THE JUICE IS NOT ALWAYS WORTH THE SQUEEZE

 

On July 27, 2022, Levy County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Detectives and Crime Scene personnel responded to a reported burglary located at 6891 NW 138^th Place.  This location is just north of the City of Chiefland. 

The owners of the business known as “The Juice Box” reported a burglary that had occurred during the previous night time hours.  Surveillance video from the business showed two male subjects wearing disguises enter the building and steal various items of merchandise.  Based on witness statements, deputies were quickly able to develop a suspect who resided in the area. 

Detectives made contact with the suspect, Dalton Elliot Wester (8-9-2003) and other witnesses for interviews.  Based on the information gathered, the Detectives developed an additional juvenile suspect.  They then were able to collect several items of evidence that placed both suspects at the crime scene. 

Using that evidence, Detectives arrested Wester and the juvenile for Burglary and Grand Theft.  The juvenile suspect was transferred to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.  Wester remains in the Levy County Detention Center with a bond of $60,000.00. 

Any citizens who may have information regarding any illegal activity are asked to contact LCSO at 352-486-5111 or 911.  Reports can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-877-349-8477.   

SHOOTING WITH A STOLEN GUN

 

 

On July 23, 2022, a victim reported to the LCSO Communications Division that they had been shot at by Steven Ransbottom (6-13-81.)  The victim and Ransbottom were acquainted with each other prior to the shooting incident.  The victim was not injured in the incident. 

Deputies and Detectives began working the case immediately.  Over the course of several days they were able to build a case against Ransbottom through the victim’s statements, witness interviews and physical evidence.   

Detectives eventually determined that on July 23^rd the victim drove past Ransbottom’s residence on SE 195^th Court in Morriston.  Ransbottom recognized the victim and their vehicle.  Ransbottom retrieved a .22 caliber rifle and fired at least two rounds at the victim’s vehicle. Detectives recovered evidence that one of the rounds struck the victim’s vehicle.  LCSO also recovered a .22 caliber rifle from Ransbottom’s residence.  The rifle had previously been reported stolen. 

Ransbottom was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. He is being held in the Levy County Detention Center on a $500,000.00 bond.

Sexual Predator Public Address Notification

 

July 12, 2022

 

On July 11, 2022 John Wayne Hudson registered as a Sexual Predator with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. By Florida law Hudson is required to notify law enforcement whenever he changes addresses.

John Wayne Hudson was convicted in 2004 for Sexual Battery by Force or Weapon.  Hudson has registered his address as: 2531 NW 72 Terrace, Chiefland, Florida 32626

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:

John Wayne Hudson

2531 NW 72 Terrace

Chiefland, Florida 32626

White/Male

DOB: 5/3/68

Trenton Man Arrested for Crimes Against A Child

 

July 8, 2022

On July 4, 2022 Levy County Detectives responded to a report from a mother that her child had been abused by her boyfriend. Detectives spoke to the mother who said she located digital evidence on the boyfriend’s phone showing he acted inappropriately with her four year old child.

Detectives determined James Sapp (3/19/99) of Trenton used his own cell phone to record himself engaged in a sexual act with the child. Sapp was arrested and has been charged with Capital Sexual Battery and using a two way communication device to commit a felony. He is being held in the Levy County Detention Center on a $1,050,000.00 bond.

Sexual Predator Public Address Notification

 

July 8, 2022

On July 7, 2022 John Bufford Colton Shiver registered as a Sexual Predator with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. By Florida law Shiver is required to notify law enforcement whenever he changes addresses.

John Bufford Colton Shiver was convicted in 2020 for Sexual Battery victim 12-18 years old and Lewd and Lascivious Battery victim under 12.  Shiver has registered his address as: 5052 SE County Road 337, Morriston, Florida 32696

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:

John Bufford Colton Shiver

5052 SE County Road 337

Morriston, Florida 32696

White/Male

DOB: 5/22/89

Multiple Cases Solved – Two Juveniles Arrested

 

July 1, 2022

Violent crimes garner the most attention. However, no one seems to pay any attention to burglaries or car thefts. These crimes often have a profound impact on the victim and their families. Add to this that children are the perpetrators and we now have your attention.

Levy County Sheriff’s Office began receiving calls from citizens in the Morriston area near the end of June. The citizens were reporting their vehicles were being stolen and/or broken into. The thieves were taking valuables or the entire vehicle, only to dump it after taking a joy ride. Most every time deputies located a stolen vehicle it had been damaged and required extensive repairs. 

On June 28^th the suspects were at it again and stole a Ford truck. An alert citizen recognized the theft in progress and called 911. Deputies and Detectives flooded the area and located the vehicle driven by the delinquents. A car chase ensued and they wrecked the vehicle. Thankfully no one was injured but the driver decided it was best to flee the scene and ran away into the woods. Detectives apprehended him after a short foot pursuit.

The driver, now identified as Rico Ridgeway (14 years old) from Williston faces numerous felony charges. During this investigation Rico was identified as a suspect in two additional grand theft auto incidents. Kaden McCurdy (16) of Williston also became a subject as Detectives determined he participated in other crimes being investigated by both the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and Williston Police Department.

Ridgeway is no stranger to our Detectives. He had been arrested just four day prior for another vehicle theft but was released from juvenile detention. Why, because car theft is not considered a violent crime. Ridgeway has six (6) pending cases in juvenile court, not counting his newest charges.

Detectives know this is not an isolated incident and that Ridgeway and McCurdy are not committing these crimes alone. LCSO Detectives worked alongside the Williston Police Department as Detectives furthered the investigation. As a result Williston Police Department Detectives solved seven (7) car burglaries reported in the City of Williston.

Since this crime spree began, Detectives have recovered five (5) stolen vehicles, suspect these two are involved in ten (10) additional car burglaries reported in the county and have been involved in two vehicle pursuits; all amongst other criminal acts. These cases are all active and are currently being investigated. Detectives are seeking assistance and request anyone who has information to please call us. Detective Ryan Sullivan is the lead investigator and can be reached at (352) 486-5111 ext. 360. Those who wish to provide a tip but want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477. You could be eligible to receive a cash reward.