December 21, 2022
On 12/14/22 Levy County Detectives were alerted that a John Deere front end loader had been stolen from a job site in City of Dunnellon. Detectives learned that the tractor may have been hidden in the Morriston area of Levy County. LCSO Detective Scott Stancil began working on this lead and discovered the suspect, Anthony Ralph, was in possession of a John Deere tractor. The investigation continued and came to conclusion yesterday when Detective Stancil received a tip telling him exactly where the tractor could be located.
Detective Stancil with assistance from Officers with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the reported location. When officers arrived they found Anthony Ralph (1/3/80) of Crystal River, operating the tractor and took him into custody. The investigation determined the John Deere 544 front end loader, valued at over $50,000, was was being used by Ralph to clear properties in the area south of SR 121 and CR 337. Ralph had active warrants for his arrest from Citrus and Alachua Counties and has a lengthy criminal history from multiple counties in Florida. Detective Stancil contacted the victim in Dunnellon and returned the tractor. Detectives also seized methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia from Ralph’s vehicle.
Detectives know Ralph used the tractor to perform work on private properties in Levy County. Detective Scott Stancil is requesting anyone who hired Ralph to contact him at 352-486-5111 ext.364.