16 court actions and 3 judges
bring 3 counts of attempted murder
to final outcome
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 19, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
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DIXIE COUNTY – If all goes as is currently scheduled, according to records in the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida, Gerald Michael Abrams Jr., 35, of Old Town will be sentenced on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. after he was convicted of three counts of second degree murder.
On that Friday afternoon next month, if all goes as currently slated, Dixie County Court Judge Jennifer Jones Johnson will be wearing the robe as “Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Jones.”
The Third Judicial Circuit includes Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties.
In Florida, circuit court judges handle more serious criminal and civil cases, including felonies, family law matters and civil disputes involving larger sums of money, while county court judges primarily handle less serious criminal and civil matters, like misdemeanors and smaller claims for monetary compensation.
In Florida, a county court judge can be temporarily designated to preside over circuit court cases through an administrative order. This is done by the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, upon the recommendation of the circuit's chief judge. The designation allows the county court judge to exercise all county and circuit court jurisdiction within the county, except for appeals from the county court.
Florida has 330 county court judges and 605 circuit court judges.
Florida's court system is comprised of 67 county courts and 20 circuit courts. Each circuit court serves one or more counties, and each county has its own county court.
Dixie County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County each have one county court judge – the minimum required by Florida law.
The Third Judicial Circuit of Florida has seven circuit court judges. These judges, along with eight county court judges, preside over cases in Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties, according to the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida.
The Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida has 13 circuit court judges. In addition to the circuit judges, the circuit also has 10 county court judges, according to Alachua County and The Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties.
In Florida, both circuit and county court judges must be members of The Florida Bar for at least five years.
As for County Court Judge Johnson serving as the circuit court judge during sentencing in this case, according to an administrative order regarding the general assignment of judges from Nov. 4, 2024 through Jan. 6, 2025, in the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida, “Each county court judge in the Third Judicial Circuit is hereby temporarily appointed circuit judge for the Third Judicial Circuit, pursuant to section 26.57, Florida Statutes, and Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(4). They are hereby vested with the respective powers and prerogatives conferred by the Constitution and laws of the State of Florida as a circuit judge on a temporary basis to hear, conduct, and determine all matters consistent with section 26.012, Florida Statutes, which are presented to them. Additionally, the county court judges are temporarily appointed as circuit court judges to adjudicate any issue pending in any circuit court case in the Third Circuit that will provide prompt disposition of cases and efficiently administer the courts.”
Also, even though that order ended seven months ago, Jones sat in place the honorable Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr., during the week of this trial, according to Jones’ legal assistant.
And given that Jones was the presiding judge at this jury trial, she will be the one passing sentence on this defendant.
While the records of Dixie County Clerk Barbie Higginbotham are usually accurate, a screenshot of the judges assigned to this set of attempted murder cases might be a bit off.
Above is a screen shot of the record of judge assignments for the three second degree murder cases filed against Gerald Michael Abrams Jr. as of July, 19, 2025.
Following is the chronology of judges and court actions in the Abrams’ cases, according to records in the files of Dixie County Clerk Higginbotham as of July 19, 2025.
● Aug. 8, 2024 -- Judge Jennifer Johnson Jones
● Sept. 25, 2024 -- Judge Mark Feagle
● Sept. 27, 2024 -- Judge Mark Feagle
● Oct. 23, 2024 -- Judge Mark Feagle
● Nov. 20, 2024 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr.
● Dec. 18, 2024 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr.
● Feb. 25, 2025 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr.
● April 22, 2025 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr.
● May 27, 2025 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr.
● June 27, 2025 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr.
● July 11, 2025 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr.
● ● July 14 & 16, 2025 -- Judge Frederick L. Koberlein Jr. (with Judge Jones reportedly substituting)
● Scheduled Sentencing -- Aug. 22, 2025 -- Judge Jennifer Johnson Jones
This jury trial is reported to be the 50th jury trial over which Judge Jones presided.
Cross City man dies after being hit by car
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 19, 2025 at 9 a.m.
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DIXIE COUNTY – A 65-year-old man with a Cross City residential address died in the very wee hours of Saturday morning (July 19) in a Gainesville hospital after being hit by a car in Dixie County, according to information in a Florida Highway Patrol press release.
A sedan driven by a 20-year-old woman with an Old Town residential address was southbound on U.S. Highway 19, north of Southwest 95th Street at 2:30 a.m. on July 19, the FHP said in the press release based on information provided by crash investigator FHP Trooper John Dryden and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. Nicholas Hagedorn.
A 22-year-old man with a Chiefland residential address was a passenger in the car, the FHP said.
This part of U.S. 19 is north of the Town of Cross City as well as being north of the area known as Shamrock, according to maps.
The woman was driving the car in the left lane when it struck a pedestrian with its front left, the FHP said.
The vehicle came to a controlled stop south of the scene in a left turn lane, the FHP said.
The pedestrian was taken by helicopter to UF Health in Gainesville where he was later pronounced dead, the FHP said.
There are no hospitals or trauma centers in Dixie County, Gilchrist County or Levy County.
Although some FHP press releases show if the driver and passenger were wearing seatbelts, this one did not. Although some FHP press releases show if a victim’s next of kin were notified before the press release was sent, this one did not.
As of May of 2020, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped providing names of people and some other information from crashes as part of its press releases.
Prior to May of 2020, the FHP formerly provided that information via those public records in its press releases.
The FHP and some other law enforcement agencies in Florida are abiding by a version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is allegedly used to protect victims of crimes. The Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” was adopted after Florida voters chose to change the Florida Constitution to exempt more public records from view.
Although not every vehicle crash involves crime victims, which may have been the legislative intent of the Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” approved by voters, the FHP adopted its current blanket exclusion of some information as part of its process in sending press releases.
Although the FHP adopted this new practice, not every law enforcement agency has done so.
For instance, the Chiefland Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Ocala Police Department all have provided crash information in press releases or traffic crash reports, except when there is an actual victim of a crime, as demonstrated in the reports provided to the press since the onset of the FHP’s revision in its press release practices in May of 2020.
Crash Report Purchasing
https://services.flhsmv.gov/CrashReportPurchasing/
Florida Crash Data
https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Victims’ Rights Information
https://www.flhsmv.gov/victimsrights/
Jury convicts Dixie County man
of three counts
of attempted second degree murder
* UPDATED: County court judge
sitting as circuit court judge slated
to impose sentence
Mugshot By DCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 18, 2025 at 11 a.m.
* Updated July 19, 2025 at 7 a.m.
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CROSS CITY – A jury trial of a man accused of three counts of attempted second degree murder ended Wednesday (July 16) after jurors found the state proved beyond and to the exclusion of reasonable doubt that the defendant committed three counts of the crime, according to records.
Gerald Michael Abrams Jr., 35, of Old Town is currently scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m., according to records.
In Florida, the maximum sentence for second-degree murder is life imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of 16.75 years under Florida Statutes 775.082. This classification is considered a first-degree felony, and the actual sentence may vary based on factors such as the defendant's prior criminal history and the severity of the crime.
