Press Releases

The bill requires each sheriff to designate at least one parking lot at the sheriff’s office or a substation as an available safe exchange location. The purpose is to provide a place where parents may bring their minor child for purposes of exchanging the child to comply with court ordered timesharing.

The location at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office is marked and has a surveillance camera with recordings maintained for at least 45 days. The bill does not require the sheriff to actively monitor the location. Moreover, the bill provides that a sheriff and the sheriff’s employees are not civilly liable for an incident that may occur as the result of the exchange of a child at a safe exchange location. The bill is named the “Cassie Carli Law.” Cassie Carli is believed to have been kidnapped and murdered by the father of their daughter after meeting him for the purpose of timesharing.

Sheriff McCallum has designated the safe exchange location in the front parking lot at the LCSO main operations building at 9150 NE 80^th Avenue in Bronson. This location is clearly marked with two signs and will have a purple light visible from CR 337 to aid parents in identifying the location.

Sheriff Bobby McCallum is elated to announce that the Levy County Sheriff’s Office has received their initial accreditation through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) on June 20, 2024. The award was presented at the CFA Summer Conference in Orlando, Florida by the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. This is the first time the Levy County Sheriff’s Office has sought and received this award.

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office began this voluntary process nearly two years ago. The Florida Sheriff’s Association aided the Agency in this process that included the commitment of all LCSO personnel to meet the prescribed standards and requirements. Over this two year process the Agency’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services were examined. During the period of March 26^th through 28^th the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation sent three independent assessors from around the state to the Agency. The assessors examined all sections described in the CFA standards manual. The assessment team found no issues and unanimously agreed that the Agency be recommended for accreditation.

The final step of this process was for Sheriff Bobby McCallum to offer testimony to the CFA Commissioners on June 20^th as a part of the final review process. His testimony in combination with the CFA assessors recommendation, resulted in the Agency being granted the CFA Accreditation award. Agency Accreditation means that the Levy County Sheriff’s Office is providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Levy County at a State recognized standard.

Sheriff McCallum said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of this Office for achieving this historical milestone. And, a special thanks to Mrs. Gloria Kilian for leading the team and managing this goal as the Agency Accreditation Manager. This is the first time in its history that the LCSO has earned and been recognized as a Florida Accredited Law Enforcement Agency. This means that the men and women who serve our citizens in an exemplary way and also ensures our staff, employees and me as Sheriff are held to standards and policies that hold us accountable to the highest quality of service to our citizens.” 

June 18, 2024

Ever wonder what happens when law enforcement receives an anonymous tip? Here is an example:

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force received an anonymous tip earlier this year identifying a person in a travel trailer at “Out of Towner’s” RV Park in Williston who was selling drugs. Detectives began gathering information and conducted surveillance; identifying the suspected drug dealer as Maurice Frazier (6/29/56). On June 17, 2024 detectives were granted a search warrant for Frazier’s trailer.

Detectives executed the search warrant late yesterday afternoon and apprehended Frazier in the process. Evidence was recovered identifying Frazier was actively engaged in the sale of crack cocaine.

Frazier has been arrested and charged with the sale of cocaine and possession of drug equipment and is being held in the Levy County Detention Center on an $11,000.00 bond. This case was successful based on the tip we received from this anonymous person. Anonymous tips can be made by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477. You could be eligible for a cash reward.

June 18, 2024

Deputy Landon Kennedy was on patrol in the Williston area during the evening of June 17^th. A gold car caught his attention so he ran the tag. The tag attached to this vehicle was not assigned to it so Deputy Kennedy stopped the vehicle. The driver pulled into the Marathon gas station at CR 318 and Deputy Kennedy contacted the driver. Deputy Kennedy immediately saw what appeared to be a black handgun on the center console and a shotgun in the driver’s floorboard. The driver, identified as Augustino Jazikoff (9/3/85) of Williston, was asked to step out of the vehicle.

Upon exiting the vehicle a glass smoking pipe rolled out from underneath his leg and his pant pocket was wrong side out. Jazikoff was detained as Deputy Kennedy continued his investigation. The passenger, identified as Laura Pendlebury (12/14/94) of Williston, was also asked to step out of the vehicle.

Deputy Kennedy discovered Jazikoff had a suspended license and was a multi-time convicted felon. Pendlebury is also a convicted felon. This investigation recovered a short barrel shotgun and multiple 12 gage slugs. Methamphetamines were found under the driver’s seat. The “handgun” was identified as a lighter. A bag containing personal identification belonging to Pendlebury was found to contain more shotgun shells. Both subjects were arrested for multiple felony violations. Upon arrival at the jail Pendlebury was searched by detention staff. Staff found a baggie of cocaine she had hidden on her person.

Jazikoff has been charged with possession of a short barrel shotgun, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of ammo by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug equipment and driving while his license is suspended. His bond has been set at $164,000.00.

Pendlebury was charged with possession of ammo by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine. Her bond has been set at $35,000.00.

On June 13, 2024 the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force and Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant at 2390 SE 145th Terrace in Morriston, Florida. The warrant concluded a lengthy investigation related to the sale of illegal narcotics by Katrina Veith from this home. The search of Veith’s room discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, buprenol/nalox 6 pills, oxycodone pills and marijuana. Items associated with the sale of illegal narcotics was also seized and included digital scales, syringes, boxes of zip lock bags, smoking pipes and straws.

