Todays seizure and arrests demonstrate our unwavering effort in stopping the flow of deadly drugs in our community. Ramirez, Jessica. Anyone having information about this case is encouraged to contact the Major Case Assessment Team at (850) 891-4462 or (850) 891-4745. shirts to support this amazing cause and are encouraged to cheer on participants at either Publix locations or CCSOs operations building. On August 11, 2007, a jury overseeing the Lunsford case voted 10-2 that Couey be eligible for the death sentence. This region is policed by CITRUS COUNTY. I commend our outstanding team of professionals for their dedication and thoroughness during this difficult case.. (Citrus County, FL) Today, six Citrus County Sheriffs Office professionals graduated from Saint Leo Universitys Command Officer Management Program. (Citrus County, FL) Beginning on February 25th, 2022 the Sheriffs Office began receiving reports of commercial burglaries that occurred throughout the county. Couey held her captive over the weekend, during which she was raped and later murdered by being buried alive. In Citrus Hills you have a 1 in 83 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Florence, who was at the residence when detectives arrived, was placed under arrest and turned over to the custody of the Citrus County Detention Facility. Citrus Hills is safer than 58% of the cities in the United States. Hite was traveling with his girlfriend and young son. Despite Munns initial arrest, officials continued to investigate. Crime Map for Citrus County, FL Crime Map Trends Analytics Cold Cases Missing Persons Daily Archive Burglary 11/30/2022 3:44 AM LECANTO HWY Burglary 11/29/2022 5:56 PM 2ND CT Theft 11/29/2022 3:41 PM HIGH ACRES STREET Vandalism 11/29/2022 2:32 PM GULF TO LAKE HWY Burglary 11/29/2022 1:22 PM U S HIGHWAY 41 Other 08/13/2021 6:34 AM 123 SESAME ST Deputy Spencer began her 32-year career with CCSO on May 7, 1990, as a Communications Officer. Officials did not describe the severity of her injuries or the cause. (Citrus County, FL) Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) issued a calling to the community to step-it-up for survivors of domestic violence during the month of October. Crime in Citrus County, Florida - Best Places "We here at the Citrus County Sheriffs Office want these offenders to know their actions are unacceptable and they will be held accountable. (Citrus County, FL) After dedicating 22 years to our community, a highly valued member of the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) High Tech Crimes Unit, Detective Chris Cornell, retires today. Both the East and West Community Crimes Detectives (CCDs) immediately began collaborative investigative efforts to identify, locate and hold the unknown suspect accountable. During her eight years in Communications, she ascended to the rank of Communications Supervisor and Training Officer. He instead buried her alive as he decided he could do nothing else with the girl. Thanks to our deputies quick thinking and superior performance, they were able to protect our community from further harm.. Jessica Marie Lunsford (October 6, 1995 February 27, 2005) was an American nine-year-old girl from Homosassa, Florida, who was murdered in February 2005. For example, evidence can range from fingerprints, blood, skin cells, or other DNA evidence, to gunpowder residue, and most often includes Leon County murders crime scene photos, to illustrate tothe jurors the crimes surrounding environment, possibly the circumstances of the crime, and other details about the crime and crime scene. People who live in Citrus County generally consider the south part of the county to be the safest for this type of crime. Citrus County Sheriff's Office, FL 741.29(6). Citrus County, FL Violent Crime Rates and Maps The HTCU has the capability to forensically examine various devices and is a proud member of Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force which actively investigates online child exploitation. "While we believe this to be an isolated incident, there are many unknown details that we seek your assistance in obtaining in support of our investigation.". Detectives located narcotics including large trafficking amounts of methamphetamine (482.6 grams), various narcotic pills (Diazepam, Oxycodone, and Alprazolam), and LSD. Congratulations, Allison Cornelius! Thanks to his dapper good looks, charisma, and shockingly high body count. Retired Deputy Steven Smolensky was shot and. 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty 828.12(1). Copy and paste this code into your website. Rafael Rosado Lopez (DOB 3-20-62), of Hudson, FL. Prior history of domestic violence. Over the course of his career, Detective Parsons received several professional commendations that include a Humanitarian Service Medal for his service during Hurricane Michael, a Medal of Commendation, multiple Unit Citations for Operation Coin Toss, Certificates of Commendation, Perfect Attendance Awards, and sixteen acknowledgments from various individuals and organizations including the Governor, other agencies, and citizens. Pat received a Ribbon of Commendation for his quick action in preventing someone from self-harm. Year over year crime in Citrus Hills has decreased by 15%. Burglary and theft prevention tips Make sure your homes, sheds or anything that can be locked has proper locking mechanisms; install motion activated lighting; keep items out of sight from the roadways, and behind fencing/lockable gates when possible; put up cameras. Citrus Springs is an extremely comfortable & affordable place to live in the Tampa Bay area. 847.0135 (3), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S 934.215. from prosecutors. Police kill man reportedly seen shooting at gas pipeline - CBS News Citrus County, FL News | NewsBreak Citrus County, FL 847.0135(4)(a), 4 counts Knowingly Transmit Harmful Material to a Minor: F.S.S. She was also reportedly wearing an adult diaper for the trek a detail her legal team denied but one salacious enough to turn her into a national punchline. Total bond set at $1,178.00. 