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after to taunt her he used aspects of Big Cat Rescue branding in his marketing. It was later discovered that Munn relocated 65 dogs to Iowa. However, during one of his short stops, the other passenger of the vehicle, identified as 61-year-old Betty Joan Hall of Lecanto, was able to safely exit. Know that if you participate in any way in the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, we will arrest you and make sure you are held accountable for your actions. Citrus Hills crime rates are 49% lower than the national average. Our office is thankful that we were able to apprehend Dailey without further incident and that everyone on our team will be returning home safely this Easter.. On September 15, 2022, the report from the Medical Examiners Office ruled the cause of Paynes death as a combined drug toxicity of fentanyl and alcohol. Coupled with the existing evidence and preliminary examinations by the shelter veterinarian, an arrest warrant was obtained for Munn. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Carlos Hallowell, who killed his mother with an axe while she slept, wasn't eligible for the death penalty because. They said there is no threat to the public. The trooper and all law enforcement involved were unharmed during this dangerous encounter with Greenough. This unit is also tasked with the investigation of technologically facilitated offenses including but not limited to forgeries, fraud, fiduciary crimes, breach of computer security, and social networking related offenses. More notably, he has trained over 50 personnel in establishing emergency communications through two-way radio, satellite, and cellular connections. Jose Joaquin Hernandez (DOB 6-10-64) was arrested and charged in accordance with Florida Statute 828.122 (3) (d), Fighting or baiting animals and promoting, staging, advertising, or charging any admission fee to a fight or baiting between two or more animals. Total bond set at none. (Citrus County, FL) Last night, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) officials arrested 22-year-old Jacqueline Jasmin Johnson-Cabrera of Ocala for the murder of Cory Schweitzer. His campsite was found not long after, which easily connected him to the crimes. Armed with the information, knowledge, and operational resources gained through meeting the program criteria, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office continues to be positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a childs life may be at stake. The culprit? One of the dogs, now in the care of the Iowa Animal Rescue League, had a leg that was improperly amputated. Some of the most infamous Florida murders which can be found on these lists include the still unsolved 1966 triple homicide of Robert, Helen, and Joy Sims. 44 to the Publix in the Crystal Springs Plaza at the intersection of C.R. The preliminary information gathered at the scene led detectives in a different direction. Cornelius was challenged with hands-on training, structured coursework, and assessments, expanding her abilities to recognize evolving criminal trends and threats and how to apply that knowledge into making actionable intelligence products. Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Leah Barnes (DOB 6/11/1995), Crystal River, FL- Violation of Probation original charge Battery. (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office announces its participation in Operation Southern Slow Down. The juvenile victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) members at Jessies Place, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center. Due to this being a potential fatal fentanyl overdose, detectives from the CCSO Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) responded to the scene and began an investigation. The decedents body was turned over to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Thanks to his dapper good looks, charisma, and shockingly high body count. Our office works closely with our partners at CoreCivic, and we want to send a clear message that illicit drugs have no place in our community and absolutely no place in our detention facility.. Caylees body was eventually found months later, not far from her mothers Orlando home, and Anthony was charged with her little girls murder. Drug users steal to pay for their addictions; their dependence tarnishes relationships with loved ones and can even result in their death by means of overdose. The Jessica Lunsford Act was named after her. While investigators were at the West Mistflower Place residence in Homosassa, they found additional property which had been reported as stolen from back in June of this year, from the Gulf to Lake Church in Crystal River, FL. I cannot imagine the countless lives investigations such as this have saved. Jessica Marie Lunsford (October 6, 1995 February 27, 2005) was an American nine-year-old girl from Homosassa, Florida, who was murdered in February 2005. In total, 56 dogs were found on the property living in deplorable conditions. According to CCSO, deputies took three people into custody while serving a warrant at a home located on South Kik Point in Floral City, Florida. Instead of CCSO deputies discovering a possible party with loud music, they found plain evidence of this organized criminal activity, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. On October 20th and 21st, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office implemented their plan, not only to capture active wanted domestic violence suspects, but also help raise awareness in our communities. Detectives from CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit worked in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives gathering evidence that led to the issuance and execution of this narcotics search warrant. In February 2012, Detective Parsons was transferred to CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), serving as a Deputy from February 2012 until April 2015. (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, March 3, 2022, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Richard Ric Howard, a jury found 40-year-old James Touchton of Inverness guilty of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12 (six counts) and Domestic Battery by Strangulation (two counts). The culprit? Aggravated assault. