Friday night fight
lands four in jail
Michael R. Hammock (left) and Stanly M. “Lee” Hurst
Charles M. Turner (left) and Dayn C. Hagg
Mug Shots By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 19, 2019 at 7:09 p.m.
DIXIE COUNTY -- Four young men became short-term residents of the Dixie County Jail Friday night (Aug. 16) after they were involved in an affray, according to information in an Aug. 19 press release from Dixie County Sheriff's Office Maj. Scott Harden.
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Michael R. Hammock, 20 of Perry was charged with Battery, Affray, resisting an Officer without Violence, and Burglary of a Conveyance while Armed, Maj. Harden said.
Stanly M. “Lee” Hurst, 18 of Mayo (Lafayette County) was charged with battery, affray, and resisting an officer without violence, Harden said.
Charles M. Turner, 18 of Cross City was charged with battery, affray, and resisting an officer without violence, Harden said.
Dayn C. Hagg, 21 of Cross City was charged with battery, affray, and resisting an officer without violence, Harden said.
The actions leading law enforcement officers to see cause to arrest these suspects started at approximately 10:20 p.m. Friday, Harden said, when a DCSO deputy was traveling through Cross City.
The deputy saw that a physical altercation was taking place near the gas pumps at one of the businesses where there were several individuals gathered around watching, Harden said.
After notifying dispatch of the altercation, the deputy exited his car and attempted to stop the altercation, Harden said.
As he identified himself, Harden said, these two stopped their altercation; however, as this altercation ended, another man in the crowd ran toward a man and began to fight with him.
Other deputies arrived to assist in stopping the altercations and dispersing the large crowd, Harden said.
While attempting to arrest one of the individuals – Hagg – that man ran from the deputy and the deputy ran after him, Harden said.
When Hagg refused to follow commands to stop fleeing, Harden said, the deputy deployed his tazer in order to bring Hagg into compliance.
During these events, Harden said, one of the individuals involved -- Hammock, fled from the immediate area and hid inside of someone’s unlocked vehicle, Harden said.
Man dies in flea market crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 19, 2019 at 11:19 a.m.
Story Held Until After Next of Kin Were Notified
MARION COUNTY – A 79-year-old man died in a flea market crash Sunday afternoon (Aug. 18), the FHP said.
Edward Gromada, 79, of Ocala was driving a 1998 Toyota Corolla passenger car at 2:15 p.m. on Aug. 18 in Marion County, according to a press release Sunday evening (Aug. 18) by Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Robert H. Williams, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper Catherine Hall and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. James Lander.
William T. Ihle, 39, of Fort McCoy was driving a 2003 Chevrolet E3500 van, the FHP said. Melissa Danley, 41, of Ocala was a passenger in the van, the FHP said.
The two vehicles were westbound on a private roadway at 12888 S.E. Highway 42 (Market of Marion Flea Market), the FHP said.
For unknown reasons, the car's front collided with van’s rear, the FHP said.
After the initial collision, the Toyota struck the Chevrolet two more times, the FHP said.
Gromada was transported by ambulance and pronounced deceased at Ocala Regional Hospital, the FHP said.
Ihle, who suffered minor injuries, remained on the scene of the crash, the FHP said. Danley was transported by ambulance to Ocala Regional Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries, the FHP said.
Gromada was not wearing a seatbelt, the FHP said. Ihle and Danley both were wearing seatbelts, the FHP said. Alcohol was not a factor in this crash, the FHP said.
Suspected multi-state
human traffickers busted;
Warrants executed in Gainesville
Story By the Press Office of the
Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General
and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,
Northern District of Florida
Published Aug. 17, 2019 at 3:39 p.m.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA -- Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced on Friday (Aug. 16) charges against a Florida business owner for operating a human trafficking ring under the guise of massage parlors in Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia.
David Williams, 41, of Pensacola, was arrested and charged with using interstate facilities for purposes of racketeering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and the harboring of illegal aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain by United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, of the Northern District of Florida.
United States Attorney Keefe also announced Friday (Aug. 16) that a federal arrest warrant was executed on the Pensacola business
The three-count criminal complaint alleges that Pensacola resident Williams was arrested in connection with his operation of multiple Asian massage parlors in Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Along with the arrest of Williams on these federal charges, over a dozen search warrants were executed at massage parlors linked to Williams in these three states.
This included multiple federal search warrants in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Gainesville, all of which are located in the Northern District of Florida. Over half a dozen seizure warrants were executed on bank accounts linked to the allegations against Williams.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pittsburgh FBI led the investigation into the organization’s operations in Pennsylvania.
On Thursday (Aug. 15), nine search warrants were executed in Turtle Creek, Carnegie, Jeannette, Bridgeville, Erie, and McKees Rock, Pennsylvania.