Prosecuting these cases was Assistant State Third Judicial Circuit Jarrett Keith Thomas, according to records.
Serving as defense counsel for Abrams was Assistant Third Judicial Circuit Public Defender Robert Logan Tucker IV.
* Although the records in Dixie County Court Clerk Barbie Higginbotham's office show that the honorable Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Frederick Laurence Koberlein Jr. presided over this jury trial, according to Dixie County Court Judge Jennifer Jones' assistant, Jones presided, and as a result Jones will sentence Abrams.
* UPDATED -- Dixie County Court Judge Jennifer Jones Johnson is scheduled to impose sentence on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m., according to records.
Abrams became a man suspected of attempting to kill people on June 1, 2024, after deputies from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office along with officers from the Cross City Police Department responded to a call regarding an armed individual experiencing a mental health crisis in the area of Southeast 39th Avenue in Cross City.
Abrams launched an ambush, according to DCSO reports, opening fire on the responding officers. One bullet hit a DCSO deputy's leg holster, and the deputy was not injured, the DCSO said.
Resolute offloads about $93 million
worth of cocaine in St. Petersburg
Information and Photos Provided
By USCG Public Affairs Detachment Tampa Bay
Published July 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
ST. PETERSBURG - The crew of United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Resolute offloaded nearly 12,600 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $93.2 million, in their homeport of St. Petersburg, Thursday (July 17), after a 59-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific.
Resolute deployed in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-South), a United States Department of Defense command that leverages the capabilities of United States intelligence and law enforcement agencies, allies and partner nations to detect, monitor, and support interdiction of illicit narcotics movements in the air and maritime domains throughout the Western hemisphere.
During their patrol, members of the Resolute’s crew worked to detect, deter and intercept smuggling of illegal drugs into the United States.
Resolute spent several weeks as the only USCG cutter in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, playing a critical role in maintaining maritime domain awareness and operational coverage across a vast area, spanning more than one million square miles. Halfway through patrol, Resolute was joined by the cutters Escanaba, Tahoma and Hamilton, providing broad, coordinated coverage across the major drug-smuggling vectors running from Ecuador toward the United States.
The crew expertly completed six vessel interdictions, including a sailing vessel, one fishing vessel and four go-fast speedboats. Although several of the boats were determined to not be carrying illicit contraband at the time of interdiction, they provided excellent opportunities to hone Resolute’s tracking and interception capabilities, often done in coordination with Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) support from the sky.
One notable case saw Resolute launching its primary interceptor, an Over-the-Horizon Cutter Boat (OTH), from nearly 70 nautical miles away to successfully intercept a high-speed go-fast vessel transiting south of the Galapagos.
During this time, Resolute’s law enforcement team successfully interdicted a suspicious vessel and seized nearly 5,000 pounds of cocaine concealed within the vessel’s cabin.
Less than two weeks later, Resolute coordinated with an MPA and launched its OTH to pursue a go-fast vessel transiting in heavy seas. While in pursuit, the OTH experienced a critical structural failure, rendering the asset inoperable.
Resolute safely recovered the disabled OTH, launched its second interceptor, and worked with the MPA to force the go-fast to jettison more than 3,700 pounds of cocaine.
Within 24 hours after that pursuit, Resolute interdicted yet another go-fast style vessel carrying in excess of 3,900 pounds of cocaine. Together, these three successful seizures prevented more than $93.2 million worth of cocaine from reaching America’s streets.
The OTH casualty significantly reduced Resolute’s interdiction capability and required a rapid solution in a logistically challenging area of operations. Demonstrating remarkable interagency cooperation and logistical agility, the crew of Resolute worked with JIATF-S, the Coast Guard's Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC), and USCG Air Station Elizabeth City, to swiftly coordinate the replacement of the OTH.
The replacement boat was airlifted to Panama City, Panama, aboard a USCG HC-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Demanding precise timing and expert execution, the undertaking powerfully underscored the Coast Guard's dedication to maintaining a persistent and effective presence in its counter-narcotics mission.
With the replacement OTH safely cradled aboard the cutter, Team Resolute resumed and successfully completed its patrol in the Eastern Pacific drug smuggling vectors.
“Yet again, the crew impressed me with their ability to achieve significant operational success and protect American interests while fighting every day to maintain a nearly 60-year-old ship in a challenging maritime environment,” Cmdr. Ian Starr, Resolute’s commanding officer, said.
Resolute is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter drug operations, migrant interdiction, and search and rescue in support of USCG operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
These interdictions relate to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces’ (OCDETF), Strike Force Initiatives and designated investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach.
Yankeetown man charged with
violating shellfish laws and forgery
Mug Shot By LCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 17, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
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BRONSON – A 57-year-old Yankeetown man was arrested for allegedly violating shellfish laws and for committing forgery, according to court records.
Phillip Carlton Vinson, 57, of Yankeetown arrested June 29, by FWC Officer Gabrielle Balling for Conservation Violation FWC Rule or Order Level Two, Violation Of Shellfish Laws, and forgery or alteration of public record or certificate (combined bonds equaled $2,800).
Vinson bonded out of the Levy County Jail on June 30, according to records,
The first two crimes are misdemeanors, and the forgery crime is a felony, according to state law.
Vinson has a history with the Levy County courtrooms for alleged and proved violations of laws that are meant to conserve wildlife in Florida and meant to protect human health – especially in regard to oysters, according to records.
On April 3, 2017, the late Levy County Court Judge James T. Browning (1955-2023) withheld an adjudication of guilt from Vinson’s record for violation of bag limits.
On Feb. 28, 2020, the honorable Judge Browning adjudicated Vinson guilty of the same misdemeanor after he was caught and charged again with violation of bag limits.
There was an FWC case against Vinson on Aug. 9, 2021, for violation of bag limits that the Office of Eighth Judicial Circuit Court State Attorney chose not to prosecute, according to records.
The June 29 arrest results from a June 6 action taken by FWC Officer Balling.
In regard to the more specific points of law for the forgery charge and two misdemeanors Vinson is now awaiting court action now, the state law regarding forgery shows “Forgery.—Whoever falsely makes, alters, forges or counterfeits a public record, or a certificate, return or attestation of any clerk or register of a court, public register, notary public, town clerk or any public officer, in relation to a matter wherein such certificate, return or attestation may be received as a legal proof; or a charter, deed, will, testament, bond, or writing obligatory, letter of attorney, policy of insurance, bill of lading, bill of exchange or promissory note, or an order, acquittance, or discharge for money or other property, or an acceptance of a bill of exchange or promissory note for the payment of money, or any receipt for money, goods or other property, or any passage ticket, pass or other evidence of transportation issued by a common carrier, with intent to injure or defraud any person, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree.”
The misdemeanor of violating Florida Administrative Code 597.0041(4) shows the FWC state law enforcement officer found reason to believe Vinson sold or offered for sale fresh shellfish after the terminal sale date had expired, as well as knowingly and willfully altering shellfish logs.