572 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428 +1(352)794-6367 FireFlex Beauty Supply He then kidnapped his youngest and final victim, 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, from her Lake City school and murdered her. Forcible sex offenses. Bond set at $5,000. Nesmith, Susannah A. IN EACH FRONT-PAGE POST, THE HYPERLINK TO THE PRIMARY SOURCE IS SPECIFIED. If you have any information about stolen property or any other crime in our county, we encourage you to contact us as 352-249-2790 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. Citrus County Sheriff's deputies recovered the body, which had no immediate signs of trauma. Fugitive nabbed halfway around world - UPI Archives Leon County, Florida, has a population of approximately297,400 inhabitants. In 2020, there were 530 traffic crash deaths nationwide during the Labor Day Holiday weekend. Best search engine for True crime stories | Mugshots.com ontwo counts of murder-for-hire, eight counts of violating the Lacey Act for falsifying wildlife records, and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act, according. "I would like to encourage anyone with information regarding this case to call our office," said Sheriff Prendergast. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. In this age of technology, it baffles and disgusts me that individuals will still seek out to harm animals for their pure entertainment, said Lora Peckham, CCSO Animal Control Unit Supervisor. According to the 2019 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the violent crime rate in Florida was roughly 378.4 per 100,000 people. Community Crimes Detectives and Animal Control Officers worked alongside our partners with the Citrus County Animal Shelter and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to seize the animals found on scene and to further investigate the deaths of the deceased dogs. Video surveillance from a nearby business of one of the crime scenes captured a possible suspect vehicle. In response, officials contained the area, shutting down the entranceway into the Meadowcrest plaza and activated the CCSOs Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to respond out. Murder plot ends with life sentences - Tampa Bay Times 741.29(6) and Violation of Injunction F.S.S. The victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) at Jessies Place, the Citrus County child advocacy center. Our continual fight against illicit drug activity takes time and numerous personnel. In 1989, Rolling broke into the residence of the Grissom family in his hometown of Shreveport and killed all three people inside: William, 55, his daughter, Julie, 24, and his 8-year-old grandson, Sean. (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday at 5:59 p.m., Victrina Marie Crites-Worley (DOB, (Citrus County, FL) Instead of walking into a winter wonderland, these criminals are walking into booking once again thanks to the members of the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU). [8], The trial was moved to Miami after officials were unable to seat an impartial jury in Citrus County where the trial was first scheduled to be held.[9]. As deputies approached the suspect, he refused to comply with verbal commands. There is garbage everywhere. If you have any information about the illegal sale of narcotics or any other crime in our community, we encourage you to contact us at 352-249-2790 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. He is a Sexual Predator in the truest sense of the word and has shown he is beyond rehabilitation. Geller had been incarcerated for over two decades for Sexual Battery upon a minor. This was not your average noise complaint on a Saturday afternoon. 741.29(6). Florence was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) on April 19, 2022, for Capital Sexual Battery on a Child less than 12, and had remained in custody at the Citrus County Detention Facility without bond. Warrants are served for all types of family related crimes, including: domestic violence, interfering with making 9-1-1 calls, injunction violations, pretrial release agreement violations, non-payment of child support, child abuse crimes, elder abuse crimes and any other type of family violence. Detectives Cook and Watts made contact with Cohen and conducted an interview. Your email address will not be published. This year, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison. 847.0135 (3)(a), Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. After sharing this same information with our office, officials went to work to investigate these claims. We will not tolerate this type of activity in Citrus County, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Hernando is 1 in 580 and property crime is 1 in 84. . (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, March 