Press Releases

Michael Randolph Jr. went missing from the Chiefland area sometime in 2004. No one ever reported him missing; he just simply wasn’t seen again. Michael Randolph Jr. was known to law enforcement having been arrested multiple times on drug related charges. Rumors he was murdered circulated for years amongst the illegal drug community. Most said Solomon “John” Hall killed him. No proof he was murdered was ever offered nor was a missing person’s report ever filed.

FAST FORWARD TO JULY 2017.

Detectives working an unrelated drug case stumbled onto evidence giving some validity to the rumors that Michael Randolph Jr. was murdered. A full scale investigation was launched zeroing in on the date he disappeared. Michael Randolph Jr. did not have a formal full time job and counted on a State disability check to survive. The investigation determined he stopped collecting his disability payments in May of 2004. No activity was documented on his bank account and no person interviewed could recall seeing him in many years. Most thought he moved out of the area.

Detectives received information that Hall was not only responsible for his death but also responsible for disposing of his remains. LCSO Detectives coordinated efforts with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to aid in this very cold murder investigation. Detectives, acting on tips secured search warrants and began digging in various locations south of Chiefland looking for Randolph. Unfortunately, all of the efforts to find his remains were fruitless.

The case continued. In December of 2019 sufficient evidence had been collected to seek an indictment by a Grand Jury on Solomon Hall for the murder of Michael Randolph Jr. The case was presented and the Grand Jury who returned a TRUE BILL. Hall, already serving a sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) for unrelated drug convictions, was arrested for the murder.

The case was resolved in the 8^th Judicial Circuit in May of 2025. Hall accepted a plea offer for an additional 15 years in DOC, officially making him a convicted murderer. Hall never disclosed where Michael Randolph Jr’s remains can be found. This portion of the case remains open as Michael’s family who want to provide him with a proper burial. Anyone with information of where his remains can be found is asked to contact Detective Joe Barrera at 352-486-5111.

June 2, 2025

The safety and security of children who are victimized by adults holds an unparalleled importance to the law enforcement professionals of Levy County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives must utilize extreme patience, tact, and determination when investigating these heinous crimes.

Just as one trial concludes, Detectives Cody Weaver and Shelby Kilian responded to another complaint of child sexual abuse.  The complaint alleged Chiane Carter (10/31/2000) of Williston sexually abused a child under 12. The investigation discovered evidence of this crime and after many hours of exhaustive work, Detectives Weaver and Kilian arrested Carter. She has been charged her with two counts of child sexual battery and lewd and lascivious battery. She is held without bond in the Levy County Detention Center.

The next step of this process is the presentation of the case to the Grand Jury of Levy County. Prosecutors with the 8^th Judicial Circuit will lay the foundation of the case in its entirety seeking indictment. The work is not complete once the Grand Jury returns with a True Bill, as many efforts will have to be made to prepare the case for trial. LCSO detectives are no strangers to trial preparation and will give every effort to see this case through.  

June 2, 2025

The Detectives assigned to the LCSO Criminal Investigation Division dedicate long hours to investigations of child sexual abuse. They will tirelessly pursue, arrest and assist the State Attorney’s Office to ensure a successful prosecution of those who choose to prey on children. Individuals who commit these crimes face capital felony sentences which could mean life in prison.

This past week saw the dedication of these detectives come to fruition. In September 2024, Detective Blake Landfair arrested and charged Clifton Spivey (1/23/1982) of Cedar Key with sexual battery of a child under 12. Spivey has been in custody since his arrest. A Grand Jury indicted Spivey in February 2025, paving a way for justice to be served. Prosecutors with the 8^th Circuit State Attorney’s Office presented the evidence against Spivey at trial and the jury returned a guilty verdict. Spivey was sentenced to LIFE in the Florida Department of Corrections on May 29, 2025.

Sheriff McCallum along with the entire LCSO team is grateful to those who served on the jury and their verdict. We hope and pray this will aid the victim and their family in finding peace.

May 7, 2025

Levy County Sheriff’s Detectives in cooperation with the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force located and apprehended wanted fugitive, Kashone D. Bing (11/07/2004) of Gainesville early Monday morning. Bing was wanted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and had two active warrants for violation of probation. Bing was initially placed on probation for aggravated battery, resisting an officer without violence, and criminal mischief more than $1000 dollars. Bing, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm at the time he was apprehended. Additional charges were filed for felon in possession of a firearm.

Bing was transported to the Levy County Detention Center where he is being held with no bond on his active warrants and $50,000 bond on the new felony criminal violations.