Below is information, all noted in the arrest report filed by the state law enforcement officer -- leading to Vinson’s June 29 arrest and his June 30 bailing out of jail.
On June 6 at approximately 4:30 p.m. FWC Officer Balling performed a fish house inspection at Vinson’s residence 4631 Levy County Road 40 West in Yankeetown.
Balling asked Vinson if he received oysters that day that were harvested by John Spillers. Vinson said he picked up the oysters from Spillers at 10:45 a.m. on June 6 from Spillers in the City of Crystal River.
The officer asked him to see the bags. Vinson showed her two bags initially. Balling asked Vinson to see his transaction logs to confirm the bags were the correct ones, and they were not.
After locating the bags with the correct corresponding numbers to Spillers’ record of transaction, the officer had five total bags of oysters. Each bag had a white harvest report tag attached to them indicating they were for raw consumption sale commercially.
Earlier on that day, the officer checked Spillers at Fort Island Beach Golf Ramp located in Citrus County, at approximately 3 p.m., and Spillers had green harvest report tags attached at the time, indicating they are not able to be sold for raw consumption -- based on time and temperature requirements at the time of the harvest.
As Balling checked each individual bag at the ramp, she placed a dark blue pebble inside each bag with a green tag.
There were five total bags. When Balling conducted her inspection at Vinson’s Fish House, she dumped the contents of Spillers’ bags that now had white tags. Balling found each individual blue pebble, which she had placed, and there were five in total.
She then spoke with Vinson again, reading him his Miranda Warning, and asking why the bags now had white tags. Vinson admitted to knowingly allowing Spillers to change the tags from green to white, allowing non raw number oysters to be sold as such.
She asked to see his transaction receipts for the day, and he had handwritten that Spillers arrived at 10:45 a.m. instead of approximately 4 p.m. Balling asked to see Vinson’s payment receipts, and he stated that he does not pay the oystermen until that truck (Webb’s Seafood) comes to pick up the product, typically a four-day turnaround.
Vinson admitted to knowing that the oysters were not supposed to be tagged with white harvest tags, however he decided to do it anyway.
White tags need to be in to the processor by 11 a.m.
Green tags are due to be in to the processor by 4 p.m.
Along with Spillers, there were two other oystermen that brought their harvest to Vinson. Vinson's actions had the intent to defraud while receiving money for goods.
The honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge William E. Davis is scheduled to preside over these cases, according to records.
Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Daniel Rex Owen is scheduled to prosecute the cases, according to records.
As of July 17, no attorney is listed in court records to represent Vinson as his defense counsel.
There is no court event scheduled in regard to these charges as of July 17, according to court records.
FWC backlog delays
public records requests for weeks
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 17, 2025 at 1 p.m.
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LAKE CITY – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has had so many requests for public records that a simple request for an arrest report is going to take weeks, according to the FWC and experience of Florida journalists.
Florida public records law, primarily found in Florida Statutes Chapter 119, does not specify a maximum time limit an agency can delay the release of records. Instead, it mandates that agencies must release records within a “reasonable time.”
The only permitted delay is the time it takes for the agency's custodian of records to retrieve the requested records and redact any information that is exempt from disclosure.
Florida Attorney General opinions and court cases have shown that what constitutes a “reasonable time” depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each request, including the nature and volume of the records, the time involved in collecting and generating the requested information, the accessibility of the records, and the personnel required to process the request.
While there isn't a specific timeframe, it is expected that agencies will acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith, making reasonable efforts to determine if the records exist and their location. Unreasonable delay may be considered a denial for purposes of seeking judicial relief.
One request made June 30 from a journalist resulted in the following reply:
“Your request has been received. In accordance with Chapter 119.07(1), Florida Statutes and Section 1.7, Internal Management Policies and Procedures of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, our staff will research your request and notify you regarding location, volume, and format of these record series. Your request was given the reference number R E D A C T E D (redacted in this publication by Jeff M. Hardison) for tracking purposes.”
The answer also noted that “Due to an increased number of public records requests, there may be a delay in processing. We process requests in the order in which they are received but due to the increase you may experience a delay of a few weeks or more.”
Although the FWC asks if the requestor is a member of the press or media, it gives zero level of difference from any other person requesting records. Given it is taking weeks to provide records that are extremely easy to find and send via email, with little redacting required, this all shows the FWC is backlogged.
The Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis don’t care enough about people having access to public records to do anything about the staffing shortfall at the FWC.
Multi-county search reels in man
suspected of sex offender violations
Mug Shot By DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office
– Graphic By HardisonInk.com
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 16, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
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ARCADIA -- A 47-year-old man sitting in the DeSoto County Jail in lieu of combined bonds of $52,500 for six crimes resulting from being a previously convicted sex offender is wanted in Levy County, too, according to information in a Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) press release that was sent July 16. Charles Elias Hengsteler Jr., 47, of Arcadia was first arrested in DeSoto County on July 14 on the charge of sex offender violation - fail to register as required. The other five crimes were charged against the man on July 15 as he sat in the DeSoto County Jail.
LCSO detectives and school resource deputies conducted a compliance operation which targeted Levy County sexual offender/predators in June, the LCSO said. These compliance checks discovered that Hengsteler had vacated his primary residence in Dixie County in January of 2024, forwarding his new address to a location in Levy County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires he report to the LCSO within 48 hours and provide proof of his new address in Levy County. Hengsteler failed to report.
On June 10, LCSO Det. Ryan Sullivan obtained an arrest warrant for Hengsteler for three sex offender violations, the LCSO said. Detective Sullivan learned Hengsteler relocated to DeSoto County during his investigation, the LCSO said.
Hengsteler never notified LCSO or the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office of his current address, the LCSO said.
On July 14, detectives and deputies with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested Hengsteler on the active Levy County warrant, the LCSO said.
The LCSO works cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies to track down and arrest absconded offenders. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office’s arrest of Hengsteler and removal of this individual from communities is proof of the LCSO’s commitment to the protection of people statewide, the LCSO said.
Eighth Florida Death Row inmate
ends sentence via execution
Florida leads nation
in number of executions this year
A News4Jax (WJXT) camera operator, a Tampa Bay Times reporter and a correspondent for The Associated Press note the final statement made by the Smith family.
Story and Photos By John Koch, Independent News Service
Correspondent For HardisonInk.com
Edited By Jeff M. Hardison
Published July 16, 2025 at 6:30 a.m.
STARKE -- A man who shot a man and woman -- killing them outside a Jacksonville bar on Dec. 9, 1993, was lawfully put to death on Tuesday evening (July 15).
Michael Bernard Bell, 54, received a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. Bell was convicted and then sentenced to death on June 2, 1995, for the murders of Jimmy West and Tamecka Smith, both of Duval County. Bell was convicted of first degree premeditated murder, according to records.
Bell killed the wrong people when he recognized a car which Theodore Wright was known to drive, and that man had killed Bell’s brother. The would-be revenge killing that happened about 30 years ago went wrong because Bell killed West and Smith rather than his allegedly intended target of Wright, according to court records.