Veith is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver; possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Chloe Allen (11/7/2000) of Yankeetown was located on the property and arrested for an active warrant for grand theft of a motor vehicle. A search of her person incident to her arrest discovered two small baggies with a crystalline substance and a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine in her shorts pocket. A test of the substance identified it as methamphetamine. Allen was subsequently charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both subjects are being held in the Levy County Detention Center. Veith’s bond is set at $180,000.00. Allen’s bond is set at $110,000.00.

“Narcotic investigations take time, effort and expertise. The men and women who are assigned to the Drug Task Force have the experience, drive and determination they dedicate to these long and sometimes difficult investigations. Tips from our community are often the catalyst that launches these investigations. Both women arrested in this investigation have extensive criminal histories spanning many years and our neighbors are now safer that they are in jail. I am extremely proud of the DTF and the work they do for our community to make Levy County a safer place to live and raise our children,” said Sheriff McCallum.

June 7, 2024

On June 5, 2024 Deputy Mary Weaver and Deputy Rowdy Roberts responded to a report of domestic violence in Inglis. The deputies arrived to find a female with significant injuries to her face, head and body. The victim reported that she and her live in boyfriend, identified as Timothy Wade Arnold (3/21/77) of Inglis, got into an argument. Arnold accused her of infidelity and began to hit and kick her. She waited until Arnold passed out before making her escape to a nearby friend’s home and calling 911.

Arnold was located passed out inside the travel trailer where he resides at 50 Palm Drive. Deputies were able to awaken him and took him into custody. He was transported to the Levy County Detention Center and charged with battery, second or subsequent offense.

On June 6, 2024 Levy County Detectives were alerted that the victim was admitted to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the altercation with Arnold. Medical staff confirmed the victim suffered from serious internal injuries, lacerations and broken bones caused by a violent attack. A second interview was conducted with the victim where Detectives learned Arnold punched, kicked and struck the victim with blunt objects as well as a machete causing the injuries.

A search warrant was obtained for the travel trailer where Arnold resides. Detectives seized items described by the victim that were used by Arnold during the attack. As such, two additional charges of aggravated battery were filed.

Arnold is being held at the Levy County Detention Center in lieu of a $200,000.00 bond.

May 31, 2024

On May 30, 2024 shortly after 4:00 p.m. multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing were received by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division. Deputies were dispatched to the area of SE 132 Court in Morriston where they were told a known suspect attacked two people at their home, inflicting multiple stab and slash wounds.

The victim(s) told deputies the suspect had been to their home before and borrowed their phone to make a call and were able to provide his name. Other than this, they did not know him. The victims were able to escape the attacker and fled to neighbors’ homes nearby. The suspect fled prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

Deputies received a second report from a nearby home and upon arrival found two more individuals suffering from blunt force object wounds inflicted by weapons of opportunity. The suspect, also known to these victims had fled this location.

The suspect, Justin R. Byrant (6/29/88) of Morriston was located by deputies and Williston Police Department Officers in a wooded area nearby one of the victim’s homes and taken into custody. The motive for these apparent random and violent attacks is still under investigation. All four victims have been taken to nearby trauma units and are being treated. Their current conditions are reported as stable.  

Detectives have determined that Bryant was known to all four victims and had been “hanging out” with two of them earlier in the day. Detectives pieced together Bryant’s activities earlier that day and discovered that he took a vehicle from a known associate. He drove this vehicle to a home in Levy County where he abandoned it and stole a truck. He then drove the truck to another home approximately one mile away and attempted to steal a side by side. This theft was unsuccessful and he apparently walked away.

This was a large crime scene with eight separate locations that required extensive coordination between law enforcement, Levy County Department of Public Safety, Williston Police Department and ShandsCair. This cooperative effort enabled rapid care for the victim(s) and quick apprehension of the suspect.

Bryant has been booked into the Levy County Detention Center where he is charged with three counts of attempted murder, one count of aggravated battery and burglary of a dwelling. Additional charges are expected to be filed.

May 30, 2024

On May 25, 2024 Deputy Steven Williamson was dispatched to a complaint that Joshua R. Carter (1/25/2002) held his former girlfriend against her will at a location in Morriston. Deputy Williamson, through his investigation, determined Carter lured the female to the home in Morriston. The two argued and when she attempted to leave, he pushed her onto a couch, took her glasses and threatened to kill her and then himself. Carter chambered a round into the firearm he was holding and refused to let the female leave. The victim was able to escape some time later after reasoning with Carter to let her leave.

Deputy Williamson was able to contact Carter by phone and determined he fled the jurisdiction to Citrus County. Carter agreed to return to Levy County and speak to Deputy Williamson and was subsequently arrested.

Deputy Williamson contacted Detective Corporal C.J. Perryman to assist in the investigation. A search warrant was obtained for the home where the victim had been held. Detectives recovered the loaded firearm described by the victim as well as other evidence of this crime.

Carter is being held with no bond at the Levy County Detention Center. He is charged with false imprisonment, aggravated assault with a firearm, battery, theft and use of a two way communication device to commit a felony.