April 30, 2025

A Miami man was arrested for multiple felonies yesterday evening after attempting to flee from Levy County Deputies. Sergeant Tom Martin was on patrol traveling north on US 19 near Lebanon Station when he was passed by a black Camry. Sergeant Martin turned on his overhead lights signaling the driver to stop. Instead, the driver decided to accelerate. Sergeant Martin gave chase.

The driver of the Camry accelerated to speeds over 110 mph, made multiple evasive turns and rammed deputies with his car. This pursuit spanned nearly 50 miles and lasted approximately 30 minutes before the driver was apprehended. During this pursuit the fleeing driver recklessly sped past a stopped school bus, ran multiple stop signs, drove through the City of Williston at over 80 miles an hour, swerved at deputies that caused them to run off the road and displayed a total disregard for public safety.

The driver identified as Kerry Shayon Willis (5/19/75) has been arrested and booked into the Levy County Detention Center for fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, driving while license suspended and other charges. His bond has been set at $80,000.00 with an additional NO BOND assignment attached to the aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.

Three LCSO patrol vehicles sustained damage during this pursuit. No civilian or deputy injuries were reported.

Sheriff McCallum said, “I am relieved that no one was injured and thankful our deputies were able to apprehend this dangerous individual. He passed a marked patrol unit driving on US 19 during broad daylight at a speed of over 100 mph. It was obvious he had no regard for anyone’s safety. He will be prosecuted to the fullest extent the law will allow and I will be asking for full restitution to repair the damages he caused to our patrol vehicles.”

April 24, 2025

Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Detectives asked Levy County Detectives for assistance in a property crimes investigation earlier this morning. MCSO detectives met with LCSO detectives and identified a location in Bronson where stolen property may be hidden. MCSO also had a home in Marion Oaks under surveillance and knew these two locations were connected. LCSO detectives knew the location in Levy County was frequented by Partain and conveyed that information to MCSO. It was possible Partain could be at either.

MCSO and LCSO detectives responded to two homes in separate counties. Partain was found inside the suspect home in Marion County. Partain offered MCSO detectives his own brother’s name as identification in a final ditch effort to elude capture.

Warrants for Partain for escape, battery on law enforcement, resisting arrest and theft were secured yesterday with a bond of $900,000.00. This is in addition to warrants from Flagler County and the Williston Police Department that were already in existence before Monday’s escape.

The deputies involved in Tuesday’s incident are extremely relieved that Partain is off the streets. Quoted as saying, “I hope these two days of freedom were worth the new felony charges and long prison sentence he faces.”

Levy County Sheriff McCallum and Marion County Sheriff Woods are proud of the cooperation and collaboration between the two offices and the detectives involved that led to this successful apprehension. Agency cooperation is key to solving crimes and apprehending fugitives. This is a perfect example of how well law enforcement work together for a common cause, keeping our citizens safe.   

April 3, 2025

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of domestic violence on February 12, 2025 at 1:00 a.m. on NE 147 Court. The victim reported to responding deputies a dispute with Oscar Cruz-Baldo (7/18/85) of Williston, who appeared to be intoxicated, occurred earlier that night. The victim was punched in the face during the argument and had injuries consistent with these statements. Cruz-Baldo was also accused of repeatedly hitting and kicking a dog, causing injury to the animal which was attempting to defend the victim.  Cruz-Baldo fled prior to law enforcement arrival and could not be located by deputies on scene during the investigation.

Deputies remained in the area searching for Cruz-Baldo for some hours after this initial report. At 4:00 a.m. the victim called 911 reporting Cruz-Baldo returned to the property and was armed with a short barreled shotgun. Cruz-Baldo was threatening the victim with the gun and demanding the gate be unlocked and give him a cell phone. In fear, the gate was unlocked and Cruz-Baldo left the property. Deputies once again were unable to locate him.

Shortly after 8:00 a.m. the LCSO received information that Cruz-Baldo was at a nearby farm. Deputies responded, located Cruz-Baldo and took him into custody. Cruz-Baldo was cooperative with deputies and disclosed the location where he had hidden the gun. Cruz-Baldo was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic battery and animal cruelty.

The Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) adopted this case due to Cruz-Baldo being an illegal alien in the United States who possessed a firearm while committing a felony. A Federal Grand Jury was presented this case and issued a “True Bill” for the indictment. As a result a federal warrant was issued for Cruz-Baldo on March 26, 2025. The warrant has since been executed and Cruz-Baldo will be held in custody at the Levy County Detention Facility until trial.

April 1, 2025

Deputy Patrick Lockett arrested Timothy Sparks (3/25/87) of Fanning Springs on January 1, 2025 for drug possession after being stopped for speeding. Sparks was one of the first arrests of 2025 and was released from the Levy County Detention Facility after posting bond. 