Bell did not know that Wright had previously sold his car to West, his half-brother.
Bell’s death took about 15 minutes to complete and was without incident. It was completed at 6:25 p.m. on July 15.
The Smith family provided a statement that was read by Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) Spokesman Ted Veerman. He said this execution provides somewhat of a closure for the family.
“The justice system may not have the capability of bringing back our lost loved one,” Veerman said as he read the statement from the Smith family. “But due to the acts of violence perpetrated in unhuman form and fashion, justice was served.”
Bell became the eighth man put to death in Florida this year, with a ninth currently schedule for July 31. The state executed six people in 2023, but carried out only one execution in 2024, according to records.
Florida has executed more people than any other state this year, while Texas and South Carolina are tied for second place with four each. Alabama has executed three people. Oklahoma has killed two. Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee each have killed one, according to records.
When a journalist asked about the number of people executed in Florida in 2025, Veerman said the FDOC is extremely prepared to perform the duties assigned by the courts and ordered by the governor. Veerman said he is proud of the staff members who have all performed their duties as directed, and he said they do “a great job.”
When asked by the Team Warden if he (Bell) had any last words said, “Yes, thank you. Thank you for not letting me spend the rest of my life in prison.”
Before reaching the end of a death sentence in Florida, life at the prison is not pleasant. Death Row inmates are counted at least once an hour, according to FDOC records.
They are escorted in handcuffs and wear them everywhere except in their cells, the exercise yard and the shower, according to FDOC records. They are in their cells at all times except for medical reasons, exercise, social or legal visits or media interviews according to FDOC records.
When a death warrant is signed the inmate is put under Death Watch status and is allowed a legal and social phone call according to FDOC records.
As of 7 a.m. on July 15, there were 269 inmates on Florida Death Row, according to FDOC records. One black woman is the only female, according to FDOC records.
No current Florida Death Row inmates are listed as having a residence in the Tri-County Area of Levy, Gilchrist or Dixie counties when they were convicted and sentenced to death, according to FDOC records.
CCPD reminds people to obey traffic laws
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
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CROSS CITY – The Cross City Police Department is among the agencies involved in a weeklong program to help people understand the need to abide by traffic laws to reduce damage, injuries and deaths from vehicular crashes.
The Operation Southern Slow Down 2025 program is from July 14 through July 19.
Cross City Police Jamey King and his team of officers regularly patrol the town and do what they can to help keep motorists and others safe.
A review of traffic enforcement by the CCPD during the month of June shows the following, according to Police Chief King.
● Written Warnings 54
● Uniform Traffic Citations written 56
Citations By Type
● Unlawful Speed over 30 mph - 2
● Unlawful Speed 20-29 mph - 32
● Unlawful Speed 15-19 mph - 3
● Driving While License Suspended or Revoked - 5
● No Proof Insurance - 4
● No Proof Registration - 3
● Learners License Violation - 1
● Open Alcoholic Beverage Container - 1
● Ran Stop Sign - 1
● Attach Tag Not Assigned - 1
● Careless Driving - 1
● No Motor Vehicle Registration - 1
● Leaving Vehicle Running/Unattended in Road - 1
Citations By Area
● U.S. Highway 19 - 47
● Highway 351 North - 4
● Behind the Dixie County Courthouse - 4
● Behind City Hall - 1
Citations By Residency
● Local Residents - 22
● Out-of-County Residents - 34
Citations By Race
● White - 34
● Black - 8
● Hispanic - 7
● Asian - 2
Police Chief King asks the residents and visitors of Cross City if there are areas within the City Limits where the would like to see more traffic enforcement. He asks people to please let the Police Department.
“Remember, Operation Southern Slowdown is this week! Watch your Speed!” the police chief noted.
GCSO deputy fatally injures
Bronson man with GCSO pickup truck
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 14, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.
Updated July 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. (with deputy's age)
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FANNING SPRINGS – A 26-year-old deputy with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) reportedly ran over a 41-year-old man who has a Bronson residential address, fatally injuring the pedestrian very early this morning (Monday, July 14), according to information provided from the GCSO and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The deputy, at approximately 1:11 a.m. to 1:13 a.m. on July 14, was involved in a motor vehicle crash with a pedestrian while on patrol in the Fanning Springs area, according to information sent 4:43 a.m. on July 14, in a press release from GCSO Public Information Officer Keagon Weatherford and from the FHP.
Weatherford noted the FHP is the agency to seek details from because that is the agency investigating the crash.
The FHP sent a standard press release at 5:24 a.m. on July 14.
Emergency medical personnel from Gilchrist County Fire Rescue (GCFR) were dispatched to the scene, Weatherford and the FHP noted.
Despite the efforts of EMS personnel from the GCFR, the pedestrian died at the scene, the GCSO and FHP noted.
The FHP was notified by the GCSO and has assumed responsibility for the investigation in accordance with standard protocol for incidents involving GCSO law enforcement officers, Weatherford noted.
“No further details are being released at this time pending the outcome of the investigation and notification of next of kin,” Weatherford noted.
According to the FHP press release sent at 5:24 a.m. on July 14, the FHP had not contacted the next of kin of the 41-year-old man from Bronson who died in the Gilchrist County part of the City of Fanning Springs.
The City of Fanning Springs is in two counties. The FHP press release shows the parking lot of the Capital City Bank in Fanning Springs to be in Gilchrist County.
The FHP press release is based on information from crash investigator FHP Sgt. W. Ernst and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. M. Radcliff, according to the FHP.
The GCSO pickup truck was driven by a GCSO deputy who was on patrol as he entered the parking lot of the Capital City Bank, 7240 Southwest U.S. Highway 19 in Fanning Springs, and this happened at 1:11 a.m. on July 14, the FHP said, and the GCSO press release shows the accident happened at 1:13 a.m. today (Monday, July 14).
The man from Bronson was lying in a dark, unlit portion of the bank parking lot, according to information in a press release.
The deputy drove the pickup truck through the parking lot, the FHP said, and he was unable to observe the non-motorist, which resulted in a crash.
The vehicle struck pedestrian before coming to final rest within the parking lot, the FHP said.
As of May of 2020, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped providing names of people and some other information from crashes as part of its press releases.
Prior to May of 2020, the FHP formerly provided that information via those public records in its press releases.
The FHP and some other law enforcement agencies in Florida are abiding by a version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is allegedly used to protect victims of crimes. The Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” was adopted after Florida voters chose to change the Florida Constitution to exempt more public records from view.
Although not every vehicle crash involves crime victims, which may have been the legislative intent of the Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” approved by voters, the FHP adopted its current blanket exclusion of some information as part of its process in sending press releases.
Although the FHP adopted this new practice, not every law enforcement agency has done so.
For instance, the Chiefland Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Ocala Police Department all have provided crash information in press releases or traffic crash reports, except when there is an actual victim of a crime, as demonstrated in the reports provided to the press since the onset of the FHP’s revision in its press release practices in May of 2020.
