.  The vehicle fled the area prior to the arrival of law enforcement. 

At this time, deputies have received very little cooperation from potential witnesses regarding this incident and the investigation is continuing.  Citizens are encouraged to report any and all potential leads in order to help prevent future violent incidents of this type.  Tips can be reported anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-877-349-8477.  These tips can result in a financial reward that is also paid anonymously.  Callers can also report tips directly to LCSO Investigator Perryman or Stancil at 352-486-5111.    

 

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

 

 

Footchase Results In Arrest

 

 

January 12, 2018

 On January 12, 2018 Levy County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Mike Sinclair and Kellie Ward responded to the area of 17650 SW 78^th Place near Cedar Key, Florida.  The deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there overnight. 

 The Deputies made contact with a male subject who was later identified as James Carden (7-24-89).  Carden was accompanied by a female companion.  Carden initially provided a false name to Deputy Sinclair.  During the time the deputies were attempting to verify the identities of the subjects, Carden attempted to flee on foot.  After a short foot chase through mud, briars and bushes, Deputy Sinclair caught Carden and both deputies took him into custody.  Both deputies suffered minor injuries during the chase.  They also had to change into clean, dry uniforms to complete their tours of duty. 

After detaining Carden, the deputies were able to positively identify him.  They learned that Carden was wanted in Franklin County, Florida.  Carden was arrested for Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement and Resisting Arrest Without Violence.  Carden is being held at the Levy County Detention Center and will have his first appearance in court on January 13, 2018.  Carden will face the Franklin County charges after the resolution of his Levy County case. 

 

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

 

 

Subject Arrested in North South Estates

January 9, 2018

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Drug Task Force members received information that Robert Wayne Cornwell (12-2-77) had an active warrant from Taylor County for violation of probation. Cornwell was reported to be at a residence located at 13330 NE 76 Lane in the North South Estates Subdivision. 

Cornwell had violated his probation on the original charge which stemmed from an investigation in Taylor County for possession of an electronic device by a convicted felon and attempt to escape. Cornwell also has a prior felony conviction for solicitation for murder.

Investigators arrived and when they confronted Cornwell he barricaded himself inside the home with an adult female companion. Cornwell, who armed himself with a knife, refused to allow the female companion to leave the home. The female was able to escape shortly after deputies announced their presence and their intent to arrest Cornwell. The female reported observing Cornwell ingest an unknown substance before she was able to escape the home. 

Deputies surrounded the home and began negotiations with Cornwell for his surrender. The stand-off lasted approximately one hour before he submitted and exited the home. 

In the interim, deputies had to re-route a Levy County School bus from its normal route of dropping off students. No students were ever in danger. School Board officials were contacted and were in the process of arranging an alternate pick up location when Cornwell surrendered. The bus resumed its route, but the students arrived later than expected at their normal drop off locations.

Cornwell was transported to a local hospital for treatment related to his ingestion of the unknown substance. He will be arrested for False Imprisonment and additional charges.

Wanted Subject Arrested/Levy County School Bus Diverted

January 9, 2018

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office executed an arrest warrant on a subject in the area of North South Estates which is located between Bronson and Williston. The subject initially barricaded himself inside the home and would not surrender.  LCSO Deputies secured the area and in the process had to re-route a Levy County School bus. The children were never in danger, but in the abundance of caution deputies would not allow the bus driver to pass the scene. The situation has since been resolved and the subject is in custody.

Levy County School District members were told the bus had to be re-routed. Before they were able to contact parents to arrange an alternate pick up location the subject surrendered. All children who would have been dropped off earlier at their normal drop-off location are currently being taken to their respective, normal drop-off locations.

We will update the details of the subjects arrest shortly.



The Levy County Sheriff's Office is offering a free Active Threat Response class to interested citizens. This class is being offered in light of the many tragic active shooter and active threat events that are occurring in our country and around the world. This class will help our citizen groups be more prepared by knowing how to respond if ever involved in this type of situation. The class is approximately an hour long and includes a question and answer period, and is designed for citizens over 18 years old.

The LCSO is hosting it first open to the public class at the Bronson Middle High School Cafetorium on January 22, 2018 and beginning at 6:30 PM. The class will be presented by LCSO Deputy Grant Sandlin. Questions can be directed to Deputy Sandlin at 352-486-5111 or email gsandlin@levyso.com directly.

Sheriff McCallum urges all interested persons to take advantage of this free class so that you can be more prepared.

 

Update on Missing / Found Child Lexie

On January 3, 2018 at approximately 5:45 PM, the LCSO Communications Center received a report of a missing 10 year old child in the Bronson area.  Deputies responded to the scene on NE 86th Court and began searching for the child and conducting interviews of potential witnesses. 


LCSO is happy to report that on January 3, 2018, Lexie Bouthillier was located and returned to her home around 9 PM.  Lexie was located by Sgt. Lauree’ Allen and her K-9 Partner, Phoenix.  The investigation revealed that Lexie’s disappearance had not been caused by any criminal activity.  Lexie was found safe and sound and returned to her parents. 

LCSO was overwhelmed by calls to the Communications Center, social media messages, calls and text messages to LCSO personnel from the public seeking to assist in the investigation.  The goodwill expressed by citizens of Levy County during this incident was incredible.  The positive outcome resulted from teamwork by the law enforcement personnel and members of the community. 

Sheriff McCallum expressed his appreciation to everyone involved and especially to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.  The MCSO helicopter was en route to the area to assist in the search when Lexie was located. 

Sheriff McCallum also stated: “I want to thank the men and women of LCSO, other involved agencies and our community for working together to locate Lexie. I encourage all parents to be involved in your child’s daily life.  Knowing your child’s interests, friends and whereabouts can help prevent a tragedy.”

As always, LCSO encourages citizens to report any and ALL suspicious activity.  The best way to report is by calling the Communication Center at 352-486-5111 for routine calls and 911 for emergencies.  Please do not rely on social media (that is not continuously monitored) to report suspicious or criminal activity.  Thanks again!