PROACTIVE PATROL PAYS OFF

DEPUTY’S PROACTIVE PATROL PAYS OFF WITH

ARREST OF REPEAT DRUG OFFENDER

 

February 19, 2015

On February 13, 2015, LCSO Deputy Keagon Weatherford observed two suspicious vehicles and individuals outside a closed business in the Town of Bronson.  Deputy Weatherford made contact with the individuals and was able to identify one of the subjects as Ellen Elizabeth Strickland (1-18-70). 

During his subsequent investigation, Deputy Weatherford learned that Strickland is currently on Felony Drug Probation for a prior Methamphetamine offense.  Deputy Weatherford located and seized a significant amount of methamphetamine, a smaller amount of prescription Oxycontin medication, cannabis, numerous syringes and other drug paraphernalia from a vehicle at the scene. 

Strickland denied ownership of all the contraband items.  After further investigation, Deputy Weatherford obtained witness statements and documentary evidence which helped prove that the illegal items had recently been in Strickland’s possession. 

Based on this evidence, Deputy Weatherford obtained an arrest warrant for Strickland.  The warrant was executed by LCSO Investigators on February 18, 2015.  Strickland was arrested for numerous drug offenses including Trafficking in Methamphetamine.  She is currently being housed at the Levy County Detention Center.  Her total bond is $142,000.00. 

 

####

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

 

 

DRUG TASK FORCE DISMANTLES LAB AND MAKES ARREST IN SOUTH LEVY METHAMPHETAMINE INVESTIGATION

During the week of February 10, 2015, the Levy County Drug Task Force conducted operations in the Ocala Highlands West area of Levy County targeting individuals making and selling methamphetamine. The DTF received numerous tips from the public and Crime Stoppers of Levy County which helped identify the suspects responsible for the lab. Personnel from both the Chiefland Police Department and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office participated in these investigations.  

On February 10, 2015, Drug Task Force Investigators located the clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory at a residence located at the corner of SE 214 Avenue and SE 71st Place. This lab was dismantled. Investigators are required to have extensive training to safely dismantle these types of illegal lab operations to safeguard the community and themselves.

On February 12, 2015, DTF Investigators conducted a “Buy-Bust” Operation that resulted in the arrest of Joshua Goodman (7-10-82).  An undercover Investigator made contact with Goodman who agreed to sell methamphetamine.  After completing the purchase, Investigators arrested Goodman and charged him with Possession and Sale of Methamphetamine.  

Investigators know that additional individuals are involved in these labs and the investigation is continuing.  LCSO appreciates all the assistance provided by members of the public in these cases.  

###

Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office(352) 486-5111

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

Verbal Dispute Leads to Gunplay and Arrest

Verbal Dispute Leads to Gunplay and Arrest

 

At approximately 3:30 PM on February 6, 2015, Deputies from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots being fired near the intersection of County Road 318 and U.S. Alternate 27, east of the City of Williston.  Officers from the Williston Police Department also responded to assist the deputies. 

 
The investigation revealed that a gunman had opened fire with a handgun on two vehicles which had been parked at the business known as “Melvin and Alice’s”.  The vehicles had been occupied by 5 individuals at the time.  The drivers of the two vehicles fled the scene and drove east to a residence located at the intersection of CR 318 and NE 210 Avenue. 

Investigators located and recovered four shell casings at the scene of the shooting.  They found that one vehicle had been struck by at least four bullets and the other vehicle had been hit by at least two.  The two vehicles were transported to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office for additional processing. 

 

Witnesses identified the shooter as Robert Junior Rives (3-19-77).  Investigators subsequently located Rives at a residence south of Willston.  Rives was detained and interviewed.  During the interview Rives admitted to getting into a verbal dispute with some of the occupants of the two vehicles and shooting at them.  He stated that he disposed of the gun prior to being interviewed. 

Based on the evidence, Rives was arrested and charged with 5 counts of Aggravated Assault, 2 counts of Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle and 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  Rives was transported to the Levy County Detention Center where he will be given his first court appearance on February 7, 2015. 

 
Investigators request that any members of the public who may have information about the case to report it as soon as possible.  LCSO is most interested in recovering the weapon used in the incident to prevent any further violence.  As always, citizens 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.