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Cross City Police Department joins
Operation Southern Slow Down 2025
Weeklong specific traffic
enforcement program starts
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 14, 2025 at 8:30 p.m.
TAMPA – Although Florida Highway Patrol Troop B did not have a press conference, FHP Troop C had one earlier today (Monday, July 14) in Tampa.
The Florida Department of Transportation has partnered with state, county and local law enforcement agencies in Florida as it launched a weeklong speed-enforcement and safety-awareness campaign with press conference on July 14 at FHP Troop C Headquarters located at 11305 N. McKinley Drive, in Tampa.
Operation Southern Slow Down is not only in Florida, but it will include law enforcement and transportation agencies across the Southeast United States, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the FHP public affairs officer in Tampa noted. This effort aims to reduce speed-related crashes and fatalities on Interstates and state highways.
FHP Troop B does not have a public affairs officer listed, although FHP Lt. Jason French essentially has been serving in that capacity since the retirement of FHP Lt. Patrick Riordan.
The FHP notes that Troop A (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, and Gulf counties) and Troop B (Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion and Suwannee counties) have vacancies for the public affairs officer posts that are “to be determined,” although no date is set for the announcement of those posts being filled.
Meanwhile in the City of Cross City, Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka on July 14 announced that Chief Jamey King has said the Cross City Police Department (CCPD) has joined Operation Southern Slow Down to promote road safety.
The vice mayor’s announcement was made via email at 12:45 p.m. today (Monday, July 14).
Like other law enforcement agencies, the CCPD is active in this program from July 14 through July 19.
The CCPD, Vice Mayor Marhefka said, is working in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
This initiative aims to reduce speed-related fatalities and serious injury crashes by targeting speeding and aggressive driving, he noted.
Marhefka said this annual campaign reinforces a longstanding tradition of regional collaboration to enhance road safety. The Cross City Police Department will increase patrols and conduct targeted enforcement to encourage drivers to slow down and drive responsibly, he said.
“Speeding puts lives at risk,” Cross City Police Chief King said, Chief of the Cross City Police Department. “We’re committed to making our roads safer by educating drivers and enforcing speed limits during Operation Southern Slow Down.”
Repeat international drug trafficker
gets 20-year federal prison term
for trafficking cocaine
via a self-propelled semi-submersible
This photo of members of the United States Coast Guard on top of the submersible transport vessel is part of the evidence in USA v. Mera Viela et al (and others) document 125.
Story and Photo Provided
By United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe’s Office
for the Middle District of Florida
Published July 14, 2025 at 8 p.m.
TAMPA – United States District Judge William F. Jung today (Monday, July 14) sentenced Vicente Lopez Mero, 67, of Ecuador to 19 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Lopez Mero pled guilty on March 26, 2025.
On Oct. 27, 2024, Lopez Mero and four co-conspirators smuggled cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean aboard a self-propelled semi-submersible vessel, which is a closed hull boat specifically configured for transporting large quantities of illicit drugs in its interior cargo hold, according to court documents.
Guardsmen from the United States Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL-755), a USCG Legend-class cutter, interdicted the semi-submersible vessel 960 nautical miles north of French Polynesia, in international waters
The United States Coast Guard seized 3,749 kilograms (8,265 pounds) of cocaine, which has an approximate wholesale value of $82 million. Lopez Mero had previously been convicted of and sentenced in 2020 for smuggling large quantities of cocaine within the ballast tanks of an international container ship.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location.
This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transitional criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecution is being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Suspects Jailed July 7, 2025 through July 13, 2025
Published July 14, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Suspects Jailed July 7, 2025 through July 13, 2025
Published July 14, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Suspects Jailed July 7, 2025 through July 13, 2025
Published July 14, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Federal charges filed against
Williston man for armed drug-trafficking
Information Provided
By United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida
Published July 14, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
GAINESVILLE – Kendrick Jermaine Hills Jr., 22, of Williston, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for charges related to armed drug-trafficking. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges early Monday morning (July 14).
Hills was arrested on Thursday (July 10), and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida on the same day.
Hills was indicted for one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.
Jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 13 at 8:30 a.m. before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor. If convicted, Hills faces up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain and Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond and to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt at trial.
CCSO arrests armed bank robbery suspect
‘Texas Billy’ stayed at Scooter Haven
Mug Shot By LCSO – Graphic By CCSO
Information and Graphic Provided
By CCSO Community Relations Specialist Haleigh Perez
Published July 11, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
CITRUS COUNTY -- On Thursday (July 10), 2025, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) launched an investigation into an armed robbery at Capital City Bank, located at 101 S.E. U.S. Highway 19 in Crystal River.
Shortly before 9:40 a.m., a white male suspect, later identified as William Burton Clarkson, 54, of Inglis, entered the bank, displayed a handgun, and demanded cash from a teller. The suspect fled on foot with approximately $2,000.
Surveillance footage and witness accounts described him as wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, boots, sunglasses and having long hair in a ponytail.
The CCSO received numerous Crime Stoppers tips identifying the man as Clarkson, also known as “Texas Billy.” Detectives were informed that he was staying at Scooter Haven RV Park in Inglis.
CCSO Major Crimes Det. Bobby Bang followed up on the tips and located a truck with a Texas license plate at the RV park. With assistance from CCSO Crime Intelligence Analyst Lori Cronshaw, investigators confirmed Clarkson's identity
A cooperating witness who confronted Clarkson after the social media release helped facilitate his surrender to deputies at the Inglis Food Ranch in Levy County.
Because Clarkson resided in Levy County, detectives from both Citrus and Levy counties obtained and executed search warrants at Scooter Haven, recovering evidence tied to the robbery.
Further investigation revealed that Clarkson may have attempted to enter GTE Financial in Crystal River shortly before the robbery, posing as a utility worker. Surveillance footage from GTE and items found in Clarkson's truck, such as a white hard hat and a reflective vest, supported this lead.
“This case highlights how essential every part of our agency is, from real-time intelligence gathering to on-the-ground investigation,” said Major Crimes Unit Sergeant Thomas Dowling. “Our team's dedication, combined with the public's quick response to our social media outreach, was key in quickly identifying and apprehending a dangerous suspect.”
Clarkson was transported to the Levy County Jail and booked on one count of robbery with a firearm. He is being held without bond.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at (352) 249-2790 or Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS.
Attempted murder charge levied
after suspected shooter
fires bullet into victim's back
Mug Shot By LCSO - Graphic By HardisonInk.com
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 10, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Except one photo taken by Williston Police Chief Mike Rolls
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
BRONSON – A 34-year-old Bronson man is in the Levy County Jail charged with attempted second degree murder with a firearm after he reportedly shot another man in the back, according to information in a press release and in public records.
Justin Stevenson, 34, of Bronson is in the Levy County Detention Center (aka Levy County Jail) with no bond and is charged with attempted second degree murder with a firearm after his July 8 arrest, according to records.
Deputies with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a shooting incident Tuesday evening (July 8) shortly after 7 p.m. at vacant property east of Bronson, the LCSO said.
