The Levy County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Dennis Russell Sr. (12/4/63) of Bronson, following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving multiple victims under the age of 12.
The thorough investigation was conducted by Detective R. Sullivan of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Detective R. Sullivan obtained disclosures of sexual abuse from multiple victims including corroborating statements from witnesses. Detective R. Sullivan is a specially trained investigator assigned to the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and serves as a Task Force Officer with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), specializing in investigations involving the sexual exploitation of children.
Dennis Russell Sr. has been charged with:
- Sexual Battery Upon a Child Under 12 by an Offender 18 Years of Age or Older (F.S. 794.011(2)(a))
- Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Upon a Child Under 12 by an Offender 18 Years of Age or Older (Two Counts) (F.S. 800.04(5)(b))
- Distribution of Obscene Material to a Minor (F.S. 847.0133).
Sheriff Bobby McCallum said, “The sexual abuse and exploitation of children are among the most heinous crimes we encounter. Protecting the children of Levy County remains a top priority for this agency, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey upon our most vulnerable victims. I commend Detective R. Sullivan and the members of our Criminal Investigations Division for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout this investigation. We remain steadfast in our mission to hold offenders accountable and ensure justice for child victims and their families.”
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Levy County Detention Facility and is being held on No Bond.
Marcy’s Law protects the identity of victims of crimes and due to the age of the victim(s) in this case and the sensitive nature of this investigation no additional information will be disclosed.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity, crimes against children, or other suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Levy County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 486-5111. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-877-349-TIPS (8477).