The charges allege that Williams was exploiting undocumented women and offering sexual acts for money during massages at his parlors. The investigation originated from a tip received by the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The investigation remains ongoing.
“The defendant allegedly used his businesses to exploit women in several different states and force them into prostitution purely to line his own pockets,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “Thanks to strong collaboration with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have put an end to this criminal enterprise and are seeking justice for the defendant’s victims.”
Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case.
In addition to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the following law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations; Homeland Security Investigations; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Pennsylvania State Police; the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office; the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office; the Gainesville Police Department; and the Clearwater Police Department.
All charges discussed are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in a court of law through due process.
One teen, one adult hurt
in Gilchrist County crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 16, 2019 at 5:09 p.m.
GILCHRIST COUNTY – A teen and an adult both suffered minor injuries Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 13), the FHP said.
Stephen Dragon, 19, of High Springs was driving a 2005 Jeep Liberty at 2 p.m. on Aug. 13 in Gilchrist County, according to information in an Aug. 16 press release from Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. W. Ernst, based on information from FHP Trooper Glen Ganus.
Passengers in Jeep were Elizabeth Haire, 17 of Bell, and Joshua Crosby, 20, and Darren Maryhew, 18, all of High Springs.
George Joiner, 39, of Baker (Okaloosa County) was driving a 2018 Ford F-350 pickup truck, the FHP said.
The eastbound Jeep was on Gilchrist County Road 340 approaching the intersection with State Road 47, the FHP said. The northbound Ford pickup truck was on SR 47, the FHP said.
The Jeep entered the path of the Ford, who driver took evasive action to avoid the collision, the FHP said.
The right front of the Jeep hit the left front of the Ford, the FHP said. The Jeep turned counterclockwise traveling a few feet north until it came to rest in the southbound left turn lane of CR 340 on SR 47 facing northwest.
The Ford left the road and went onto the northeast corner of the intersection on CR 340’s northern shoulder, and it struck a concrete wall with its front, the FHP said. The pickup truck went a few more feet to the northeast and hit a fence with its front, the FHP said. The truck came to final rest against the fence, facing northeast.
All five people involved in the two-vehicle crash were wearing seatbelts, the FHP. Alcohol was not a factor in this crash, the FHP said.
Haire and Joiner were both taken to Shands with minor injuries, the FHP said. No other people were listed in the press release as injured in the crash.
Dragon was given a citation for failure to yield right-of way.
Suspected child sex crime
fugitive is captured in
Williston on Tuesday night
Lorenzo Bernabe-Lucas
Photos By LCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© August 15, 2019 at 11:29 a.m.
WILLISTON -- Remaining free from law enforcers seeking to capture him for the past 18 months, for allegedly committing first degree child sexual assault in Wisconsin, a 29-year-old man was captured Tuesday night (Aug. 13) in Williston, according to information in a Thursday morning (Aug. 15) press release from Levy County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Lt. Scott Tummond.
Lorenzo Bernabe-Lucas, 29, of Racine County, Wisconsin, has been a felony fugitive since April of 2018, Tummnd said.
Lucas fled from Wisconsin, Tummond said. The United States Marshals Service (USMS) Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (Milwaukee) developed reason to believe Lucas was in the Williston area, he added. This lead was provided to the USMS Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, Tummond said.
Levy County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force Det. Rob Bowers, who has a special assignment to the USMS Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, was asked to conduct this local investigation, Tummond said. Det. Bowers conducted surveillance for longer than one week and communicated his investigative findings to both the local USMS Regional Task Force and the USMS task force members in Wisconsin, Tummond said.
Det. Bowers learned that Lucas was living and working in Levy County, Tummond said, adding that Bowers learned Lucas frequently used a car pool with other workers from his place of employment.
Bowers requested the assistance of the LCSO Tactical Response Unit (TRU), agents with the USMS Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 13), capture the fugitive and arrest him on the out-of-state warrant, Tummond said. These law enforcement agencies worked together and arrested Lucas after a traffic stop of the carpool vehicle, Tummond said, when members of the LCSO TRU team boxed the truck in at the intersection of Northeast 200th Avenue and 30th Street, where the man suspected of first degree child sexual assault in Wisconsin surrendered to law enforcement officers without resistance.
Lucas is now in the Levy County Jail, where he will be held on a $75,000 bond on the arrest warrant from Wisconsin, where he is scheduled to be transported.
Two die in Alachua County crash;
One passenger suffers minor injuries
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 13, 2019 at 9:29 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY – Two people died late Monday night (Aug. 12) in a two-car head-on crash on State Road 26 in Alachua County, the FHP said.