Deputies found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, the LCSO said. He was transported to an emergency room for treatment of this life-threatening injury, the LCSO said. There are no hospitals, emergency rooms or trauma centers in Levy County.
Investigators determined two men, Stevenson and the victim, were arguing over their failing business venture of raising animals, the LCSO said. The victim learned that an animal had been sold without consent, which led to the verbal clash, the LCSO said.
The argument escalated, the LCSO said, and Stevenson pulled a handgun he had hidden in his pocket. Stevenson fired one shot into the victim’s back as that man was fleeing for safety, the LCSO said.
Stevenson told deputies that he had fired the shot to protect his pregnant fiancé, whom he believed the victim was about to attack, the LCSO said.
This entire incident was recorded on video, unbeknownst to Stevenson, the LCSO said. The video evidence captured by the victim’s phone was recovered and used to debunk Stevenson’s statement of defense of another, the LCSO added.
FHP wins
America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest
FHP’s black and tan Corvette cruiser set against the backdrop of a vibrant Miami sunset, with the city’s iconic skyline in the distance.
Information and Photo Provided By FLHSMV Office of Communications
Sent July 11, 2025 at 5:49 p.m.
Published July 12, 2025 at 6:45 a.m.
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) won the 2025 Annual America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest — marking a historic three-peat for the Sunshine State, the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) announced on July 11.
Florida is now the first state in contest history to win three consecutive years.
This year’s winning photo features FHP’s black and tan Corvette cruiser set against the backdrop of a vibrant Miami sunset, with the city’s iconic skyline in the distance. It’s a tribute to the energy, strength, and beauty of Florida — and a reflection of the pride FHP takes in representing all corners of the state.
“Florida is a state filled with pride and support for our law enforcement officers, and this historic, first ever three-peat is a reflection of that,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner. “This first-ever three-peat is a credit to our team’s creativity, our agency’s mission, and the thousands of Floridians who rallied behind us once again. I’m incredibly proud of our troopers, staff, and the support we’ve received from the public and our partners statewide. And, the fact remains that the Florida Highway Patrol “Black and Tan” is the nation’s best-looking cruiser.”
The 2025 contest kicked off on June 30 and featured a record 49 states. After two weeks of intense online voting, Florida emerged victorious in one of the closest finishes in contest history.
Florida’s winning photo will be featured on the cover of the 2026 AAST America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar, with proceeds benefiting scholarships for the children of state troopers nationwide.
“The AAST Best Looking Cruiser competition is great way for our State Troopers across the nation to connect with those we serve,” FHP Col. Gary Howze said. “Your Florida Highway Patrol members are proud to represent the great State of Florida on this national stage. This win is for everyone that participated — and for the public, who benefit every day from strong partnerships and a shared commitment to public safety. Thank you, Florida, for making history with us!”
Deputy Helps With Traffic
A deputy with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office is among the people helping a motorist with problems at the relatively new and very large Marathon gasoline and convenience store at the corner of Thrasher Drive (State Road 24) and Hathaway Avenue (U.S. Alt 27) in Bronson at 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday (July 8).
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 9, 2025 at 6:15 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Hospital staff help
cut prisoner’s escape short
Mug Shot By LCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 7, 2025 at 10 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
LEVY COUNTY – A 28-year-old Morriston man tried to declare his independence from being in the custody from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office on the Fourth of July, but his escape was cut short after Shands Hospital staff members in Gainesville helped a deputy stopped him, according to records.
Alexander Ryan Casilli, 28, of Morriston remains in the Levy County Detention Center (Levy County Jail) in lieu of $720,000 total bonds after his alleged Independence day shenanigans, according to records.
Morriston is census designated area in some of the unincorporated part of Levy County.
Casilli is charged with two counts of burglary of an unoccupied structure, $100,000 in combined bonds; two counts of first-degree petit theft, $20,000 in combined bonds; battery on a law enforcement officer, $100,000 bond; and escape, $500,000 bond, according to records.
On July 4, Casilli was arrested for burglary and theft, according to records. While in a booking cell, he injured himself to the point that he had to be treated at a hospital, according to records. Levy County has no hospital or trauma center.
While at Shands, Casilli was being watched by LCSO Corrections Deputy M. Johnson while the injured suspected burglarizing thief was in a hospital room, according to records.
Casilli, while in leg constraints, ran at Deputy Johnson aggressively as the deputy tried to block his escape, according to records. Casilli broke loose from a “bear hug” and ran about 15 to 20 feet before hospital staff members helped Deputy Johnson take the man back into custody, according to records.
Earlier on Independence Day 2025, a Levy County resident in the Morriston area saw Casilli with her Craftsman drill as he was standing in her metal barn, according to records.
Casilli is suspected of stealing a Publix gift card as well as entering a Hyundai vehicle to grab it when he had no right to do so, according to records.
A corporal with the LCSO came to the scene and arrested the man for burglary and theft, according to records. Then, he furthered his adventure by hurting himself in a booking cell and then shortly escaping while at a Gainesville hospital, according to records.
One dies, one injured
after two ATVs crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 5, 2025 at 8 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
HAMILTON COUNTY – A 15-year-old boy from Palm Bay (Brevard County) died and a 39-year-old man from Lake City (Columbia County) suffered minor injuries as the result of a crash late Friday night (July 4) in Hamilton County, according to a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The next of kin of the teenager who died were contacted before the press release was sent, the FHP said.
A 23-year-old woman from White Springs (Hamilton County) was driving an ATV westbound on Osceola Street and was slowing down to attempt a right turn to the north to go onto Brown Drive (which is south of the Stephen Foster State Memorial Cemetery and north of the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs), the FHP said.
She had a 23-year-old man with her as a passenger, the FHP said, as she was driving the ATV at 10 p.m. on July 4.
A 39-year-old man from Lake City was driving an ATV in front of the ATV she was driving, the FHP said. He had a 15-year-old boy from Palm Bay as a passenger in that ATV, the FHP said.
The ATV driven by the woman from White Springs was traveling too closely to the ATV driven by the man from Lake City, the FHP said in the press release based on information provided in a report by crash investigator FHP Trooper R. MacFadden and homicide investigator M. Phelan.
The ATV that was too close to the one in front of it could not stop in time, which resulted in the front of that ATV striking the rear of the other ATV, the FHP said.
After the collision, the ATV that was hit from behind overturned onto its left side, the FHP said, causing the teenager from Palm Bay to eject from the left side. That ATV overturned onto the boy, the FHP said 1.
The ATV driven by the White Springs woman stopped on Osceola Street facing west with damage to its front, the FHP said. The ATV driven by the man from Lake City came to rest on Brown Drive facing to the northwest with damage to the rear and left side, the FHP said.
The teenage boy from Palm Bay was pronounced dead at the HCA Florida Lake City Hospital Emergency Room, the FHP said. The driver from Lake City suffered minor injuries, the FHP said.
None of the four people involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts, the FHP said.