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled in a white vehicle. Total bond set at $27,000. (Citrus County, FL) Over the last two days, just in time for Easter, members of the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) conducted a covert operation to search for the rotten eggs that have been involved in the sale and distribution of illicit narcotics in Citrus County. Another predator has been removed from society due to the amazing work by CCSO detectives, the Child Protection Team, and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Dont give criminals an open door of opportunity. After approximately three weeks of intense searching for her around the area of her home, John Evander Couey was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for an outstanding warrant of cannabis possession, but was released after questioning because it was only a local warrant. Based on the findings of this case, along with the evidence collected and interviews conducted, an arrest warrant was signed by the Honorable Judge Falvey yesterday and Dean was arrested merely hours later. Total bond set at $2,178.00. Dlugos bond was set at $69,000 per the bond schedule. She was ultimately charged with two counts sale of a controlled substance with a total bond of $10,000. Total bond set at none. Locally, he received the Partners with a Heart award for his outstanding work in methamphetamine eradication. If you suspect someone is committing crimes against our youth, call (352) 249-2790 to report your suspicions to our office immediately. Houston was arrested for one count of 3 rd degree murder and one count of aggravated battery by a person who is being detained in a prison, jail, or other detention facility upon visitor or other detainee. The rate of violent crime in Citrus County is 3.28 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. CCSO would like to thank all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement agency partners who played an integral role in the success of this operation and were unwavering in their commitment to protecting our youth. [6] Couey admitted to raping Lunsford in his bedroom, keeping her in his bed that evening, and raping her again in the morning. First responders arrived at the residence shortly thereafter and pronounced the victim deceased. Multiple robberies, battery, assaults,burglaries,thefts per day per population in just the city I work, not including the entire county. Detectives also seized the fighting equipment, along with approximately $5,200 in cash that was utilized for placing bets on the fighting roosters. 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty 828.12(1). A NCMEC spokesperson stated, By demonstrating remarkable leadership, and making this commitment of training and preparedness, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office is communicating to its citizens and families that protecting the lives and safety of their children is a top priority. Thats probably why the story of Lisa Nowak, an astronaut who drove about 900 miles to confront and allegedly kidnap a romantic rival, fascinated the public. Contact was then made with Hite who was arrested. The first juvenile victim also told the complainant that Guevara had sent explicit photos and videos to them on social media. As deputies secured Hall, she indicated that Dailey was high on methamphetamine and had a firearm in the truck. This incident was irresponsible and preventable, stated Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. During this interview, it was determined numerous instances of sexual abuse had taken place at a residence located in Crystal River, Florida, as well as at multiple other locations throughout the state. Analyst Ramos, attended the conference not only to further her applicable abilities in various concepts of criminality, but she was also featured as a speaker, delivering a presentation on Tools to Enhance Investigating Tips & Open Source Intelligence.. It is not as developed as Spring Hill was before the pandemic (Hernando County has grown considerably.. View nearby homes. 