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Press Releases

Bronson Man Arrested for Trafficking Meth

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August 22, 2025

Deputy Rich Peters was on patrol in Bronson on August 17th and stopped a Jeep for excessive speed. The driver, identified as Otis R. Johnson (9/6/77) of Bronson was extremely nervous. Deputy Peters smelled to odor of burned marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and asked Johnson if he had a prescription for this substance. Johnson said he did not.

The roadside investigation determined Johnson was operating a rental vehicle assigned to a third person who was not present with him. Johnson said there could be marijuana in the vehicle that belonged to the person who actually rented it and gave permission to search and locate the marijuana.

The search found much more than marijuana. Deputy Peters located over 100 grams of methamphetamines, ammunition and a large sum of cash. Johnson was placed under arrest and this investigation also determined he is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm and/or ammunition.

Johnson has been charged with trafficking in methamphetamines, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held in the Levy County Detention Center and his bond has been set at $135,000.00.

Violent Felon Justin Bryant Sentenced

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August 14, 2025

On May 30, 2024 Justin Bryant (6/29/88) of Morriston embarked on a drug fueled mission of murder. In a short time frame he brutally stabbed and cut four people in a normally quiet Morriston neighborhood. No clear cut motive for this crime was ever established. Thankfully no life was lost but these victims have lived with the scars he caused, both physically and mentally.

Bryant has been held in the Levy County Detention Center awaiting trial since his arrest. Recently, he entered an “open” plea of guilty to 8th Judicial Circuit Judge Davis, hoping for leniency in his sentence. Due to the brutality of this crime, little leniency was granted. Judge Davis sentenced Bryant to 40 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

This case saw a massive response from law enforcement. At the time our 911 system began flooding with emergency calls while Bryant was still at large and potentially injuring other innocent people. All on duty available Levy County deputies responded. Williston Police Department sent all of their available officers. The manhunt was intense and Bryant was quickly located by a Williston Police Officer and a Levy County Deputy. The extraordinary cooperative work between our agencies allowed for this quick apprehension potentially saving more lives. So, a special thank you is warranted to Chief Rolls and all the officers at the Williston Police Department for their unwavering commitment to keeping the Levy County community safe.  

Deputy Hospitalized After Fentanyl Exposure

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August 13, 2025

Deputies on patrol spotted a vehicle driven by Ashley Parkhouse (11/9/85) of Bronson on US Alt 27. Parkhouse is not a stranger to law enforcement and is known to have prior driving license issues. The vehicle she was driving had a broken windshield and the tag had been spray-painted, partially obscuring the numbers. The deputy discovered the tag was registered to Parkhouse and her license was currently suspended. She was stopped and arrested for driving while her license was suspended or revoked (DWLSR).

Ms. Parkhouse had a passenger with her, Gregory Provett (12/15/82) of Williston. The deputy noted both Parkhouse and Provett were extremely nervous. Their nervous behavior coupled with other observed behavior made the deputy suspect they were attempting to conceal a crime.

Deputy Alton Horne and his K-9 partner Behr arrived to assist. Behr alerted Deputy Horne he detected the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed an empty baggie in the passenger door that contained a white powder residue. Deputies also found a full fountain drink cup in the center console and the lid was askew. The residue in the baggie was tested and confirmed the substance was fentanyl. The liquid in the cup was also tested and it too tested positive for fentanyl. Based on these findings Provett was arrested for possession of narcotics and tampering with evidence.

During this arrest, a third deputy assisting in this investigation was exposed to fentanyl and began experiencing overdose symptoms at the scene. This deputy was transported to the hospital for treatment and was later released.

Deputies believe the fentanyl became airborne inside the vehicle and evidence supports Provett attempted to destroy the drug by dissolving it into the drink cup. Tiny particulates of this most powerful drug can enter a person’s system by inhalation or skin contact. The drug is fast acting and can lead to a deadly overdose with only a small amount. Research suggests as little as 2mg or the equivalent to 7 grains of table salt can cause an overdose.

We are extremely thankful our deputy was released, is expected to make a full recovery and return to duty soon. The dangers our deputies face on a daily basis are not always easily seen. In this case no gun was pointed, no threats of violence were spoken and no suspect resisted arrest. This weapon was unseen, had no smell and didn’t immediately speak a threat, yet lives were in danger. This was a “simple” traffic stop where someone was driving with a suspended license. Simple is not always simple.