On March 18^th the LCSO Ag Unit Detective was notified by Levy County Animal Services of multiple complaints involving animal abuse at the home of Timothy Sparks. The Ag Detective responded to the home the morning of March 19^th and found a dog lying in the driveway. The detective wrote in his report that the appearance of the dog was “alarming.” He described the condition of the dog was a score of 1 out of 9, or in layman’s terms near death. The detective made multiple attempts to contact the owner but no one would come to the door, even though he could hear people taking inside and was on scene for over 30 minutes.

Based on the animal’s condition he contacted Animal Service to come seize the dog. The detective noted that the dog had little hair, was malnourished, a severe rash covered her body, she appeared dehydrated and fleas could be seen crawling all over her. The dog was immediately taken to Animal Services for treatment by a Veterinarian. 

The Ag Detective continued to investigate and obtained statements that Sparks was seen hitting and kicking the dog. One witness reported seeing Sparks shoot at the dog. However, the Vet reported the dog’s condition was far worse than expected. The Veterinarian’s report reflected multiple parasitic infestations, bacterial infection, yeast infection and evidence of starvation. The dog’s bowels only contained pine cone debris; evidence the dog was eating indigestible matter to stave off her hunger pangs. The dog was treated surgically to remove afterbirth that was not naturally expelled after delivering puppies. During surgery the Vet located and removed four shotgun buckshot pellets from the dog’s abdomen.   

Deputies were alerted that Sparks needed to be located and arrested for animal cruelty based on this investigation. Deputy Lockett, already familiar with Sparks, began searching. He located Sparks in March 30, 2025 slumped over the steering wheel of his running truck in the parking lot of a convenience store in Fanning Springs. Sparks was taken into custody. During this arrest additional drug evidence was seized resulting in more drug charges.

Sparks is being held in the Levy County Detention Facility having been charge with a litany of felony criminal violations. His bond has been set at $130,000.00 on the newest charges. His previous bond was surrendered requiring him to remain in custody with no bond from his previous arrest.  

March 28, 2025

On June 5, 2024 Ag Detective Gary Garboski responded to a report of animal neglect to assist the Levy County Animal Services Department. A concerned citizen contacted Animal Services in March of 2024 reporting Pedro Perez (1/31/86) was not caring for multiple dogs on the property where he resided in Morriston. Animal Services made multiple attempts and issued notices to Perez ordering him to comply with statutory requirements to care for the dogs. Perez ignored all orders and the condition of the dogs deteriorated.

Detective Garboski’s investigation led to ten (10) dogs being seized from the property and criminal charges being filed. He wrote in his report, “The def was given several warnings and ample time to correct the living conditions for these animals and refused causing their condition to deteriorate to unhealthy, malnourished condition over time.” “…the veterinarians’ assessment accompanied by time lapse between warnings and living conditions not improving. With no compliance and overall inhumane treatment of these animals the def is charged with animal neglect. No reasonable and prudent person would consider this a sanitary healthy environment for any animal.”

The criminal trial concluded on March 25, 2025 with a Levy County Jury finding Perez guilty on all 10 counts of animal neglect. He was immediately remanded into the custody of the Levy County Detention Facility upon issuance of the verdict. Perez was sentenced by Levy County Judge Bustamante on March 28, 2025 to 180 days in the Levy County Detention Facility followed by one year of probation and restitution of $32,000.00.

All of the seized dogs were taken to the Levy County Animal Services facility where they received the much needed veterinary treatment they deserved and were ultimately re-homed.  

March 26, 2025

On March 21, 2025 LCSO Detectives were investigating a child abuse complaint in the Bronson area. Detectives spoke to person with one leg who identified himself as “Rusty Eddy”. Detectives determined “Rusty Eddy” was an alias for John Russell Eddy Jr., who has been a registered sexual offender in the state of Florida since 2010.

The investigation revealed Russell Eddy Jr. had been living at the location where the child abuse was reported for a month. He was not a suspect of child abuse but could have been a potential witness. Detectives discovered Eddy had not reported a change of address as a condition of his sexual offender registration requirements. He previously registered as a transient sex offender in Alachua County in Grace Market Place. He was required to report to Alachua County in February but failed to comply. He was designated as an absconded offender from that location.

On March 24, 2025 LCSO Detectives returned to the property and made contact John Russell Eddy Jr. where he was taken into custody. Eddy’s evasion skills are a little “Rusty” therefore he has been charged with one (1) count of failure to register address change. His bond has been set at $50,000.00.