As of May of 2020, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped providing names of people and some other information from crashes as part of its press releases.
Prior to May of 2020, the FHP formerly provided that information via those public records in its press releases.
The FHP and some other law enforcement agencies in Florida are abiding by a version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is allegedly used to protect victims of crimes. The Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” was adopted after Florida voters chose to change the Florida Constitution to exempt more public records from view.
Although not every vehicle crash involves crime victims, which may have been the legislative intent of the Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” approved by voters, the FHP adopted its current blanket exclusion of some information as part of its process in sending press releases.
Although the FHP adopted this new practice, not every law enforcement agency has done so.
For instance, the Chiefland Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Ocala Police Department all have provided crash information in press releases or traffic crash reports, except when there is an actual victim of a crime, as demonstrated in the reports provided to the press since the onset of the FHP’s revision in its press release practices in May of 2020.
Crash Report Purchasing
https://services.flhsmv.gov/CrashReportPurchasing/
Florida Crash Data
https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Victims’ Rights Information
https://www.flhsmv.gov/victimsrights/
CCPD accepts donated K-9
to detect illegal drugs
CCPD K-9 handler Sgt. Michael Henry is seen with K-9 Drake here.
Information and Photo Provided By Cross City Police Department
Published July 4, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
CROSS CITY – Cross City Police Chief Jamey King, on behalf of the Cross City Police Department (CCPD) and the Town of Cross City, extended the deepest gratitude recently to Justin Stout of Von Stout Kennels in Live Oak for his generous donation of a highly trained drug-detecting canine to the CCPD. Stout’s dedication to training both the K9 Drake and CCPD K-9 handler Sgt. Michael Henry in the detection of illegal drugs has equipped this law enforcement team with an invaluable asset to enhance public safety. Stout’s selfless commitment to the community is truly commendable, and Chief King and the town are profoundly grateful for his support.
This drug-detecting K9 is a game-changer for the Town of Cross City. This specially trained canine will help the Police Department detect illegal drugs, disrupt drug trafficking, and help prevent dangerous substances from harming the residents of, and visitors to, Cross City.
By strengthening the CCPD’s ability to keep narcotics and other drugs off of the streets of Cross City, this K9 will contribute to safer neighborhoods, protect young people from drug-related harm, and support the ongoing efforts to maintain a thriving, secure community.
“Thank you, Justin and Von Stout Kennels, for investing in the safety and wellbeing of Cross City!” Chief King noted.
Detective arrests sexual predator
suspected of failing to follow court orders
Mug Shot By LCSO-Graphic By HardisonInk.com
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 3, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
* UPDATED JULY 11, 2025 at 3 p.m. -
Go To The Asterisk For The Update
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
LEVY COUNTY – A 65-year-old man with a Cedar Key residential address was arrested July 1 (Tuesday) by Detective Cody Weaver of the Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), according to records.
Jeffery Earl Lashley, 65, of Cedar Key (Rosewood area) was booked into the Levy County Detention Center (Levy County Jail) at 11 p.m. Tuesday night according to records. He will remain there unless he can post $200,000 worth of combined bonds as a result of four counts ($50,000 each) of being a convicted sexual predator who failed to comply with statutory requirements, according to records
Specifically, he was arrested on four counts of the third degree felony noted in Florida Statute 775.21-10a, according to records.
That law notes in part that “… a sexual predator who fails to register; who fails, after registration, to maintain, acquire, or renew a driver license or an identification card; who fails to provide required location information or change-of-name information; who fails to provide electronic mail addresses, Internet identifiers, and each Internet identifier’s corresponding website homepage or application software name; who fails to provide all home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; who fails to report any changes to employment information or changes in status at an institution of higher education; who fails to report any changes to vehicles owned, including the addition of new vehicles and changes to the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag numbers of previously reported vehicles; who fails to make a required report in connection with vacating a permanent residence; who fails to reregister as required; who fails to respond to any address verification correspondence from the department or from county or local law enforcement agencies within 3 weeks after the date of the correspondence; who knowingly provides false registration information by act or omission; or who otherwise fails, by act or omission, to comply with the requirements of this section commits a felony of the third degree,” according to the law.
Lasley was adjudicated guilty in 2004 on multiple sexual offenses thus designating him as a sexual predator, according to records.
Lashley failed to remain in compliance with the Florida sexual offender/predator registration requirements, the LCSO noted in a July 3 press release regarding the man’s July 1 arrest by Det. Weaver.
On June 30, LCSO Deputy Patrick Lockett discovered Lashley had been staying at property in the Rosewood area that is not documented as part of his registration requirements, the LCSO said.
Deputy Lockett relayed this information as well as Lashley’s day-to-day activities to detectives. This information proved to be invaluable, the LCSO said.
On July 1, Det. Weaver continued the investigation, where he found multiple sexual predator violations, the LCSO said
Detective Weaver discovered search engine history of “pedophilia” and “little girls in bathing suits,” as well as photographs of unidentified pre-pubescent girls in bathing suits found during a search of Lashley’s cellphone.
The LCSO takes sexual offender/predator violations seriously, the LCSO noted in the press release. The LCSO intends to continually perform compliance reviews on all registered sexual offenders/predators, the LCSO said. The LCSO knows that recidivism by individuals who have been convicted of these heinous crimes is extremely high, the LCSO said, and the agency wants to ensure Levy County’s residents and visitors that it will continue to investigate these violations and make arrests.
* Updated - More Charges, Bond Hits $1 Million
July 11, 2025 at 3 p.m.
UPDATED – A July 11 press release from the LCSO shows Det. Weaver seized Lashley’s cell phone during the initial investigation.
This investigation continued and Weaver sought a search warrant for this phone, even though Lashley was in jail and being held in custody with a $200,000 bond.
Detective Weaver found evidence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) videos had been searched and downloaded to the phone by Lashley.
On July 10, after an extensive forensic review of the contents of Lashley’s phone was complete, 16 more charges for possession of CSAM were filed.
These new charges were reviewed by Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante during first appearance this morning (Friday, July 11). Judge Bustamante assigned an addition $800,000 bond for these new charges -- bringing Lashley’s total combined bond to $1 million.
Coast Guard offloads
more than $20 million in illicit drugs
interdicted in Caribbean Sea
In this still shot taken from a video provided by the United States Coast Guard, the Coast Guard deployed Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron team aboard the Royal Netherlands navy ship Friesland fires warning shots at a suspected drug smuggling vessel off the coast of Venezuela on June 15. The interdicted drugs were part of a larger drug offload by USCGC Northland at Base Miami Beach, Florida on July 2 (Wednesday).
(U.S. Coast Guard video by HITRON)
Information and Photos Provided
United States Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
7th District Public Affairs
Published July 3, 2025 at 7:45 a.m.
MIAMI – United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Northland’s crew offloaded approximately 2,220 pounds of cocaine and 3,320 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $20.1 million on Wednesday (July 2) at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach.
The seized contraband was the result of four interdictions in the Caribbean Sea by the crews of HMCS William Hall and HNLMS Friesland with embarked Coast Guard law enforcement detachments.