 

LCSO K9 Gets His Paws On Wanted Subjects

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8/8/25

Around 7:00 o’clock yesterday morning members of the LCSO Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol Division located Raymond Shiver (10/20/1985). Shiver was wanted for outstanding Marion County warrants for the following charges: FTA, unlawful use of a 2 way communication device to facilitate a felony, solicitation to commit the sale of methamphetamines, possession of methamphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia. Each warrant has no bond.


Detectives received information that Shiver was hiding at a location in Morriston. K9 Behr alerted to one of several vehicles on the property. Shiver was found hiding in that vehicle and was told to exit. LCSO Detectives searched the vehicle and located a baggie with a white substance, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. Shiver was arrested for the drugs and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. His bond was set at $15,000 for this in-county charge and will be processed prior to being charged with his outstanding Marion County warrants.

Later that morning, K9 Behr assisted LCSO Detectives in locating Tony J Knight (5/5/1985), who was wanted for an outstanding Union County warrant. Knight was reported to be at a location in Otter Creek. Detectives, along with K9 Behr and his handler, Deputy Alton Horne, entered a residence and began to search for Knight. Knight was located hiding in a closet within the residence and refused Detective’s commands to surrender. His refusal to comply with lawful commands and subsequent resistance to arrest resulted in K9 intervention as well as a Taser usage.


Knight was taken into custody and treated on scene by EMS personnel. Knight was searched and a small baggie with a white substance was located in one of his pockets. The substance was identified as methamphetamines. Knight was charged with resisting arrest without violence, possession of a control substance, and the outstanding warrant from Union County. Knight was given a bond of $20,000 for the in-county charges and no-bond for the Union County warrant.

In both of these cases the suspects were faced with a trained law enforcement apprehension K9. Usually the presence of a police dog is enough of a deterrent that criminals surrender. In the rare cases the suspect doesn’t surrender, the resulting consequence is immediately known. Law Enforcement K9’s are invaluable tools in combating crime. Behr and his partner Deputy Horne have proven their value to this agency and our citizens beyond any measure of monetary worth. Behr was a good boy and was given extra treats yesterday while we know his work allowed us to remove dangerous criminals from our community.  

In Loving Memory of Canine Deputy Molly

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Faithful Partner • Loyal Protector • Heroic Heart

End of Watch: 8/5/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Canine Deputy Molly. She was a dedicated drug detection dog and beloved partner to Detective Gary Garboski.  They served side by side for over seven years.

Molly began her service with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office in 2017. A highly trained and fiercely intelligent working dog, she joined the force and quickly became an invaluable member of the department. Throughout her career, she assisted in countless investigations, helping to remove dangerous substances from our streets and ensuring the safety of our community. Her work led to numerous arrests, the seizure of illegal narcotics, and—most importantly—the saving of lives. Molly and Detective Garboski were assigned to the Patrol Division where they quickly proved themselves to be an effective and dedicated team.

Molly and Detective Garboski transferred to the Drug Task Force Unit in 2019 where they continued impactful work in the fight against illegal narcotics. Molly loved her job and lived for the reward of chasing her toy. Off duty, she was a beloved member of Detective Garboski’s family and spent her time surrounded by love and companionship.

Molly was more than just a working dog—she was a loyal partner, a valued teammate, and truly the best dog ever. Molly passed peacefully with her partner and family by her side, honored until the very end. Her presence will be deeply missed by Detective Garboski, his family and everyone at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office.

Rest easy, K-9 Molly. Your watch is over. We have the watch now. You served with honor and heart.

Sexual Offense Subject Held On No Bond

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On 7/15/25 Corporal Stephen Williamson responded to a call for service regarding a sexual offense against a juvenile. Corporal Williamson identified the suspect as James Alan Hutchins (DOB 5/8/1983) of Cedar Key, a registered sexual offender in the State of Florida. The case was transferred to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation.

On 7/16/25 Detectives Shelby Kilian and Ryan Sullivan were assigned to continue the investigation. They conducted numerous interviews and determined probable cause existed for Hutchins’ arrest.

On 7/25/25 Detective Shelby Kilian arrested Hutchins. He was charged with 3 sexual offenses. These include Lewd/Lascivious Behavior Victim 12 to 16, Lewd/Lascivious Behavior Victim 12yoa Or Older Younger Than 16 yoa and the Offender is 18 yoa Or Older, Sexual Battery Victim 16 or 17 yoa. Hutchins is being held in the Levy County Detention Center with no bond.

Due to the nature of this case, there is a possibility that more victims exist. The Levy County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information relevant to this case or has knowledge of other potential victims, to contact Detective Shelby Kilian at (352)486-5111 ext. 277.