Frank Latorre, 61, of Fleming Island was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu at 11:31 p.m. on Aug. 12 in Alachua County, according to an Aug. 13 press release from Florida Highway Patrol Lt. P.V. Riordan, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper William Schrader.
Morneca Campbell, 22, of Starke was driving a 2012 Volkswagen Passat, the FHP said, with Zakia Lane, 22, of Starke as a passenger.
The FHP noted at this point in time, it is unknown whether any of the vehicles’ occupants had alcohol in their bloodstream. Latorre and Campbell were wearing seatbelts, but Lane was not, the FHP said.
The Malibu was westbound on State Road 26, 1.2 miles east of State Road 222, the FHP said.
The Volkswagen was eastbound on SR 26, the FHP said.
One of the vehicles crossed over the center line of SR 26, the FHP said, resulting in a head-on collision.
State Road 26 was closed for approximately two hours during the investigation Monday night, the FHP said.
Both drivers were transported to Shands – UF Health Gainesville, where they both were pronounced dead, the FHP said. Lane suffered minor injuries, the FHP said, and did not require hospital care.
This crash is still under investigation as of the press release from FHP Lt. Riordan at 10:28 a.m. today (Tuesday, Aug. 13).
Man arrested after
allegedly beating up deputy
Kolby Wood
Mug Shot By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 13, 2019 at 9:19 p.m.
DIXIE COUNTY – A 23-year-old Old Town resident allegedly was so physically violent in his attack against a deputy and another reported victim last Tuesday (Aug. 6), that he was jailed on charges that include felony battery, according to information in an Aug. 13 press release from Dixie County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Scott Harden.
Kolby Wood, 23 of Old Town, is charged with felony battery, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence, Maj. Harden said.
Shortly after 8 p.m. on Aug. 6, a DCSO deputy was dispatched to a business in Old Town in reference to a battery, Harden said.
The deputy learned that a male subject was standing outside of the business, Harden said, when another male subject came outside and struck him in the head, causing a cut that ultimately required stitches.
The alleged victim described the suspected attacker, who reportedly struck him, Harden said. The injured man said that the alleged assailant went into the passenger side of a vehicle and the vehicle had since left the business, Harden said.
A short time later the deputy received a lead that the vehicle and suspect were now at a residence in Old Town, Harden said, where a family member had driven to -- in order to call law enforcement.
The deputy left the scene and drove to this residence, Harden said, where he was able to identify the subject in the front yard based on the clothing description given by the victim.
As the deputy got out of his vehicle and began walking toward the subject, who was identified as Wood, Wood also began walking toward the deputy, Harden said.
As the deputy reached to take Wood’s arm to restrain him, Harden said, Wood struck the deputy several times in the face before the two fell to the ground in a struggle.
During this time, Harden said, a family member of Wood and the homeowner at the property went to the aid of the deputy.
The three of them restrained Wood and place him in the patrol car, Harden said.
Members of Dixie County Emergency Services’ EMS division responded to the scene and treated the deputy at the scene, Harden said, before the deputy transported Wood to the Dixie County Jail.
After delivering Wood to the jail, the deputy went to a Gainesville hospital, Harden said, where he received sutures to close the wounds inflicted upon him by Wood.
After being treated at the hospital, Harden said, the deputy returned to the jail where he charged Wood with felony battery, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.
Clerk alerts deputy,
drug arrest results
Sherry Lynn Story
Mug Shot By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 13, 2019 at 9:09 p.m.
DIXIE COUNTY -- An alert store clerk noticed a vehicle they wondered about in the very wee hours of the morning a week ago, according to an Aug. 13 press release from Dixie County Sheriff's Office Maj. Scott Harden, and when a DCSO deputy was told about this concern, the subsequent actions culminated in the arrest of a 43-year-ol woman on drug charges.
Sherry Lynn Story, 43, of Old Town was arrested on Tuesday Aug. 6 for possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana (fewer than 20 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $5,000.
Here's what led to Story's incarceration, Maj. Harden noted in the press release.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 6, a DCSO deputy was inside a business in Old Town when one of the clerks told him there had been a vehicle parked in the rear of the business for some time, Harden said, and the clerk was becoming suspicious of the vehicle.
The deputy went to the rear of the business to check on the vehicle, Harden said, when the vehicle's driver drove it away.
The vehicle went on U.S. Highway 19 for a short distance before making a U-turn and pulling into a business on the other side of the highway, Harden said. As the deputy pulled his patrol vehicle in behind them, Harden said, the driver and the passenger both exited the vehicle.
The female driver ran inside the business, Harden said. The deputy spoke briefly with the passenger, Harden said, and then went inside, where he made contact with the female driver identified as Story.
Story accompanied the deputy back outside, Harden said, where the deputy learned that neither Story nor the passenger had a valid driver’s license.
