 |
| Maynard |
 |
| Walls |
February 13, 2023
On February 10, 2023 at 1:00 a.m. Sergeant Jeremy Dean saw a Green Hummer with two jet skis on a trailer parked at the intersection of Court Street and Masonic Street. The only lights illuminated were on the trailer that was blocking the intersection. The trailer did not have a tag attached on it. Sergeant Dean stopped to check on the driver to discover he, along with two passengers were all asleep.
Sergeant Dean woke everyone and spoke to them. Corporal Tucker Gaffey arrived to assist and their conversation with the driver took an unusual turn. The serial numbers for the jet skis and trailer were run through the FCIC database and the deputies were told they had been reported stolen to Marion County Sheriff’s Office on 2/9/23.
The investigation intensified as several stories began to emerge. All subjects in the vehicle gave a different account of the evening events. Ultimately Sergeant Dean placed the driver, identified as Michael Maynard (3/21/69) of Old Town, Florida, under arrest for grand theft. The investigation continued as 14 grams of methamphetamines were found in a cigarette pack belonging to Maynard. The front seat passenger, Paul Walls (10/5/56) of Morriston, Florida was also found in possession of methamphetamines. He too was arrested. The third passenger was released at the scene.
The vehicle owned by Maynard that was used to tow the jet skis was seized at the scene. The jet skis and its’ trailer were towed to the LCSO impound yard and have been returned to the owner in Marion County. Maynard is being held in the Levy County Detention Center having been charged with grand theft and trafficking in methamphetamines in lieu of a $131,000.00 bond. Walls is charged with possession of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia. His bond has been set at $31,000.00.