Speeding Leads to Gun/Drug Arrest

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July 29, 2025

Deputy Burt Miller was on patrol in Williston when he saw someone speeding. He was able to pace the vehicle on SR 121 and although the driver was slowing, verified the speed was 72 in a posted 60.

The driver took an extended time to pull over. This behavior is not unusual but will make a deputy more suspicious. These suspicions were immediately verified when Deputy Miller contacted the driver. He was first overwhelmed by the smell of burned marijuana. Secondly Deputy Miller noticed the suspicious behavior of the driver, Devin Donald (9/27/94) of Williston. Donald constantly hid his hands and failed to produce identification when requested. Deputy Miller eventually obtained his identification and determined Donald was driving while his license was suspended and noted Donald also has 12 previous suspensions since 2019.

Donald was arrested and during the search of the vehicle before it was to be towed, Deputy Miller located a 9 MM handgun with a fully loaded extended magazine and an empty pill bottle that contained crack cocaine. Donald was charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, driving while license suspended or revoked and tampering with evidence. Apparently Donald was trying to get rid of his crack before being stopped and that’s what took him so long to pull over.

Donald was booked into the Levy County Detention Center and posted a $55,000.00 bond.

Levy Man Arrested for Drugs and Gun Violation

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On July 19, 2025 Deputy Patrick Lockett was conducting traffic enforcement when he observed a vehicle being operated by Dylan Crews. Deputy Lockett was familiar with Crews and knew he did not possess a valid Florida license. Crews and his passenger switched seats when Deputy Lockett activated his emergency lights to make the stop. This was observed by Deputy Lockett and Crews later admitted he switched seats with his passenger.

Deputy Lockett was told that both methamphetamine and marijuana were in the vehicle. A Chiefland Police Department K-9 unit responded to assist in the search of the vehicle. The K-9 alerted his handler to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

Deputy Lockett conducted a search of the motor vehicle and located 2.9 grams of marijuana and 6.9 grams of methamphetamine. The search also revealed a loaded 9 millimeter pistol in the driver’s side door compartment. Crews is a convicted felon and admitted to ownership of the firearm. He also told Deputy Lockett the gun had been in the glove box but he placed it in the door panel as he was being stopped.

Crews was arrested for two counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of firearm or ammo by a convicted felon, 1 count of a weapon offense being armed while in possession of a controlled substance, 1 count of possession of drug equipment and 1 count of driving while license suspended 3rd subsequent offense. Crews was transported to the Levy County Detention Center where he is held on $330,000.00 dollar bond.

Sexual Assault Arrest

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On July 19, 2025 Levy County Deputies responded to an address in Levy County in reference to a sexual battery. Deputies conducted an initial investigation and identified the perpetrator.

Detective Ryan Sullivan and Shelby Kilian assumed the investigation and conducted interviews, assisted by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocates. The suspect, Jerson Garcia (5/30/2007) was interviewed and subsequently arrested. Two counts of Sexual Battery were filed and Garcia is being held on NO BOND in the Levy County Detention Center.

This appears to be a singular incident and Detectives found no evidence additional victims may be identified. The offender and the victim were acquainted prior to this crime occurring. We understand this arrest notification is vague but Marsy’s Law prohibits law enforcement from disclosing information that could be used to identify the victim.

Operation Summer Sweep Continues with the Capture of Absconded Sexual Offender

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LCSO Detectives and School Resource Deputies conducted a compliance operation which targeted Levy County sexual offender/predators in June. These compliance checks discovered Charles Elias Hengsteler Jr. (1/29/78) vacated his primary residence in Dixie County in January of 2024 forwarding his new address to a location in Levy County. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires he report to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office within 48 hours and provide proof of his new address in Levy County. Hengsteler failed to report.  

 

On June 10, 2025 Detective Ryan Sullivan obtained an arrest warrant for Hengsteler for three sex offender violations. Detective Sullivan learned Hengsteler relocated to DeSoto County during his investigation. Hengsteler never notified Levy County Sheriff’s Office or the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office of his current address.  

 

On July 14, 2025 Detectives and Deputies with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested Hengsteler on the active Levy County warrant. Hengsteler has also charged in DeSoto County for multiple sex offender violations.

  

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office works cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies to track down and arrest absconded offenders. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office arrest of Hengsteler and removal of this dangerous individual from our communities is proof of our commitment to the protection of our citizens statewide.