(Citrus County, FL) School Resource Deputy Joseph Faherty retires today from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office after dedicating nearly 24 years of service to our youth and community as a sworn law enforcement officer. after to taunt her he used aspects of Big Cat Rescue branding in his marketing. 486. Eventually, the relay came to be known as the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run. She has been instrumental in expanding the program and working to continually educate and encourage the public on how Crime Stoppers works as a tool to combat crime in our community.. 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.. Anthony claimed her daughter went missing in June 2008 but it would take a full month for police to find out. Total bond set at $252,000. On July 12, 2022 the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to a juvenile receiving sexually explicit social media messages from Geller. Her mother, Cindy, called 911 to report her granddaughter missing, ABC News reported in 2011. Drive Sober, Citrus - together, we can save lives.. I am extremely grateful to my team and the outstanding staff at Citrus County animal shelter for saving these helpless animals, working well into the midnight hours.. FOX 35 Orlando. However, while trying to render first aid to the man, deputies noticed his trauma was inconsistent with a vehicle crash and discovered he had a gunshot wound. (Citrus County, FL) Early this morning, detectives from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed a search warrant at 5023 North Bedstrow Blvd. No one was injured during the incident. Multiple charges are pending in this case, which is still under investigation. 7633 North Florida Avenue , Citrus Springs, FL 34434 +1(352)465-4225 Website; Key Training Center Thrift Stores . Your chance of being a victim of vandalism in Citrus County may be as high as 1 in 188 in the southwest neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 695 in the south part of the county. 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. Although there is no way to determine how many murders Florida in 2021 as well as how many murders in Tallahassee, Florida 2021, we do know that, based on past annual reports, the homicide rate in both the state as a whole, as well as its capital city, appears to be rising yearly. Behind the area were several freshly dug holes containing deceased roosters with artificial fighting spurs still affixed to their legs. The unit coordinates and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. What really happened to toddler Caylee is still unknown. The property was set up with an arena, along with numerous cages, holding pens, scales, timers, and a scoreboard enabling bets to be placed on the fighting roosters. William Oefelein, another NASA astronaut with whom Nowak had once had an affair. The whole saga served as inspiration for the film Lucy In The Sky, starring Natalie Portman. Lunsford's body was removed from the ground and transported to the coroner's office, where it was recorded to have undergone "moderate" to "severe" decomposition. Upon arrival, investigators found numerous small A-frame-style structures on the property with roosters tethered underneath the structures. (Citrus County, FL) As part of our vision to make Citrus County the safest community in Florida, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office announces its membership renewal in the Missing Kids Readiness Program. "This case is a landmark case for us here in Citrus County, said Sheriff Prendergast. Deputies began searching for the suspect with the assistance of a K-9 unit. Detectives located narcotics including large trafficking amounts of methamphetamine (482.6 grams), various narcotic pills (Diazepam, Oxycodone, and Alprazolam), and LSD. I have been a Deputy Sheriff in Broward County 27 yrs. (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office announces its participation in Operation Southern Slow Down. This training taught by FDLE officials is one of several courses that address the role of the SRD and is intended to prepare the SRD to respond immediately to an active shooter incident. Roberto Arevalo Miranda was charged with the following: 9 counts of animal breeding for the purpose of fighting 828.122(3)(a). It is everyone's duty to protect those most vulnerable and if you see something say something. Pat has exemplified CCSOs core value of service above self throughout his career. Please join us in congratulating Deputy Spencer on her steadfast commitment to excellence in public safety and selfless service to our community. Prior history of domestic violence. However, he broke out of the Colorado prison twice and in January 1978 he fled all the way to Florida. TAMPA, Fla. - The FBI has arrested a Citrus County man who wore a panda costume head while allegedly taking part in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. She was sentenced to two days in jail and given credit for time already served. The units detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street-level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. This program ensures the CCSO team has the best training, knowledge, and resources when responding to a report of a missing or exploited child.. The homes were originally identified through a traffic stop where defendant, Angel Alberto Seda Ways, was found to be in possession of cocaine. On Jan. 14, deputies responded to a shooting in the area of East Dawson Drive in Inverness where they found 19-year Brenden Redman lying on a driveway with multiple gunshot wounds. The dark underbelly to life in Florida is on full display in. Total bond set at $500.00. The Jessica Lunsford Act was named after her. Throughout the pursuit, Dailey briefly stopped the vehicle numerous times and took off after each stop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G41J870vz8, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piBSPyUTfPk, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ippon1_F88, 34% of felons were scared off, shot at, wounded, or captured by an armed victim, Even if they werent one of the 34% that werent directly hurt, 69% knew at least one other criminal who had also experienced the above, Another 34% of felons often thought during the planning of a crime that they either often or regularly worried that they might get shot at by the victim, 57% of felons agreed with the above statements and statistics. 