Press Releases

Law Enforcement Memorial Service 2023

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Today survivors, family, friends and the brave men and women of law enforcement gathered at Heritage Park in Williston to honor the memories of our own that made the ultimate sacrifice to the community of Williston and Levy County. Sheriff McCallum and Chief Rolls hosted the memorial service with special guest speakers Deputy Chief Clay Connelly (Ret.) and Gussie Boatwright.

Today was a day of remembrance, an opportunity to share stories and pay our respect to those who went before us and will NEVER be forgotten:

Levy County Deputy Atticus H. Ellzey                     EOW: January 28, 1945

Williston Police Corporal Davis W. Moss                EOW: July 30, 1988

Levy County Lieutenant Duane Dykstra                   EOW: September 26, 2020

Levy County Deputy Allen Breeding                         EOW: October 27, 2021

Former Levy County Sergeant Noel Ramirez            EOW: April 19, 2018

Chiefland Man Arrested for Sexual Misconduct

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On May 2, 2023 the Levy County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct which occurred between John H. Jordan (2/20/63) of Chiefland and a 13 year old child. Detectives began their investigation conducting multiple interviews. In cooperation with the Florida Department of Children and Family Services Child Protection Team, Detectives obtained evidence of multiple sexual encounters Jordan had with the child which began in December of 2022.

On May 5, 2023 Detectives confronted Jordan at his home and obtained his statement. Jordan made statements to Detectives which corroborate details obtained from the victim and witnesses. Detectives took Jordan into custody at the conclusion of his statements.

A search warrant was also executed at Jordan’s home. Detectives collected multiple items from inside the home that will be forensically reviewed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Forensic Laboratory for DNA. Detectives also seized electronic devices which will also be examined.

Jordan was booked into the Levy County Detention Facility. He has been charged with two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation. He is being held on and $1,300,000.00 bond. 

This investigation is still on-going and Detectives are requesting assistance from anyone who may have information to contact Detective Ryan Sullivan at 352-486-5111 ext. 360. Anyone who wishes to make an anonymous tip can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

 

Missing Children Located in Colorado

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April 25, 2023

Yesterday, April 24, 2023 the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in cooperation with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office issued a nationwide missing child alert. Levy County Sheriff’s Office Detectives were working with the Florida Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) to execute an order of protective custody for two children, Raiden Phoenix (1 year old) and Ember Willoughby (11 months). The children were temporarily placed in the custody of Raymond Otero (48) of Williston when the children’s mother, Hailey Palmer (21) of Williston was arrested for an outstanding warrant issued from the State of Indiana. Palmer was extradited to Indiana where she is being held and her release date is unknown.

Raymond Otero refused to cooperate with DCF Agents during the investigation and fled the State of Florida with the children. Shortly before midnight last night the Levy County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the children had been located in Colorado. Law Enforcement at the Rocky Ford Police Department in Otero County Colorado reported Raymond Otero dropped the children off at their station and left. Both children are in good health and are being cared for until they can be picked up by representatives of DCF. Raymond Otero did not want to speak to law enforcement and his current location is unknown.

Levy County Sheriff’s Office is still working on this investigation. Detectives are seeking a warrant for Raymond Otero for interference of custody. Anyone who has information related to this investigation is asked to contact Lieutenant Mike Narayan at 352-486-5111. You can make an anonymous tip by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.