A search of the vehicle, revealed a small amount of marijuana in the console, Harden said. The deputy also found freshly used hypodermic syringes-needles located in Story’s purse and crystal methamphetamine, Harden said.
Story was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug equipment and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.
Deputies capture
suspected armed robber
Wayne Denver Bailey
Mug Shot By LCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 12, 2019 at 10:49 p.m.
LEVY COUNTY – A 42-year-old Gainesville man who the Florida Department of Corrections released on March 28, after he served an 18-year prison sentence for carjacking, was arrested Sunday afternoon (Aug. 11) as a suspected armed robber in the City of Fanning Springs, according to an Aug. 12 Levy County Sheriff’s Office press release.
On Sunday afternoon (Aug. 11) at approximately 3:06 p.m., the LCSO 9-1-1 Dispatch Communications Center received a call from the clerk at the Citgo Stop-N-Go convenience store located at 8731 N.W. 174th St. in Fanning Springs, LCSO Public Information Officer Lt. Scott Tummond noted in an Aug. 12 press release.
The clerk reported the armed robbery had just occurred, Lt. Tummond said. The store clerk told 9-1-1 operators that a man who was armed with a knife threatened him, Tummond said, and then the man stole an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise before he fled on foot out of the back door of the store.
Deputies arrived at the scene minutes later and obtained a statement from the clerk, Tummond said. The clerk told deputies that the person they were looking for had multiple tattoos and was wearing a pink tank top with black shorts, Tummond said.
Deputies also were told this man had stolen beer, cigarettes and cash from the register before he ran out of the back door of the store in the general direction of Northwest 90th Court, Tummond said. Deputies cordoned off this area and located a person matching this description, Tummond said.
The suspect was identified by deputies as Wayne Denver Bailey, 42. Bailey was later identified by the store clerk as the person who robbed him, Tummond said.
Bailey was arrested and transported to jail, Tummond said. As noted, the Florida Department of Corrections released Bailey about five months ago on March 28, after the man spent 18 years in prison for carjacking, Tummond said. Bailey’s last listed address was Gainesville, according to records.
Bailey is currently being held at the Levy County Jail, charged with robbery with a weapon, aggravated assault with a weapon and theft, Tummond said. He is being held in lieu of a $275,000 bond, Tummond said.
Man accused of
holding woman
against her will
Robert Landes
Mug Shot By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 12, 2019 at 10:39 p.m.
DIXIE COUNTY – A 31-year-old man was arrested today (Monday, Aug. 12) after he became suspected of holding a woman at a motel room when she wanted to leave, according to information in an Aug. 12 press release from Dixie County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Scott Harden.
Early this morning, at approximately 3 a.m. the DCSO received a call regarding a disturbance at a local motel, Maj. Harden said.
When the deputy arrived at the room, Harden said, he was greeted at the door by a Robert Landes, 31, of Cross City.
The deputy saw a female in the room behind Landes, Harden said.
The deputy asked Landes to step outside of the room with him in order to separate the two, Harden said. When Landes refused to do so, Harden said, the deputy asked the female to step outside.
At this point, Landes said that she was not leaving either, Harden said. The female came to the door and attempted to step outside where the deputy was, Harden said, when Landes blocked her and prevented her from leaving.
Landes refused several commands to step aside and allow the female to exit the room before the female was eventually able to pass by Landes and step outside, Harden said.
At this point, Harden said, the deputy positioned himself between Landes and the female. The deputy instructed her to go stand beside his patrol car, Harden said.
The deputy then went to speak with the female, Harden said, while he was able to maintain a distance between the two of them and Landes.
As another deputy arrived on the scene, Harden said, Landes began approaching the first deputy and the female. Landes was told several times to stay back, Harden said, and he refused to stop approaching the two of them.
At this point, Harden said, the deputy deployed his tazer, which struck and incapacitated Landes. Then, the two deputies placed hand restraints on him, Harden said.
According to the female’s statement, Landes had been using methamphetamine, Harden said, and he would not allow her to leave the motel room when she attempted to leave.
A search of Landes produced a pipe in his pocket, Harden said, which appeared to have been used for smoking methamphetamine.
The deputies then raised Landes to his feet in an attempt to walk Landes to a patrol car when Landes became combative, Harden said, Landes was then forced back to the ground and placed in leg restraints to prevent him from continuing to kick while he was walked to the patrol car.
Landes was arrested and charged with false imprisonment, resisting an officer without violence and possession of drug equipment.
Dixie County deputies capture
Chiefland man with assistance
from Gilchrist County deputy
Chris Turner
Mug Shot By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 12, 2019 at 10:39 p.m.