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. During her eight years in Communications, she ascended to the rank of Communications Supervisor and Training Officer. (Citrus County, FL) On September 14, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) arrested detention guard candidate, 38-year-old Shannon Marie Morgan of Inverness, at the Citrus County Detention Facility. He had been murdered. 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. David. Thanks to the courts decision yesterday, Touchton will spend the rest of his life in prison and will never be able to abuse another child. Following the interview with the victim, Detective Mission served a search warrant at Florences residence, located within Citrus County, where multiple items of evidence were collected. 784.03(2). On November 17, 2021, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to a physical disturbance near the Family Dollar in Citrus Springs. Contact was made with Roberto Arevalo Miranda (11/19/1956) who lived on the property in a camper near the small A-frame-style structures. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has published crime reports from 1995-2011 that indicate violent crimes in our county. We are thankful for their courageous efforts in keeping our community safe.. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance near North Andri Drive on March 30, and found the man, later identified as Lawrence Howard Worley, Sr., dead. 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. If you have any information about stolen property or any other crime in our county, we encourage you to contact us as 352-249-2790 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. According to the sheriff's office Sunday morning, deputies were dispatched to do a well-being check at a Homosassa home, where they found the bodies of girlfriend and boyfriend, Erin Cain Prost . 847.0135 (3)(a ). On the night of the abduction, Couey had intended to just burglarize the Lunsfords' home, but saw Jessica and "acted on impulse and he took her". In many homicide cases, investigators are able to collect enough Leon County murders evidence to charge the perpetrator with the crime and take them to Leon County murders trial. Members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force located Arnold in North Carolina on July 25, 2020, where he was taken into custody for this warrant. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at 352-249-2790, or to remain anonymous, call Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-269-8477. Agents arrested Jesse James Rumson, of Lecanto, Florida, on a long list of charges, including obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, engaging in physical violence in a . Lets all make Citrus County the safest community to live in.. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. "[14], Following complaints and suggestions from Citrus County residents that the pending litigation was being pursued out of greed and that had he been a better father his child may still be alive,[15] Mark Lunsford and Jacksonville-based attorneys Eric Block and Mark Gelman held a news conference in Jacksonville, where it was stated that the pending litigation was "not for the money but for change." Arnold was consequently sentenced to life in prison. This region is policed by CITRUS COUNTY. 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. Without a doubt, the most famous Florida serial killers include Danny Rolling, Ted Bundy, David Alan Gore, Gerard Schaefer, also known as The Killer Cop, Aileen Wuornos, Bobby Joe Long, and The Flat-Tire Murderer, who has remained unidentified since at least 1975. The unit coordinates and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. Total bond set at $1,178.00. Earlier that day, the CCSO was contacted by a concerned citizen in reference to possible sexual abuse of a child. Most famously, he became the host of Americas Most Wanted, a popular program that has led to the capture of many criminals across the country. Subsequently, the victim was air-lifted to Marion County for medical treatment and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. She later pleaded no contest to the killings of the other five men. As deputies approached the suspect, he refused to comply with verbal commands. A grand jury indicted Alexander Myers on first-degree murder and armed-kidnapping charges Thursday, giving the state clearance to prosecute him for . In recent years, DNA technology has resulted in the resolution of hundreds, if not thousands, of decades-old cold cases, and Florida is no different. In 1979, Bundy was convicted of three murders in Florida and sentenced to death. According to the publicly released autopsy reports, Lunsford had poked two fingers through the bags before suffocating to death, and the fingers had skeletonized. (Citrus County, FL)February 22, 2022, 25-year-old Shane Harrison Cohen was arrested for Aggravated Child Abuse in reference to injuries he inflicted on a 2-year-old child who was in his care. Dont give criminals an open door of opportunity. (Citrus County, FL) Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) officials say a suspected bank robber is off the streets and there is no longer a threat to public safety. 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. This means that your chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime in Citrus . This past weekend the burglar hit three separate locations in one night, bringing the total to 11 commercial burglaries. The powder was field-tested and yielded a positive result for the presence of Fentanyl. As reported by Project: Cold Case, there were around 55,895 murders in Florida from 1965 to 2019. "While we believe this to be an isolated incident, there are many unknown details that we seek your assistance in obtaining in support of our investigation.". We dont mean to scare you, but here in Citrus County alone, the statistics for violent crime indicate that our fair county is not free from the threats of violent criminals. Overall Niche Grade. Contact was then made with Hite who was arrested. Touchton was then sentenced to six consecutive life sentences for Capital Sexual Battery and two consecutive five-year sentences for Domestic Battery. 