Wednesday, January 17, 2018

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.