OLD TOWN -- Passersby of the Florida Department of Transportation weigh station on U.S. Highway 19 in Old Town on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 8) saw what appeared to be a flurry of law enforcement activity.
The blue light special of the day there was the capture of a Chiefland man who was arrested as a suspect of driving while under the influence, willful and wanton reckless driving, possession of synthetic cannabinoids and possession of drug equipment, according to information in an Aug. 12 press release from Dixie County Sheriff's Office Maj. Scott Harden.
On Thursday afternoon (Aug. 8), DCSO deputies received a radio broadcast to be on the lookout for a vehicle that was being driving in a reckless manner and at a high rate of speed, Maj. Harden said.
A deputy was leaving Old Town and driving toward Cross City when he saw an oncoming southbound vehicle matching that description weaving in and out of traffic and traveling at a high rate of speed, Harden said.
The deputy checked the speed with radar and confirmed that the vehicle was driving at 118 miles per hour, Harden said.
At this point, Harden said, the deputy began to pursue the vehicle and caught up with the vehicle in Old Town where the vehicle ran through the red light in Old Town.
The fleeing driver continued south until the vehicle reached the area of the FDOT weight station, Harden said, when the driver slammed on the breaks and stopped.
The driver then exited the vehicle quickly and when the deputy gave him a command not to run, he got back into the driver’s seat, Harden said.
A deputy with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office who was passing through stopped and helped the DCSO deputy secure the driver, Scott Turner, 32, of Chiefland.
Turner was arrested for felony fleeing and eluding and willful and wanton reckless driving.
During this time, Harden said, the deputy could smell the odor of alcohol. He offered Turner the opportunity to perform field sobriety exercises, Harden said, which Turner refused to perform.
During the course of the stop with Turner, the deputy noticed a smoking pipe in the car and during a subsequent search of the car the deputy found what tested positive for synthetic cannabis, Harden said.
Turner was additionally arrested and charged with possession of synthetic cannabinoids, driving under the influence and possession of drug equipment, Harden said.
Bond was set at $10,000 on these charges, according to records. Dixie County Jail records also show Turner was arrested while he was in jail on an out-of-county warrant from Levy County. No bond amount was listed on that warrant.
Two women busted for meth;
One allegedly hid a pipe in her vagina
Mary Ann Methvin
Mug Shot By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 12, 2019 at 10:29 p.m.
DIXIE COUNTY – One woman was suspected of possessing methamphetamine on Aug. 1 and another one was arrested Aug. 6 for the same crime, according to two Aug. 12 press releases about the separate events.
On the night of Aug. 1 shortly before midnight, a DCSO deputy was in the area of Southeast 210th Avenue when he spotted a four-wheeler being driven without any headlights or taillights, according to information in a press release from Dixie County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Scott Harden.
The deputy performed a traffic stop on the vehicle and during the course of the stop, the driver, Mary Ann Methvin, 51, of Old Town, consented to a search of a bag on the four-wheeler, Harden said.
During the search, Harden said, the deputy found a small metal cylinder that contained what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine. The deputy then field tested the substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine, Harden said. Also found during the search was a straw that tested positive for methamphetamine, Harden said.
Methvin, 51 of Old Town, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Mary Katherine Miner
Mug Shot By DCSO
A 27-year-old Steinhatchee woman was arrested last Tuesday night (Aug. 6), according to information in a press release from DCSO Maj. Harden.
At approximately 8 p.m. on Aug. 6, a DCSO deputy saw a vehicle fail to come to a complete stop before entering into traffic on U.S. Highway 19, Maj. Harden noted in the Aug. 12 press release.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on U.S. 19, Harden said. As he was approaching the vehicle, the deputy saw the female driver appearing to place something under her person, Harden said.
The deputy also saw five children in the rear of the vehicle, Harden said, and only one of whom was properly restrained.
The deputy asked the driver -- Mary Katherine Miner
-- to exit the vehicle, Harden said, and as she was doing so, he saw her throw something behind her into the vehicle.
This turned out to be a small container that contained crystal methamphetamine, Harden said. Miner was told that she was being arrested for this, Harden said, and the deputy asked her if she had anything else on or in her person. She replied that she did not, Harden said.
Miner, 27 of Steinhatchee, was arrested and transported to the Dixie County Jail. When the deputy removed Miner from his patrol car in the sally-port of the jail and prior to entering the jail, Miner told the female correctional officer that she had a “meth-pipe” inside of her, Harden said.
The female correctional officer then escorted Miner inside the jail, Harden said, where Miner removed the pipe from her vagina.
Miner is charged with possession of methamphetamine, tampering with evidence and possession of drug equipment, Harden said. Bond was set at $10,000, according to records.
Florida DHSMV Provides
School Bus Safety
Tips For Motorists
Published Aug. 12, 2019 at 10:49 a.m.