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. We will continue to work in partnership with the State Attorneys Office to make sure Geller will never terrorize another child.. Coordinating this training is just one of the many efforts we make to ensure a safe school year for our students. On January 14, 2022, CCSO deputies responded to a shooting in the area of East Dawson Drive in Inverness where they located victim Brenden Redman lying in a driveway with apparent gunshot wounds. While the majority of his crimes were committed in the Pacific Northwest, his final spree of murders occurred in Florida. In addition to Ramos being named as Coordinator of the Year, she was also sworn in by the Honorable Judge Richard Carter as Crime Stoppers Director for Region IV. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. Guevara manipulated the young victims in this case and then took advantage of them,. In April 2015, he began his service as a TIU Detective. By 5 p.m. Friday, this outstanding effort resulted in the arrests of the following 20 suspects in Citrus County: Even though National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is ending, our fight against domestic violence is still ongoing. Violent crimes in Citrus Hills are 45% lower than the national average. Lunsford stated that changes were needed in procedures and policies. Officials did not describe the severity of her injuries or the cause. Ramirez, Jessica. We are thankful for her devotion to our community and wish her the best in retirement! Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Hernando is 1 in 580 and property crime is 1 in 84. . On March 19, police found nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford's body at the residence on West Snowbird Court in Homosassa, buried in a plastic bag in a hole approximately 2.5 feet (0.76m) deep and 2 feet (0.61m) circular, covered with leaves. A judge on Friday sentenced Scott Burnside to life in prison for his role in the 1990 Floral City murder case that left four men dead inside an old house off U.S. 41. Over Couey's objection, the trial court ruled that all evidence collected after the confession, including the recovery of Lunsford's body, would be admitted, as would incriminating statements allegedly made by Couey to investigators and a jail guard. She was sentenced to four years in prison and credited time served. She accosted Shipman in an airport parking lot and released pepper spray into her open car window although Shipman was able to drive away and get help. In July 27, 1981, Adam Walsh vanished from a Sears in a Hollywood, Florida mall. Lisa Nowak in 2006; Natalie Portman in the film Lucy in the Sky. 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. [5] Three days after he abducted her, Couey tricked Jessica into getting into two garbage bags by saying he was going to "take her home". Photo: Witnesses told deputies the suspected shooter tried to break into their home before he fled on foot. 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. Katlyn Obrien (DOB 6/6/1993), Hernando, FL- Failure to Appear original charge Battery. In 1998, Deputy Spencer transferred to the Civil Unit where she performed the duties of a Process Server while attending the Law Enforcement Academy at Withlacoochee Technical College. Megan Thersea Stergios Megan Thersea Stergios, 29, Beverly Hills, arrested May 18 for two counts of failure to appear. Between 1995 and 2011 there have been as many as 536 combined reported incidences of violent crime in Citrus County alone. Initially, staff only observed minor scratches and red marks, but a short time later they worsened. The investigation shows that Norris traveled to Citrus County, Florida to purchase his marijuana from . Police found Nowak had brought along a steel mallet, a four-inch folding knife, a BB gun, garbage bags, latex gloves, pepper spray, and a black wig on her drive, according to. A breakdown of 2018 crime figures shows that the county recorded 2 homicides, 19 rapes, 42 robberies, 282 aggravated assaults, 369 burglaries, 1,505 larcenies, and 230 motor vehicle thefts. Hopefully this arrest will bring peace to the victims family and be the first step in seeking justice for Houstons actions.. Last Wednesday, while in her training academy at CoreCivic, TIU detectives in coordination with CoreCivics management and security team, entered the classroom and arrested Morgan. "Munns arrest could not have been made possible if it was not for the collaborative efforts of all the incredible professionals and advocates involved, said Sheriff Prendergast. 847.0135 (3)(a ), and Unlawful use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. In 1989, Rolling broke into the residence of the Grissom family in his hometown of Shreveport and killed all three people inside: William, 55, his daughter, Julie, 24, and his 8-year-old grandson, Sean. Florida corrections officer was allowed to poison inmate, other officers implicated, lawsuit filed Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Citrus County Crimes Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS. This case presented many unique factors and, with the arrest of Johnson-Cabrera, I hope and pray the family and colleagues can now begin the healing process.. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if any other suspects are related to this illegal breeding operation or if there is any connection to the previous case of cock fighting in Floral City. If youre hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home. SPRING HILL, Fla. