March 26, 2026
On January 22, 2026 Patrol Deputy Landon Kennedy arrested Justin Ausburn (11/10/92) of Bronson for grand theft auto. Deputy Kennedy saw Ausburn operating a vehicle and knew Ausburn did not have a valid license. Deputy Kennedy recovered a 2016 black Ford truck that his investigation determined was recently stolen but not yet reported.
On the very same day, Corporal Steven Williamson responded to a reported theft of a silver 1989 Ford F450 roll back truck valued at $10,000. The truck was stolen from the victim’s vacant lot in Bronson. The owner reported the vehicle was last seen there on January 19, 2026. The truck did not have keys inside when it was taken.
Detectives found the method of these two thefts was similar in both cases. In March, detectives received a tip which led to the location of the stolen F450. The investigation identified an individual purchased the F450 from Justin Ausburn and his brother Thomas Ausburn (8/27/90). Detectives found evidence the ignition had been “punched” in order for the vehicle to be started. The F450 was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
Justin Ausburn is being held in the Levy County Detention Center after being charged with multiple felonies on a $245,000.00 bond. His brother, Thomas also charged with felonies is being held on a $100,000.00 bond.