6.6 lbs. During an interview with the Child Protection Team (CPT), at Jessies Place Child Advocacy Center, the victim said that Cole had travelled to Inverness from his home in Polk City and they had engaged in sexual activity in a local parking area. So naturally, there is a lot of respect afforded to those deemed fit and courageous enough to travel to mankinds final frontier. Ramon Luis Castro (DOB 8-21-42), of Hudson, FL. Erik Andrew Hess Over a million dollars worth of cocaine has been taken off the streets as a result of this investigation. Witnesses told deputies the suspected shooter tried to break into their home before he fled on foot. When Cohen was dropping the victim off at daycare in the morning, a staff member observed Cohen acting strange. We would like to thank our partners at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Homeland Security) Air and Marine Operations, and the U.S. (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, 33-year-old Brodrick Larnell Houston of Inverness, Florida, was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) for the charge of murder. CCSO App users can look up Sexual Offenders in their area by clicking on the Sexual Offenders feature, which will show a photo of the offender, their name, physical descriptors, address, and your approximate distance from their location (if app location settings are turned on by the user). The suspect, later identified as 46-years-old Bryan Thomas Otto of Dunnellon (DOB 10/19/1975), was pronounced deceased on scene. Rolling aspired to be as infamous as Ted Bundy. Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, a home to a number of big cats. (Citrus County, FL) Today, January 7, 2022, The Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) wishes to acknowledge the many accomplishments of Deputy Sheriff Thomas Pat Alford as he retires with 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Citrus County. The unit coordinates and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. Megan Thersea Stergios Megan Thersea Stergios, 29, Beverly Hills, arrested May 18 for two counts of failure to appear. Wuornos endured a tough and abusive childhood in Michigan before ending up in Florida, where she drifted and supported herself through sex work and other service jobs. In 2007, Nowak, then 43, embarked on the hours-long drive from Houston to Orlando to allegedly kidnap 30-year-old Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman, who was dating William Oefelein, another NASA astronaut with whom Nowak had once had an affair. He had been murdered. (Citrus County, FL) February 17, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, along with the support of the Hernando County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, executed a search warrant at 6330 W. Carter Road in Homosassa. Each year, this signature event highlights the law enforcement community's year-round support of the Special Olympics. He then set up a campsite near the University of Florida and murdered five students in a shockingly brutal manner, stabbing them repeatedly and cutting the nipples off two of the women. University of Florida students were turning up dead fatally stabbed to death, sometimes raped and mutilated. There is only one person in the world that should be held responsible for Jessica Lunsford's death and that's John Couey. Detectives interviewed Dlugos who confessed to 10 of the reported 11 burglaries. Publix grocery store chain is a premier sponsor of both the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Florida and will be providing healthy snacks and drinks for all relay participants. CCSO joins law enforcement agencies nationwide that will maintain high visibility on the roads as we approach the Labor Day holiday weekend. , Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Intro to Firearms Class: $10! What happens if the police dont get there in time? Following her death, her father, Mark Lunsford, pursued new legislation to provide more stringent tracking of released sex offenders. As the investigation progressed, Miranda claimed ownership of nine roosters for fighting. We are thankful for his dedication to our community and wish him the best in retirement! CCSO. Individuals like Houston are a danger to the citizens and to the safety of Citrus County. Through witness statements, deputies were able to identify the suspect as 29-year-old Daniel Arthur Redman, who was just released from prison on January 9, 2022. [15][16][17], Mark Lunsford becoming an activist for children's rights after the murder of his daughter Jessica is the subject of the 2011 documentary film, Jessie's Dad. However, OToole falsely confessed to killing others, casting doubt on his claim about young Adam. This past weekend the burglar hit three separate locations in one night, bringing the total to 11 commercial burglaries. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Project: Cold Case, as well as many other local, county, and state law enforcement and investigating agencies have lists of unsolved homicides and unsolved missing persons cases listed on their websites. It has truly been an honor to have had him as part of our team, and we wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.. Law enforcement officials from seven Florida counties, who make up the 23rd and 24th cohorts of Saint Leo Universitys Command Officer Management Program, received their diplomas earlier today. CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A retired Citrus County deputy was murdered in central Florida on Tuesday, according to the county sheriff. Total bond set at $1,178.00. 