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said three people are dead after an apparent double murder-suicide in Spring Hill on Monday. It was later discovered that Munn relocated 65 dogs to Iowa. Members of TIU, CCDs, and K9 Deputy Elias conducted a traffic stop in the motel parking lot. Year over year crime in Citrus Hills has decreased by 15%. OToole eventually recanted his confession. (Citrus County, FL) Today, detectives from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) executed a search warrant at 6959 North Charles Terrace in Hernando, FL. As the investigation continued, evidence was obtained that supported the victims allegations. Citrus County Sheriffs Office deputies are trained to respond appropriately to any threat they come in contact with, said Sheriff Prendergast. The two suspects were arrested and charged accordingly: Ive said it before, drug dealers have no regard for the law and they have no regard for the life of others, said Sheriff Prendergast. Over two weeks later, his head was found in a Florida canal, Time Magazine reported in 2016. As I learned a long time ago, this career demands constant pursuit of excellence when it comes to education and training to stay ahead of the bad guys.. A use of force situation occurred where Greenough was shot by an FHP Trooper. Citrus County has an overall crime rate of 3,294 per 100,000 residents. 6.6 lbs. The young mom initially claimed that she had dropped her daughter off with a babysitter, and that when she came back later, both were gone. Total bond set at $52,000. UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app. 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. 784.041(2)(A) and Felony Battery, prior conviction F.S.S. October 20, 2022 Citrus County drug bust leads to seizure of guns, cash, $1M worth of cocaine A six-month investigation in Citrus County led to three arrests. He is being held at the Citrus County Jail without bond. Citrus County Sheriffs Office deputies will be out in full force during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until SAT 7:00 PM EST, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, 'Ice cream man murder case': Michael Keetley set to go to trial again for 2010 double murder, Watch: Fishermen spot sharks in huge feeding frenzy off Louisiana coast, One month ago, Harriet the eagle disappeared from her famous Florida nest, Hillsborough County deputies searching for armed and dangerous homicide suspect, 3 Daughters head brewer killed in Skyway Bridge accident, company says, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, 8-year-old girl who performed solo wins big in cheer competition after team didn't show up, From Coconut Road to Moose Tracks, here's the scoop on how Publix creates its ice cream, North Port brush fire: Roads reopen after fire forces closures on I-75; schools evacuate as precaution. Thank you for over three decades of dedication and service to our citizens as well as your steady mentorship of your fellow colleagues. Commencing on Thursday afternoon, detectives from our Behavioral Health Unit, Tactical Impact Unit, Community Crimes Unit, Aviation and K9 Unit began searching for subjects with outstanding warrants across Citrus County. However, his treatment of the animals enraged Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue in Florida. On August 24, 2007, a judge in Inverness convicted Couey for the kidnapping, sexual battery, and first degree murder of Lunsford, and sentenced him to death. The victims were Jerry Lee Clark, JoAnn Sanders' 53-year-old fiance who lived in Floral City; Roger Clark, a 36-year-old carpenter from Weeki Wachee who was helping Clark remodel the house; Larry. We believe the more resources we can provide to digital volunteers and citizen solvers mean more citizen detective communities. Upon arrival, deputies met with the complainant. At approximately 3:30 p.m. on August 19, 2022, CCSOs communication center received a call in reference to the discovery of a potential suicide, which had occurred at a residence in Pine Ridge. Total bond set at $2,178.00. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Deputies observed the gold in color Dodge pickup truck bearing a Tennessee tag, both of which were confirmed to be stolen. The decedents body was turned over to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Deputy Spencer has been a valued asset and dedicated member of our agency during her tenure. The two became embroiled in an intense feud, with Exotic, a larger-than-life figure, even making music videos where he accused Baskin of killing her first husband. In February 1994, on the eve of his murder trial, Rolling pled guiltyto five counts of murder and three counts each of sexual battery and armed burglary. In coordination with the 19th Annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail, CCSO stepped up and, as a result, arrested 20 individuals for domestic violence related offenses. It disgusting that individuals like Morgan not only peddle their poison in our community, but seek to infiltrate our detention facility for the sole purpose of bringing in contraband to inmates, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Jevaris Dortch (DOB 08/09/2001): Premeditated Murder, Attempted Premeditated Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Shoot/Throw Deadly Missile into Dwelling/Conveyance. Congratulations again to all of the graduates! He was sentenced to death and executed in 2006. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Anyone with information is asked to call SW FL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS/1-800-780 . After successfully completing the academy, Deputy Spencer was officially sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff on September 1, 2001. CITRUS COUNTY, FL - A Florida man convicted for the 2017 murder of Ryan Michael McClellan is finally going away. Joshua Fitzwater (DOB 11/28/1984), Homosassa, FL- Violation of Probation original charge of Possession of Paraphernalia. (Citrus County, FL) Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) officials say a suspected bank robber is off the streets and there is no longer a threat to public safety. His crime spree continued into the following year he shot his father twice and went on the run for attempted murder, raping a woman named Janet Frakealong the way. On March 17, Couey was arrested and charged with the murder of Jessica Lunsford, and transported to the Citrus County jail in Florida. The juvenile victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) members at Jessies Place, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center. He was then sentenced to 35 years incarceration with the Florida Department of Corrections, lifetime Sexual Offender Probation, and will be required to register as a Sexual Predator.