Man Arrested Passed Out at Gas Pumps

 

August 26, 2021

Deputies were dispatched to the Olive Drive BP Station yesterday to a report of man who was passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle and had been at the gas pumps for over 30 minutes. Deputies arrived to find Justin B. Leggett (6/30/88) of Bell, Florida still passed out and unresponsive. Entry was made into the vehicle from the passenger door and Deputies were able to wake Leggett.

An EMS unit was summoned to check Leggett’s vitals after deputies were able to remove him from the vehicle. Deputies suspected Leggett was suffering from some type of drug induced condition and obtained permission to search his vehicle. Deputies found cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamines and marijuana inside the vehicle. EMS found Leggett was suffering no medical issues and was immediately arrested.

Leggett was transported to the Levy County Detention Facility and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of a narcotic without a prescription, possession of drug equipment and possession of marijuana. He is being held in lieu of a $111,000 bond.

The following statement from Sheriff McCallum is to highlight the extreme dangers of the illegal narcotic fentanyl. “In this case Deputy Kilian exercised extreme caution and was able to protect herself from this deadly drug while making this arrest. Unfortunately, a member of our Detention staff was poisoned by a mere microscopic amount of this drug from the offenders clothing which caused  him to have a serious reaction requiring him to be transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Detention Officer is expected to make a full recovery and return to duty soon. The job of a deputy sheriff is inherently dangerous but the dangers do not end at the time of a person’s arrest. Detention officers face daily dangers as they provide security for those who have been arrested. We ask for your continued prayers for the safety of every officer serving this great community of Levy County.”

Two Arrested During Search Warrant

 August 26, 2021

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 12331 NE 64 Place in Williston yesterday afternoon. Detectives arrested Brian Keith Gruhler (12/9/66) for trafficking in methamphetamines, possession of heroin with the intent to sell and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell. Two additional misdemeanor charges have also been filed.

Gruhler became the subject of the Drug Task Force investigation several months back when anonymous tips started pouring in about his drug activity. Detectives utilized these tips and developed information that led to the application of the search warrant that was served yesterday. Detectives seized 23.5 grams of methamphetamines, 1.4 grams of fentanyl and 15 grams of illegally possessed marijuana.

Detectives additionally arrested Samuel White (7/16/83) of Palatka who was located in Gruhler’s home. White has been charged with possession of a controlled substance (Suboxone) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gruhler is being held in the Levy County Detention Bureau and his bond has been set at $206,000.00. White is also being held in lieu of a $26,000 bond.

Murder Charges Filed

 

August 17, 2021

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division filed second degree murder charges yesterday on Jerett Justus (6/6/89) of Morriston, FL after a lengthy investigation. Justus was arrested on July 5, 2021 after calling 911 to report his girlfriend shot herself. Justus, a multiple time convicted felon, was arrested this same night for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has been held at the Levy County Detention Bureau since his arrest.

Detectives were able to piece together the evidence collected that night from the scene. This evidence was directly contradictory to all claims Justus made that the girlfriend committed suicide. The evidence concluded that Justus shot the girlfriend after the two had been arguing.

Justus will be held in lieu of an $800,000.00 bond until trial. A trial date has not been scheduled.

DRUG RELATED SHOOTING IN LINCOLN HEIGHTS

 

 

On August 10, 2021, Levy County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Detectives and Crime Scene personnel responded to a reported shooting in the East Williston subdivision of Lincoln Heights.  LCSO was assisted by Williston Police Officers and Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies, K-9’s and their Aviation Unit.  During the initial 911 calls, the call takers were able to hear gunfire in the background. 

When deputies arrived, they found one armed subject standing on a vacant lot besides two vehicles.  This subject was detained and identified as John Colton Barley (11-13-97.)  His firearm was seized as evidence. 