“Stopping harmful and illicit narcotics from reaching our shores and entering our communities is a team effort,” said Cmdr. Brian Gismervik, Coast Guard Cutter Northland's commanding officer. “In the dynamic maritime environment, it takes the combined efforts of our joint force DoD, DHS, and international partners to combat transnational criminal organizations.”
The crews of HNLMS Friesland (P-842) and United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404 interdicted a suspicious vessel northeast of Venezuela on June 15. The crews recovered more than 1,100 pounds of cocaine worth more than $8 million.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo)
The crew of HMCS William Hall (AOPV 433) and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 109 interdicted a suspicious vessel approximately 160 miles north of Bonaire in the Caribbean Sea on June 8. The crews recovered more than 540 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $4 million.
(United States Coast Guard photo)
Some of the seized drugs are seen here.
(United States Coast Guard photo)
Crew members of USCG Cutter Northland (WMEC 904) offload more than 5,500 pounds of illicit drugs at U.S. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach on July 2. The crews of HMCS William Hall (AOPV 433) and HNLMS Friesland (P-842) seized more than $20 million worth of cocaine and marijuana in four interdictions in the Caribbean Sea.
(United States Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Diana Sherbs)
C- Crew members of USCG Cutter Northland (WMEC 904) offload more than 5,500 pounds of illicit drugs at U.S. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, July 2, 2025. The crews of HMCS William Hall (AOPV 433) and HNLMS Friesland (P-842) seized more than $20 million worth of cocaine and marijuana in four interdictions in the Caribbean Sea.
(United States Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Diana Sherbs)
The following assets and crews were involved in the interdiction operations:
● Royal Canadian Navy ship HMCS William Hall
● Royal Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Friesland
● United States Navy ship USS Cole
● United States Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, LEDET 404
● U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific, LEDET 103
● Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron Jacksonville
● Seventh Coast Guard District staff
Detecting and interdicting illicit drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. Joint Interagency Task Force-South, in Key West, conducts the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs.
Once an interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the United States Coast Guard for the interdiction and apprehension phases. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the United States Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami.
USCG Cutter Northland is a 270-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth under United States Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.
One pill can kill:
Learn more about fake medications
Information Provided
By United States Drug Enforcement Agency
Published July 2, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The fentanyl drug epidemic is destroying communities and ending young lives at an alarming speed.
As of April 2025, more than 119 million deadly doses of fentanyl have been seized. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) notes that “One Pill Can Kill.”
The DEA teamed up with National Football League (NFL) Alumni Health and country music celebrities to raise awareness of the dangers of illicit drugs. Individuals can educate and protect themselves and their loved ones from this deadly fentanyl crisis.
Step up: Be cautious of fake pills. Remember that the only safe medications are the ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
Speak out: Use your voice to raise awareness and spread lifesaving information. Remember that just one pill can kill.
Fight back: Whether you are a teacher, parent, first responder, or a student leader, you can help us by breaking the stigma and reducing demand for fentanyl and other synthetic substances.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 94,112 American lives were lost due to drug overdose during the 12-month period ending July 2024.
Responding to the fentanyl threat with unparalleled actions and creating disruptions across the illicit fentanyl supply chain, the DEA seized in excess of 55,500,000 fentanyl pills and 7,800 pounds of fentanyl last year. That equates to nearly 367 million deadly doses. Half of the pills tested by DEA contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl.
More information is available at https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
Cross City man awaits sentence
of 10 years to life for meth trafficking
LCSO, DCSO and DEA worked together
Information Provided
By U.S. Attorney’s Office - Northern District of Florida
Public Information Officer Danielle Durst
Published June 30, 2025 at 5:15 p.m.
GAINESVILLE -- Khiri Jackson, 31, of Cross City pled guilty in federal court to the charge of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Methamphetamine addiction destroys lives and harms communities throughout North Florida,” U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “but this trafficker’s days of flooding our streets with this poison are over.”
The federal prosecuting attorney added that he “… deeply appreciates the outstanding work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to keep these offenders and these deadly drugs off our streets.”
Court documents reflect that the united States Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the drug-trafficking activities of Jackson since late 2024.
On April 15, 2025, through coordinated law enforcement surveillance, Jackson was apprehended near Old Town (Dixie County) as he returned from the Ocala (Marion County) area. Law enforcement found approximately a pound of drugs in a vacuum-sealed bag on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Jackson faces at least 10-years in prison up to a maximum of life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner and Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.
LCSO reels in suspected
non-compliant sex offenders
Graphic By LCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison © June 30, 2025 at x p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
BRONSON – The Levy County Sheriff’s Office reeled in seven suspects and continued three additional ongoing active investigations which resulted in arrest warrants being issued in a recent operation, according to information in a June 30 press release.
Named Operation Summer Sweep, the monthlong venture showed the LCSO identifying noncompliant sex offenders and sexual predators residing in Levy County. The initiative resulted in seven arrests and three additional ongoing active investigations, which resulted in arrest warrants being issued.
This initiative reflects the LCSO’s unwavering commitment to public safety and felonious offender accountability.
Operation Summer Sweep started with coordinated address verification checks of the 209 registered offenders in the county. These checks were performed by LCSO school resource deputies.
Almost all Levy County children are out of school now for summer vacation. The checks were strategically planned and executed to ensure sex offenders and predators were in compliance with the Florida Statutes that govern registration and residency requirements.
Any identified violation was immediately referred to the LCSO Criminal Investigations Division Sex Offender Compliance detectives for follow-up.
Detectives thoroughly investigated and ultimately identified and charged the following individuals found to be in violation of sex offender registration laws.
* Reginald Eugene Symonette, 47
* Percy Lee Spinner, 29
* Walter Allen Aldridge, 56
* Elijah Wood-Toher, 19
* Lawrence Carl McDonald, 48
* James Edward Foster, 69
* Robert Chilton Slone, 44
Offenses ranged included failing to report when a registered residence became vacant; not registering as required with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office; and failing to notify authorities after moving from a registered address.
Another criminal offense that was uncovered is a sexual offender who did not report Internet identifiers such as email addresses or social media accounts.
The members of the LCSO remain committed to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors through proactive enforcement, community partnerships, and relentless investigation into those who fail to comply with sexual offender registration laws.
To report a possible sex offender violation contact the Levy County Sheriff’s Office – Detective Cody Weaver 352-486-5111, extension 362.
For tips from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to keep children safe on the Internet, click HERE. https://secureflorida.org/
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Here, Goldy (the now late) cat Hardison (Aug. 12, 2009-Aug. 25, 2021)
plays dead - her signature trick. She was among the great cats of the world.
Cat training and video
By Jeff M. Hardison
© 2010-2024 All Rights Reserved
Here Inky the cat Hardison performs three Olympic jumps to rival the athletes in Brazil in 2016. Wait for it -- JUMP!
Cat training and video
By Jeff M. Hardison
© 2010-2024 All Rights Reserved
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