TALLAHASSEE -- Among the many services by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is the sharing of information to help protect lives and property. Below is information to help motorists remember about traffic laws relateed to school buses, and school bus safety tips for parents and children.
● Be alert and watch for children especially near schools, bus stops, school buses and in school parking lots.
● Children on bicycles can be unpredictable and can make sudden changes in direction. Be especially careful when children are present in school zones and residential areas.
● Pay extra attention to lower speed limits in school zones.
● Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.
● Only drive or park in authorized areas to drop off or pick up children at school.
● Motorists are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended. (See the different situations in the diagram below)
● All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. (see diagram, TWO-LANE)
● On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. (see diagram, MULTI-LANE)
● The only time traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop, is if there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least five feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic. (see diagram, DIVIDED HIGHWAY)
● On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers). However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus. (see diagram, DIVIDED HIGHWAY)
School Bus Safety Tips for Parents and Children
● Arrive at the bus stop with about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
● At bus stops, children should wait in a safe place away from the road. Never sit on the roadway or curb while waiting for your bus.
● Make sure your children know their bus driver’s name and bus number.
● Tell children to never speak to strangers at the bus stop or get into the car with a stranger. Children should tell parents, the bus driver and a teacher at school if a stranger tries to talk to them or pick them up.
● Children should never walk behind a bus and should stay away from bus wheels at all times. When the bus stops, children should wait for the driver’s signal that it is safe to cross the road or board the bus.
● Children should look both ways before crossing the street- look left, right and left again. Tell them to make eye contact to make sure the bus driver can see them as they cross the street.
● On the bus, children should remain seated at all times and keep the aisle clear. Tell children not to put their head, hands or arms out the window.
● Remind children to stop talking and remain silent when the bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is approaching.
● Children should avoid any loud or disruptive behavior that could distract the bus driver from safely operating the bus.
One 7-year-old girl
is critically injured and another
is seriously injured in ATV crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 9, 2019 at 2:09 p.m.
MARION COUNTY – Two 7-year-old girls were hospitalized after being hit by a Buick while they were on an ATV on Wednesday evening (Aug. 7), the FHP said.
Leshaun D. Gunter, 37, of Dunnellon was driving a 2002 Buick Rendezvous at 6:20 p.m. on Aug. 7 in Marion County, Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Robert Williams noted in an Aug. 7 press release. FHP Trooper J. Hilliard was the crash investigator.
Victoria Brown, 7, of Dunnellon was driving a 2011 Polaris ATV with Layla Cox, 7, of Dunnellon as a passenger, the FHP said. Neither girl was wearing a helmet, the FHP said.
The northbound Buick was on Southwest 198th Terrace, the FHP said.
The ATV attempted to cross the roadway from east to west at 109th Place, the FHP said, when the ATV went into the Buick's path.
The front of the Buick struck the ATV, the FHP said. The ATV
spun clockwise and overturned onto its right side, the FHP said.
Brown was listed in critical condition when she was taken to Shands in Gainesville, the FHP said. Cox, who also went to Shands, was listed as having suffered serious injuries.
Gunter, who was wearing her seatbelt, was not injured, the FHP said. Charges are pending completion of the investigation of this crash, the FHP said.
FWC stays vigilant in enforcing
airboat safety regulations
By Katie Purcell
FWC Communications
Published Aug. 9, 2019 at 12:49 p.m.
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for enforcing airboat regulations that went into effect last month (July of 2019).
Per Florida Statute 327.391, airboat operators carrying passengers for hire must complete an Airboat Operators Course.
“Our officers will continue to be vigilant and proactive in checking airboat operators. In addition to routine checks, we’re launching a statewide detail to ensure compliance,” Col. Curtis Brown said. The colonel is the director of the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “We cannot overstate that with this popular recreational activity and economic opportunity comes our critical duty to protect boaters on Florida’s waterways.”
A tragic airboat accident in south Florida was the impetus behind House Bill 1211, known as “Ellie’s Law,” requiring all airboat operators carrying passengers for hire to complete an Airboat Operators Course. At its June 2018 meeting in Sarasota, the FWC approved the course requirements. There are currently six course providers for this requirement.
Click HERE to see the list of Airboat Operators Course providers.
“We expect the number of course providers to continue to increase,” Brown said. “This will provide more opportunities for members of the industry to comply with regulations and protect the safety of their passengers.”
FWC nabs suspected poachers,
shuts down allegedly
illegal oyster operation
By FWC Communications
Published Aug. 7, 2019 at 9:09 p.m.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY -- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators charged four individuals after an investigation involving the theft of thousands of oysters from Pensacola Bay Oyster Company.
