On June 22, 2018, Investigators
from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jonathan Wayne Brotherton (10-21-83)
on multiple counts related to theft and dealing in stolen property. The investigation revealed that Brotherton
and another family member had befriended an elderly neighbor (83 years old) in
the northeastern part of Levy County.
The elderly victim gave Brotherton access to their residence for the
purpose of doing laundry and even loaned several thousand dollars in cash to
Brotherton.
The victim went out of town for
an extended period. Upon the victims return
it was discovered that thousands of dollars in jewelry and cash had been stolen
from the residence. LCSO investigators
were able to locate a small amount of the jewelry at multiple pawn shops. Through follow up investigation, LCSO was
able to establish Brotherton as a suspect and ultimately developed probable
cause to arrest him for the crimes. When
investigators went to arrest Brotherton, he attempted to conceal himself in his
residence and had to be forcibly taken into custody.
Brotherton has been charged with three
counts each of Dealing in Stolen Property and Giving False Information to a
Pawn Broker. He is also charged with
Grand Theft and Resisting an Officer Without Violence. He is being held at the Levy County Detention
Center on a total bond of $180,000.00.
Evidence gathered in the case
indicates that Brotherton committed the crimes to support his addiction to Methamphetamine
and possibly other drugs. LCSO
encourages citizens to remain vigilant when choosing to help those who claim to
be in need. A criminal background check
can be obtained from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website for a
small fee. LCSO also has Crime
Prevention Deputies that are available for consultation by calling
352-486-5111.