7633 North Florida Avenue , Citrus Springs, FL 34434 +1(352)465-4225 Website; Key Training Center Thrift Stores . The suspect refused to comply and reached behind his back towards his waistband. Acting on information received from a local daycare facility, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Detective Jason Cook and Detective Roscoe Watts, with the Special Victims Unit (SVU), immediately began an investigation. Additionally, at the 2003 Florida Law Enforcement Olympics, Deputy Spencer won Gold in Team Bowling and took Silver in the All Events portion. Please join us in congratulating Detective Cornell on his commitment to excellence in public safety and selfless service to our community for over two decades. Officials did not describe the severity of her injuries or the cause. Detectives compared notes and investigated every possible lead. Ron DeSantis gave law enforcement better tools to protect the communities they serve, by signing his bill into law that increased the penalties for those who illegally sell and distribute opioids in our state. He is being held at the Polk County Jail with a bond of $15,000.00. Getty; Fox Searchlight, Very few humans have ventured into space. They work closely with other units within the Bureau of Special Investigations as well as local, state, and federal authorities. Upon arrival, deputies located the deceased, identified as Bruce Payne, in a shed on the property. (Citrus County, FL) On Friday, December 2nd, at approximately 6:23 p.m., the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) communications center received a call in reference to a shooting that had just occurred at 3980 South Springbreeze Way in Homosassa, FL. (Citrus County, FL) March 3, 2022, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Richard Ric Howard, a jury found 40-year-old James Touchton of Inverness guilty of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12 (six counts) and Domestic Battery by Strangulation (two counts). The B- grade means the rate of murder is slightly lower than the average US county. Detectives Cook and Watts made contact with Cohen and conducted an interview. She was also reportedly wearing an adult diaper for the trek a detail her legal team denied but one salacious enough to turn her into a national punchline. He is being held at the Citrus County Jail without bond. (in reality an undercover agent) to kill Baskin, and was arrested in Gulf Breeze, Florida. For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the agencys ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please send correspondence to: CFA, P.O. In 2013, an appeals court overturned two of the four convictions, CNN reported at the time. ontwo counts of murder-for-hire, eight counts of violating the Lacey Act for falsifying wildlife records, and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act, according. Deadly drugs and those who deal in these dangerous substances have no place in our community.. 572 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428 +1(352)794-6367 FireFlex Beauty Supply Detective Snedeker recalled a vehicle matching the description being parked at a local motel in Homosassa. In total, ten arrests were made as a result of this operation. Since taking over the program, Ramos has been extremely active and is responsible for much of the ongoing successes of our countys Crime Stoppers Program. . Any additional details regarding this incident will be released when possible. Sheriff Grady Judd . For a complete listing of all MKRP recognized agencies, go to: (Citrus County, FL) Last night, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) arrested a suspect involved in the Regions Bank robbery, which occurred on Monday, July 11, at approximately 12:16p.m. Exotic lost the suit and soon owed Baskin a lot of money. (Citrus County, FL) On August 10, 2022, Community Crime Unit Detectives along with CCSO Animal Control responded to 6619 W Copenhagen St. in Dunnellon in reference to suspicion of breeding roosters for fighting. Greenough will be charged with robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. Our non-emergency line is staffed 24/7 and can be reached at 352-249-2790. In July 27, 1981, Adam Walsh vanished from a Sears in a Hollywood, Florida mall. Warrants are served for all types of family related crimes, including: domestic violence, interfering with making 9-1-1 calls, injunction violations, pretrial release agreement violations, non-payment of child support, child abuse crimes, elder abuse crimes and any other type of family violence. This all unfolded back in May of 2017, when a . In October 2005, Deputy Parsons was promoted to the rank of Corporal and Officer In Charge. Citrus County Sheriff. Thanks to his dapper good looks, charisma, and shockingly high body count, Ted Bundy, whos linked to the murders of at least 36 women, is perhaps the most famous serial killer in America. Various narcotics, drug paraphernalia, eighteen firearms (including three stolen firearms), hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body-armor, four silencers, an explosive device, and roughly $5,600 in cash from illegal drug activity were seized and turned in as evidence this afternoon. Her mother, Cindy, called 911 to report her granddaughter missing, ABC News reported in 2011. We encourage all citizens to use this tool so they will remain anonymous and possibly eligible for a cash reward when reporting a crime. Copy and paste this code into your website. Those two addresses are both located on the same five-acre tract, where both homes were being utilized to traffic large quantities of cocaine. "Citrus County Animal Services staff will be collecting veterinary forensic evidence and providing care for the victims. in Dunnellon in reference to a disturbance and verbal altercation. , which dives into chilling and bizarre crimes across the state. On August 15, 2022, the CCSO responded to a deceased person at a residence in Inverness, Florida. Forcible sex offenses. Mandel Witherspoon in Florida Citrus County 12/26/1975. Public Schools. No bond. As of this year, there are