 

 

 

                                                                           Robert Rives

Sexual Battery Suspect Arrested

February 6, 2015

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Dixie County Sheriff’s Office and members of the United States Marshal’s Regional Domestic Fugitive Task Force arrested Joseph Louis Moscato DOB: 6-21-47 at his home located at 785 North East 673 Street Old Town, FL 32680 at approximately 6:30 PM yesterday. LCSO obtained a warrant for the arrest of Moscato late Wednesday evening. The warrant, charging Moscato for Lewd and Lascivious Battery of a person under 16 was obtained after the investigation and evidence collected from the crime scene had been analyzed.

LCSO began their investigation on November 17, 2014 when a 12 year old female victim reported to her parents she had been molested by Moscato. The incident occurred at the church she was attending in the Fanning Springs area of Levy County. Investigators collected evidence from the scene and from the body of the victim, and had it examined. Reports received from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratories confirmed the presence of Moscato’s DNA.

These types of cases are delicate and often require extensive investigative efforts. LCSO is committed to solving these cases. The victim and her family have been referred for services by the LCSO Victim’s Advocates Division to aid them in the healing process.

Moscato was booked in and is being held at the Dixie County Jail on a $3,000,000.00 bond.  He will be transferred to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility to await trial. The photograph of Moscato was provided by Dixie County Sheriff’s Office.

###

Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

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

Deputy Sheriff Honored by Navy Reserve

January 30, 2015

LCSO wishes to recognize Deputy Sheriff Ryan Sullivan for receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from the U.S. Navy Reserve.  As part of his Reserve duty, Deputy Sullivan is assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville and attached to Base Police / Maritime Security.    

Deputy Sullivan was presented the Medal after he and two crew members rescued three swimmers in distress in October of 2014.  Deputy Sullivan was the operator of the patrol boat used in the rescue.  Chief Warrant Officer Frederick Eisler, Deputy Sullivan’s commanding officer, presented the Medal to Deputy Sullivan in December of 2014. 

LCSO congratulates Deputy Sullivan on his award.  We thank him for his service to our country and the citizens of Levy County.   

###

--

Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office(352) 486-5111

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

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

Drug Arrest in Bronson

January 20, 2015

On January 17, 2015 K-9 Deputy Clint Anderson was on patrol in the Town of Bronson. Dep. Anderson received information that Jermey Jamal Mayes (8-20-90) was operating a vehicle while his license was suspended. Dep. Anderson confirmed through a license check Mayes' license had been suspended in November of 2014 for failure to pay traffic fines. Dep. Anderson located Mayes operating a 1993 Lincoln on Court Street in Bronson and conducted a traffic stop.

During Dep. Anderson’s stop, Mayes confessed to having possession of a firearm in the vehicle. Dep. Anderson went to retrieve the firearm and upon entering the vehicle with the owner’s permission, smelled a strong odor of marijuana. Dep. Anderson located a Beretta .25 caliber firearm in the center console along with 1.1 grams of marijuana. Continuing his search, Dep. Anderson also located 10 pieces of crack cocaine packaged for street level sales and 17.9 grams of powder cocaine and $910.00 in cash.

Mayes was arrested and booked into the Levy County Detention Facility for possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, driving while license suspended or revoked and possession of marijuana. His bond has been set at $87,500.00.

###

Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

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

Ohio Sex Offender Captured in Bronson

January 20, 2015

On January 16, 2015 LCSO Corporal Mike Bell of the Patrol Division responded to a verbal disturbance at 11150 NE 110 Terrace in the University Oaks subdivision. While conducting his investigation, Corporal Bell learned John H. Whitfield (4-20-79) was residing at this home.  He also learned that Whitfield had fled the residence on foot when he arrived.

Cpl. Bell requested a wanted persons’ check on Whitfield.  Corporal Bell determined Whitfield was wanted in Ohio for trafficking in marijuana and was listed as having violent tendencies. Whitfield was also convicted of rape in Ohio. Whitfield was released from custody in 2006 from the Ohio Department of Corrections. Cpl. Bell conducted further investigation and determined Whitfield had not registered as a sex offender in the State of Florida. Cpl. Bell learned Whitfield had been residing at this home in Levy County since December 11^th of 2014.

At approximately 1600 hours Cpl. Bell received information Whitfield had returned to the home. Just prior to his arrival, Whitfield fled again.  Deputy Clint Anderson and his K-9 partner Nero responded to the scene.  After receiving a tip from concerned citizen Carrie Brown, Whitfield was apprehended in a nearby wooded lot.

Whitfield is being held in the Levy County Detention Facility after being charged with resisting arrest without violence and failure to register as a sex offender. His bond has been set at $165,000.00. Whitfield will be taken back to face his charges in Ohio when his charges in Florida have been heard by the courts.

###

Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office(352) 486-5111

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