The suspects are charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including grand theft, dealing in stolen property, not delivering to a certified oyster house, and harvesting oysters in a closed season.
“These suspects were involved in an illegal oyster operation. These violations are serious and posed public safety and economic consequences,” said Major Craig Duval, commander of the FWC’s Northwest Region. “I am incredibly proud of our law enforcement officers for their work in this investigation and for their dedication to conserving our precious natural resources.”
FWC investigators were involved in an existing saltwater products investigation when they received information about the theft of Pensacola Bay Oyster Company’s lease. Throughout the investigation, FWC investigators worked closely with uniformed patrol to gather information and develop a list of suspects.
A search warrant was conducted at the home of one of the supsects and the FWC seized more than 4,000 oysters. Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory analyzed a sample of the seized oysters and determined that all sampled oysters were farm raised and not wild caught oysters.
As a result of this effort, legitimate commercial operators are protected and this valuable resource is properly conserved.
The suspects and their charges are as follows:
Nicholas Mason, 35, of Milton and Douglas Lowery, 30, of Milton
● Principle – Grand Theft – Second Degree Felony
● Principle – Dealing in Stolen Property – Second Degree Felony
● Criminal Mischief – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Not Delivering to a Certified Oyster House – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Closed Season – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● No Tags on Oysters – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● No Saltwater Products License – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● No Shellfish Endorsement – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● No Retail License – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Undersized Oysters – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Harvest of Oysters at Night – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Failure to Register Vessel Commercial – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Closed Season Stone Crabs – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Whole Stone Crabs – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Trespass on Lease – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Quality Contorl on Vessel – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Possession > 100 Stone Crabs – First Degree Misdemeanor *Nicholas Mason’s charge only*
Lesia Mason, 58, of Milton
● Principle – Grand Theft – Second Degree Felony
● Principle – Dealing in Stolen Property – Second Degree Felony
● Closed Season – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● No Tags on Oysters – Second Degree Misdemeanor
● Undersized Oysters – Second Degree Misdemeanor
Lonny Teston, 46, of Pace
● Accessory Dealing in Stolen Property – Third Degree Felony
Suspect allegedly
gives fake name;
Man jailed on several charges
Anthony Perkins
Mug Shot By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 5, 2019 at 5:09 p.m.
DIXIE COUNTY -- A man suspected of various crimes added to the list Saturday night (Aug. 3) when he told a deputy with the Dixie County Sheriff's Office that his name was something other than his actual name, according to information in an Aug. 5 press release from DCSO Maj. Scott Harden.
On the night of Aug. 3, Maj. Harden said, a DCSO deputy stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.
Upon approaching the driver’s side of the vehicle, Harden said, the deputy noticed an open container of beer at the driver’s feet.
The deputy had the driver exit the vehicle and asked for the driver’s identification, Harden said. When the driver emptied his pockets for his identification, he pulled out a pill bottle that contained what turned out to be Oxycodone, Harden said.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a cut straw under the driver’s seat that field tested positive for Oxycodone, Harden said, and a small amount of marijuana in the center console area.
The driver had identified himself as one individual, Harden said, and when this name could not be verified, he actually gave his real Social Security number. That correct number resulted in the deputy finding a warrant for the man to be arrested as a result of his failure to appear on several charges, Harden said.
When questioned about this, he said that he had given the fake name because he knew the warrant for him existed, Harden said.
At this point the driver, Anthony Perkins, 58 ,of Old Town, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, resisting/opposing an officer without violence, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; as well as the charges on the capias for his arrest on failure to appear on the following charges: possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended or revoked and refusal to submit to required test, Hardne said.
Suspect allegedly tells police
he only smokes drugs;
he doesn’t deal drugs
Travis Isaiah Henry Sr.
Mug Shot By LCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Aug. 5, 2019 at 4:09 p.m.
CHIEFLAND – A 28-year-old Chiefland man allegedly told police that he only uses drugs, he doesn’t sell them, according to records.
Travis Isaiah Henry Sr., 28, of Chiefland was arrested Thursday afternoon (Aug. 1) on the charges of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug equipment, according to records.
Combined bonds were set at $17,000, according to records. Henry was released about 24 hours after his arrest when he posted bond on Friday afternoon (Aug. 2), according to records.
Members of the Chiefland Police Department responded to the Quality Inn, 1125 N. Young Blvd. (U.S. Highway 19) in Chiefland at 1:50 p.m. on July 31, where they met with hotel management about a room that management believed included illegal narcotic action, according to a report by CPD officer Matthew Poppell.
After describing indicators that drug sales and use were happening in room 215, management told the CPD it planned to evict the tenants of that room, according to records.
Poppell and CPD Police Chief Scott Anderson accompanied management to the room, to assure the eviction process was orderly, according to records.