roughly 19,064 Florida cold cases, according to Project: Cold Case, a not-for-profit organization with the goal of bringing all of the unsolved homicides in the United States to the public eye in an attempt to solve cold cases by linking the information in an organized database. It was Exotic, however, who ended up behind bars for a murder plot. For example, evidence can range from fingerprints, blood, skin cells, or other DNA evidence, to gunpowder residue, and most often includes Leon County murders crime scene photos, to illustrate tothe jurors the crimes surrounding environment, possibly the circumstances of the crime, and other details about the crime and crime scene. The units detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street-level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. In Citrus Hills you have a 1 in 83 chance of becoming a victim of crime. For over 16 years, Detective Cornell performed digital forensic examinations on computers, cellular phones, camera systems, hard drives, thumb drives, and cloud based servers. cotton short-sleeve shirts are $20.00, dry-fit shirts are $25.00, and womens cotton razorback tanks are $25.00. He received specialized training to enter and dismantle clandestine laboratories and is still one of only several clan lab certified detectives at the sheriffs office. We at the National Center would like to express our sincere gratitude and congratulations to the Citrus County Sheriffs Office for their diligence and commitment to children.. If you hear or see something, SAY IT HERE with Crime Stoppers! In July 27, 1981, Adam Walsh vanished from a Sears in a Hollywood, Florida mall. DeSantis in his fight to end this deadly crisis and save lives. The NHTSA recommends having a plan whether youre driving, riding, or hosting. And these werent his first killings. 847.0135 (3)(a ). The victim was taken to Jessies Place, Citrus Countys Child Advocacy Center, for an emergency medical examination by the Child Protection Team (CPT). On July 28, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) responded to a motor vehicle crash that occurred near the 8000 block of North Suncoast Boulevard in Crystal River. 847.0138(2), Travel to Seduce/Solicit Child in Sex Act: F.S.S. As with any of our deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is on scene and investigating this case. (Citrus County, FL) The Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) is proud to announce that we have received our 3rd consecutive Excelsior Accreditation Award from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA). In the meantime, please avoid the area between N. Regatta Pt and Fort Island Gulf Beach.. Detectives learned the suspect vehicle, a white GMC extended cab style vehicle, was observed to be in the area of multiple burglary scenes. Touchton was then sentenced to six consecutive life sentences for Capital Sexual Battery and two consecutive five-year sentences for Domestic Battery. I am extremely proud of the teamwork from the various law enforcement agencies that went into making these arrests possible and for knowing that thanks to their dedication, weve stopped these sexual predators from preying on children in our county and our surrounding counties.. At around the same time, another male body turned. People who live in Citrus County generally consider the south part of the county to be the safest for this type of crime. BLOG; CATEGORIES. Serial killers are seemingly almost always male, which is why. He even decapitated one and placed her head on a bookshelf. Citrus Springs is an extremely comfortable & affordable place to live in the Tampa Bay area. MARION COUNTY, Fla. A Marion County man is accused of shooting and killing a former Citrus County deputy who had a retirement job filling propane tanks . The jury deliberated for four hours, tasked with recommending either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, the only two possible sentences available under Florida law. But to willingly arrange to meet up with a child to carry out these sickening acts makes them very real and very dangerous. Deputies were dispatched to an alarm call at TD Bank in Crystal River shortly before noon today. CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. -- A week after two Florida teens were charged with murdering a man during a robbery, one of the suspects faces charges in a separate attempted murder, reports CBS affiliate . He developed a relationship online, and then travelled to Citrus County to take advantage of a juvenile. It is alleged that Couey had Jessica Lunsford alive in the trailer while Citrus County officials visited the trailer, that police dogs indicated Jessica was being held in the direction of the trailer and were ignored, that Citrus County officials actively pursued Mark Lunsford's father as their prime suspect while evidence pointed elsewhere, and that had Citrus County officials followed up on an outstanding warrant issued by Georgia, that Citrus County officials could have entered Couey's residence and possibly saved the child. However, on September 30, 2009, before the sentences could be carried out, Couey died of natural causes.[11]. 847.0135 (3)(a ), and Unlawful use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. However, he broke out of the Colorado prison twice and in January 1978 he fled all the way to Florida. Your IP: During the search a blood-stained mattress and pillows were found in Couey's closet in his room, and forensic analysis discovered both Couey's and Lunsford's DNA on the mattress.[3].