Deputies learned that two other individuals were involved in the shooting and they had already fled on foot.  A perimeter was put in place and the search began by both air and on the ground.  Deputies located Kadaryl Leon Cannady (10-6-1998) hiding in an outbuilding approximately one quarter of a mile south of the original shooting scene.  Cannady was suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm.  The third suspect was not located. 

After an extensive investigation, CID Detectives believe they have a good picture of what occurred during the shooting.  They recovered a significant amount of physical evidence which included firearms, ammunition, spent casings, blood and illegal drugs.  The evidence indicates that a significant number of rounds were fired during the incident.  They also received statements from witnesses, two suspects and recovered digital evidence. 

Detectives believe that Cannady, Gerald Renard Coleman (1-10-99) and Barley arranged to conduct an illegal drug deal via social media.  The trio arranged to meet at the vacant lot in Lincoln Heights to conduct the exchange.  During the meeting, Cannady and Coleman attempted to rob Barley.  A physical struggle over one of the firearms occurred and a shot was fired inside Barley’s vehicle.  Coleman and Cannady fled on foot and Barley fired at them.  Cannady was wounded as he ran away. 

Cannady was transported to the hospital and released.  He is being held at the Levy County Detention Center on a charge of Armed Robbery.  Cannady’s bond is set at $250,000.00.

LCSO Detectives arrested Barley on August 13, 2021.  He is charged with Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault and Firing a Weapon in Public.  He has not received his first appearance hearing and has no bond at this time.    

The investigation into Coleman’s role in the incident is continuing.  Detectives want to locate and question him in order to get his side of the story. 

Sheriff McCallum stated that he was very glad that no innocent bystanders were struck by the gunfire.  He encourages any citizens who may have information regarding illegal drug activity, and especially Coleman’s location, are asked to contact LCSO at 352-486-5111 or 911.  Reports can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-877-349-8477.   

  

LCSO MAKES ARREST FOR SEX CRIME AGAINST CHILD

 

On August 10, 2021, Detectives from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ronald Maynard Byrd (2-18-74) on one count of a sex crime committed against a minor in Levy County.  Byrd is being held at the Levy County Detention Center on a bond of one million dollars. 

The evidence in the case showed that Byrd engaged in unlawful sexual acts with a victim under the age of 18.  The offense occurred in the Bronson area of the county during November of 2020.  Byrd was charged with one count of Sexual Battery on a victim under the age of 12. 

LCSO and other involved agencies have taken the necessary steps to provide for the safety and follow up care for the victim.  Any citizens who may have information regarding other potential victims are asked to contact LCSO at 352-486-5111 or 911.  Reports can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-877-349-8477.    LCSO acknowledges and appreciates the assistance of personnel from the Florida Department of Children and Families during this investigation. 

Rising River Forces Boat Ramp Closures

Sheriff McCallum and members of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners announce the closure of boat ramps along the Suwannee River due to rising water. The following ramps will be closed for launching vessels beginning on August 11th 2021:  

·       Clay Landing

·       Camp Azalea

·       Fowlers Bluff

These public ramps will be closed until further notice. Boaters who are using the Suwanee River are asked to keep speeds to a minimum. Please slow to a no wake speed in the areas where houses are located on the river banks to help reduce erosion damage caused by boat wakes.

Thank you for your cooperation.  

Sexual Predator Arrested

 

August 6, 2021

Levy County Sheriff’s Office Detectives began an investigation in May of 2021 into allegations that Mitchell A. Hammond (6/24/64) sexually abused two children under the age of 12 and one child under the age of 16. These acts occurred over a period of years. In the months following the opening of this investigation, Detectives gathered evidence to support the statements taken from the victims and applied for an arrest warrant charging Hammond with two counts of capital sexual battery and one count of lewd and lascivious molestation of a person under 16.

On July 6, 2021 Judge James Browning granted the warrant application and assigned a $2.5 million dollar bond. Members of the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office located Hammond who was taken into custody yesterday in Melrose, Florida. Hammond will be held in Putnam County awaiting transfer to Levy County.