Poppell said he smelled marijuana as he went to that room, according to his report.
Henry and other occupants of the room were told to vacate the room, according to the report. Henry was detained and police asked him if they were selling drugs out of the room, according to Poppell’s report.
“… the Defendant reached into his right front pocket and said ‘See, I got Weed, Molly and Ecstasy and I only smoke it. I don’t sell it,’” Poppell noted.
The officer took possession of the three plastic bags. Two tested positive for the illegal drug MDMA and one tested positive for marijuana, according to the report.
Crash in Levy County
claims female's life
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 1, 2019 at 7:09 p.m.
LEVY COUNTY – A female who is currently not identified died in a fiery crash in Levy County Wednesday evening (July 31), according to a press release from Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Tomas Dillon.
FHP Trooper Chrystal Sollazzo was the crash investigator and the homicide investigator was 719-39-011, according to the press release.
The female, who is unknown, was driving a 2007 Ford Edge at 5:48 p.m. on Northeast 25th Street near Northeast 212th Court, the FHP said.
The Ford was westbound on Northeast 25th Street (a dirt road), the FHP said.
The vehicle veered left across the roadway, the FHP said, and went onto the southern grass shoulder of Northeast 25th Street near Northeast 212th Court.
The Ford then veered right, and traveled across the roadway and onto the northern shoulder before the front end of the vehicle hit a tree, the FHP said.
After impacting the tree, the FHP said, the Ford rotated clockwise before coming to final rest facing north blocking all of Northeast 25th Street.
The Ford caught fire upon impact with the tree with driver still inside, the FHP said. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by personnel with the Levy County Department of Public Safety’s Fire-Rescue staff.
The crash investigation and positive identification of the driver are ongoing, the FHP said.
Following are some common abbreviations:
DUI - Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Some Other Drug
DWLSR - Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
RWOV - Resisting Arrest Without Violence
Poss. - Possession
VOP - Violation of Probation
FTA - Failure to Appear
ROR - Released on their Own Recognizance
Suspects Arrested
Aug. 12 Through Aug. 18
Updated Aug. 19, 2019 at 11:09 p.m.
AUGUST 12
Robert Landes, 31, of Old Town was arrested for false imprisonment, RWOV, poss. drug equipment. Bond $5,000.
Matthew Paul Blackburn, 21, of Old Town was arrested for poss. of controlled substance, poss. of drug equipment, tamper with/fabricate evidence. Bond $10,000.
AUGUST 13
Jamie D. Tyson, 34, of Cross City was arrested for DWLSR, RWOV. Bond $3,000.
Jon’Micheal Destin Osteen, 20, of Cross City was arrested for a felony warrant. No bail amount was listed.
Evan Douglas Gray, 29, of Old Town was arrested for DUI. Bond $3,000.
AUGUST 14
Hilton Naji Green, 28, of Cross City was arrested for two FTAs. Bond $250.
Emily Rose Kleppe, 36, of Old Town was arrested for trespass after warning. Bond $1,500.
AUGUST 15
Keshaun Freeman, 20, of Cross City was arrested for VOP. Bond $210.
Kimberly D. Downing, 29, of Cross City was arrested for poss. a controlled substance. No bond amount was listed.
AUGUST 16
Lacey Poppell, 32, of Old Town was arrested for simple battery. Bond $1,500.
Danielle Lee Payne, 34, of Old Town was arrested for VOP. Bond $2,500.
Shane Winner, 18, of Archer was arrested for affray. Bond $3,000.
Charles Turner, 18, of Cross City was arrested for simple battery, affray, RWOV. Bond $3,000.
Dayn Chase Haag, 21, of Cross City was arrested for simple battery, affray, RWOV. Bond $1,500.
Michael Hammock, 20, of Perry was arrested for simple battery, affray, RWOV, burglary to structure or conveyance. Bond $1,500.
Stanley Hurst, 18, of Mayo was arrested for simple battery, affray, RWOV. Bond $1,500.
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 18
Tyler Austin Gray, 26, of High Springs was arrested for poss. of methamphetamine, poss. of prescription pill without prescription. No bond amount was listed.
Following are some common abbreviations:
DUI - Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Some Other Drug
DWLSR - Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
RWOV - Resisting Arrest Without Violence
Poss. - Possession
VOP - Violation of Probation
FTA - Failure to Appear
ROR - Release on their Own Recognizance
Suspects Arrested
Aug. 12 Through Aug. 18
Updated Aug. 20, 2019 at 10:09 a.m.
(The GCSO had not sent the list as of 10:09 a.m. on Aug. 19, but GCSO Lt. Todd Holly intends to send it.)
AUGUST 13
AUGUST 14
AUGUST 15
AUGUST 16
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 18
