COVID-19 UPDATE FOR THE LEVY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Sheriff Bobby McCallum reported on Friday that 3 current inmates at the Levy County Detention Center have tested positive for COVID 19. These are the first positive tests among Levy County inmates.

These inmates did not contract the virus inside the jail, but had contracted it prior to their incarceration. Those inmates (two males and one female) are quarantined from other inmates and have minimal movement within the facility. LCSO staff members also have minimal contact with the quarantined inmates. The infected inmates receive daily medical care from medical staff and the contract medical provider.

Twenty total LCSO employees have tested positive for the virus to date. Three employees are currently on leave due to testing positive for the virus.

LCSO employees continue to carry out their duties as cautiously as possible. They appreciate the public’s cooperation and understanding during this pandemic.

CHOP SHOP DISCOVERED IN LEVY

On August 4, 2020, Levy County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested Oscar Gomez Guerra (4/10/69) at 21030 SE 71st Place in Morriston. The arrest was reported in a LCSO press release dated August 5, 2020.

On August 11, 2020, LCSO Detectives arrested Guerra again. Guerra was charged this time with two counts of Grand Theft of a Vehicle and one count of Operating a Chop Shop. Guerra is being held at the Levy County Detention Center on a $75,00.00 bond.

The latest arrest was made based on the fact that LCSO located a “Skid Steer” on the property valued at $39,000.00. The Skid Steer was reported stolen in Pasco County, Florida on July 30, 2020. They also located a van which was reported stolen from Dade County. This vehicle was being used by Guerra regularly and it had been modified to conceal the actual Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Detectives also located the “shell” of another van with no visible VIN.

LCSO Detectives are continuing their investigation. Members of the public who have conducted business with Guerra are encouraged to contact Detective Scott Stancil of the Criminal Investigations Division. Anyone can report suspicious activity to LCSO 24 hours a day at 352-486-5111. They can also make anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.


Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

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

UPDATE ON ADDITIONAL ARREST IN EAST LEVY HOMICIDE

This release is given as a follow up to our press release of July 22, 2020. The earlier release detailed the arrest of Christian Cirilo, Omar Ortiz and Jesse Torres for the murder of Jafet Rodriguez that occurred one year ago today.

On August 7, 2020, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Special Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and members of the U.S. Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force arrested Kesia Mundo Munoz (3-28-88) in Hernando County as a part of this investigation. Munoz was charged with Solicitation to Commit First Degree Murder, Accessory After The Fact and Tampering with Physical Evidence. FDLE obtained an arrest warrant for Munoz and she was booked into the Hernando County Detention Center. The Tampering charge carries a $10,000.00 bond. Munoz is being held without bond on the other two charges.

Munoz charges stem from her role in the murder. Investigating Deputies and Agents were able to put together evidence which showed that Munoz acted to lure the victim to a residence in Marion County where he was abducted and beaten. Rodriguez was transported to Levy County where the murder took place. Munoz then assisted the perpetrators clean up the Marion County crime scene (and thereby destroying evidence) after the murder took place.

This arrest is just a small part of a long term investigation that involved multiple agencies. Personnel from all these agencies are continuing to work together to bring justice for the victim’s family at trial.

Year Long Drug Investigation Concluded

Arrowood

Barber

Baze

Ferranti

McEwan

Uhlig




On August 3, 2020 the Levy County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 91 NE 131st Terrace concluding the major portion of a one year long drug investigation. DTF Detectives coordinated the execution of this warrant with the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Unit early on the morning of August 3rd and took eight people into custody.


This investigation identified a pattern of illegal drug sales occurring at all hours of the day and night that prompted multiple complaints from neighboring homes. LCSO has previously responded to what are believed to be 2 drug related deaths at this home. One drug overdose occurred on July 24, 2020 at the residence.


Detectives located a trafficking quantity of methamphetamines and an extraordinary amount of drug paraphernalia on the premises. A significant sum of cash was seized on site. Detectives arrested six of the eight detained individuals:


• Larry Baze was charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest, Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $305,000.00;

• Christina Ferranti was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $265,000.00;

• Janean McEwan was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $20,000.00;

• Franklin Barber was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia and was given an identical bond of $20,000.00;

• Rainy Arrowood was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $20,000.00;

• James “Toes” Uhlig was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $10,000.00.

LCSO will continue to aggressively investigate those individuals who are supplying the drugs causing the overdoses in Levy County. Anyone wishing to provide information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 352-486-5111 ext. 270, or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477. You can remain anonymous and still collect a reward for the information.

Morriston Man Arrested for Grand Theft

On August 4, 2020 Levy County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip that property located at 21030 SE 71^st Place in Morriston was being used to hide stolen property. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division responded to this location and made contact with Oscar Gomez Guerra (4/10/69) and several of his associates. Detectives obtained consent to search the property and found the following stolen items: 

 

·       A 2012 white utility car carrier trailer that reported stolen to the Miami Dade Police Department.  

·       A blue CFMOTO C Force 600 4 wheeler reported stolen to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 

·       A .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver reported stolen to the Ocala Police Department. 

 

Detectives also located a Kubota skid steer on the property. The vehicle identification number (VIN) plates were removed from the vehicle and Detectives believe piece of equipment is also stolen.  

Oscar Gomez Guerra was arrested for two counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and possession of firearm by convicted felon.  Guerra has a criminal history containing 39 felony charges and 3 convictions.  

This investigation is still on-going and anyone who has information about Guerra or has seen suspicious activity at this property is asked to contact the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Detective Justin Douglas.

Update on COVID 19 Impact at LCSO

Like the rest of the country, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office continues to be affected by the COVID 19 virus. As of August 4, 2020, LCSO has had 16 employees test positive for the COVID 19 virus. Most of those employees have returned to duty; currently four employees remain on leave due to COVID.

Sheriff Bobby McCallum advised the employees by Memo today that he had also tested positive for the virus. The Sheriff believes he was exposed approximately 10 days earlier when he unknowingly met with another infected sheriff. Sheriff McCallum stated that his symptoms have been minor and he has been able to continue to work remotely.

Fortunately, the small number of positive cases among the employees has not had a major impact on day to day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. LCSO will continue to follow CDC and State Health Department guidelines and protocols to keep our employees and citizens safe.