Month: December 2009

Over the last couple of weeks we have had some burglaries targeting Churches in the Williston, Bronson, Chiefland and Inglis areas. These Burglaries are part of a regional problem where houses of worship have been targeted in several jurisdictions. The Levy County Sheriffs Office is asking for your help. First we need for all Churches to revisit their security procedures to include the way they handle and store money to reduce the impact of a such a burglary at their church. Secondly we ask that you keep an eye out for suspicious activity in and around your church and report anything unusual as soon as possible to your local law enforcement agency.

If you have any information regarding any church burglaries in or around Levy County please call Lt. Scott Tummond at 352-486-5111 or you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

The Levy County Jail recently underwent its required Annual inspection for the Florida Model Jail standards and received a 100 percent grade. Sheriff Smith stated Jail Director Mike Sheffield and his staff are to be commended for their hard work and dedication. I can always provide jail cells and guards said Sheriff Smith but true professionalism and success only comes with the right personnel in the right jobs administering your correctional program. The Florida Model Jail Standards is a program sponsored by the Florida Sheriffs Association where peers from surrounding regional correctional agencies come in and inspect jail facilities for cleanliness and operational safety to ensure the health and safety of our inmates. This year’s inspection team consisted of members from Alachua, Gilchrist. Putnam and Marion County Sheriffs Office.

MEDIA RELEASE   Date:               December 12, 2009 Time:               7:00 PM   Bronson, Florida-On December 12, 2009 an off duty Levy County deputy received information that Anthony Leroy Thomas was at the Bronson Dollar General store.  The off duty deputy knew that Thomas was wanted since June 2009 and he notified the Communication Center.   Deputy Joey Barrera responded and made contact with Thomas inside the Dollar General store.  Thomas gave a false name and stated that he could prove his identity by retrieving his identification from his vehicle.  Thomas and Deputy Barrera walked outside to his vehicle and Thomas began fighting Deputy Barrera in the parking lot.   Upon Deputy Jimmy Anderson and Corporal Todd Houchin arriving on the scene that seen the two fighting on the ground.  Thomas was tasered on several times and he was able to pull the barbs out.  Thomas had to be physically restrained and subdued and it is believed that Thomas was under the influence of narcotics.  Thomas was treated and released at Nature Coast Hospital and transported to the Levy County Jail.   Thomas was wanted on a Levy County warrant for fleeing attempting to elude a police officer and driving with a revoked driver’s license.  Thomas was arrested on a State Parole violation warrant for two counts of fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer during a high speed pursuit, driving while license suspended or revoked and carrying a concealed weapon.  Thomas was additional charged for three counts of resisting arrest with violence and one count of battery on a police officer.   Defendant:   Anthony Leroy Thomas 320 Glover Street 07/17/67     ###

MEDIA RELEASE   Date:               December 12, 2009 Time:               11:00 A.M.   Yankeetown, Florida- On December 12, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Cattail Creek RV Park located in Yankeetown in reference to a fire.  Upon arrival an older model 20′ travel trailer was fully in gulfed in flames. The caretaker of the park saw the travel trailer on fire and called 9-1-1.  Several citizens attempted to enter the travel trailer but due to the intense heat and smoke were unable do so.   The Yankeetown Fire Department responded to the scene and a fire fighter was able to enter the travel trailer in an attempt to rescue the home owner 89 year old, James Edward Carnathan from the residence.  Mr. Carnathan was later pronounced dead at the scene and will be transported to the Medical Examiners Office to determine the cause of death.  Deputies do not suspect foul play and at this time it is believed that the fire started from two space heaters inside the trailer travel.  Carnathan is from Pennsylvania and he has resided in Levy County for approximately one year.    The investigation was turned over to the State Fire Marshall for further investigation.         ###

Saturday Dec 5, 2009 46 people battled the rain and elements and attended the second Levy County Sheriffs Fundraiser For the Cates Family. (Carrie Cates Was struck by a car outside of Bronson on Oct 9 and left Behind 5 children to be raised by her parents). Today 2300 dollars was raised with this Basic Handgun class that qualified people to get their concealed weapons permit. Although over 87 people had signed for todays class. We were still impressed with the turn out for this cause considering the bad weather and wish to thank everybody for attending this event says Lt Scott Finnen the event coordinator. Finnen also stated he wished to thank Lt Todd Polo of the Levy County Sheriffs Office and Officer Bill Hartman of the Veterans Affairs Police department of Gainesville for volunteering their time and assisting with this event. Finnen advised between the Nov 10 event and today that brings the total amount raised up til $4850. Please remember the Cates family struggle is not over especially with the upcoming holiday season and donations are still encouraged to a special fund set up at Capital City Bank in Bronson please make donations out to the The Cates Family Children’s Fund at Capital City Bank at 140 E. Hatahway Ave., Bronson, FL 32621.