3, 2022, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Richard Ric Howard, a jury found 40-year-old James Touchton of Inverness guilty of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12 (six counts) and Domestic Battery by Strangulation (two counts). Dlugos bond was set at $69,000 per the bond schedule. Dailey then refused deputies commands to exit the vehicle and claimed to have a firearm while making erratic movements within the vehicle. She was also reportedly wearing an adult diaper for the trek a detail her legal team denied but one salacious enough to turn her into a national punchline. I hope you get raped, scumbags of America, a visibly upset Wuornos shouted when she was convicted. Slanker. Remember, Citrus - If you SEE something, SAY something! In the meantime, please avoid the area between N. Regatta Pt and Fort Island Gulf Beach.. Acting on information received from a local daycare facility, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Detective Jason Cook and Detective Roscoe Watts, with the Special Victims Unit (SVU), immediately began an investigation. (Arrested by the USMS FCFTF), Lawrence Neu (DOB 8/28/1954), Lakeland, FL 9 Counts of Transmission of harmful material to minor 847.0138 (2), Seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child to engage in any illegal act F.S.S. (Arrested by Levy County Sheriffs Office), Phillip Simpson (DOB 7/09/1995), Anthony, FL Transmission of Harmful Material 847.0138(2), Computer Pornography; Solicit, Lure, or Entice 847.0135 (3)(a), Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Regretfully, many of these reports deal with repeat offenders. Harold Wilfred Carver III (DOB 7/22/1976), Orlando, FL Fugitive from Justice out of Washington County Virginia for 8 Counts of Rape and Sexual Battery. Congratulations to our graduates for completing Saint Leo Universitys Command Officer Management Program, said Sheriff Prendergast. Bond set at $5,000. Last Wednesday, while in her training academy at CoreCivic, TIU detectives in coordination with CoreCivics management and security team, entered the classroom and arrested Morgan. However, his treatment of the animals enraged Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Contact was made with Roberto Arevalo Miranda (11/19/1956) who lived on the property in a camper near the small A-frame-style structures. Predators like Geller are the reason the detectives of the Special Victims Unit are an essential part of the Citrus County Sheriffs Office and our mission to keep this community safe. (Citrus County, FL) At approximately 5:30 p.m. this afternoon, Citrus County Sheriffs Office deputies initially responded to a residence off of N. Windbreak Ter. Their initial investigation revealed that Jonathan had contacted Dean for illicit narcotics, which she provided him on numerous occasions. A NCMEC spokesperson stated, By demonstrating remarkable leadership, and making this commitment of training and preparedness, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office is communicating to its citizens and families that protecting the lives and safety of their children is a top priority. CCSOs Major Crimes detectives, along with Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) detectives continued to work collectively on this case. Our office works closely with our partners at CoreCivic, and we want to send a clear message that illicit drugs have no place in our community and absolutely no place in our detention facility.. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. The media extensively covered the investigation and trial of Couey. Elias Junior Domenech (DOB 3-3-98), of Orlando, FL. We are thankful for their courageous efforts in keeping our community safe.. On March 25, 2022, Detective Barry made contact with Cole at his residence in Polk City. The day prior, it was reported to CCSO that a burglary and grand theft had occurred at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Hernando, FL. Total bond set at $52,000. Dont let someone get behind the wheel if theyve been drinking. US States (36975K) Current Events (51K) Celebrity (272) Exonerated (117) Favorites (421) FBI . Wuornos endured a tough and abusive childhood in Michigan before ending up in Florida, where she drifted and supported herself through sex work and other service jobs. Armed with the information, knowledge, and operational resources gained through meeting the program criteria, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office continues to be positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a childs life may be at stake. In recent years, DNA technology has resulted in the resolution of hundreds, if not thousands, of decades-old cold cases, and Florida is no different. Our non-emergency line is staffed 24/7 and can be reached at 352-249-2790. Within minutes, the suspect was tracked to a motor home located approximately a quarter mile away. Very few humans have ventured into space. [7], On June 30, 2006, a judge ruled that Couey's confession was inadmissible in court because when it was recorded police had not granted Couey's requests for a lawyer, thereby rendering the confession invalid and unreliable under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments of the United States Constitution. This is a horrendous case of an adult using a child for sexual gratification instead of protecting them, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Once the hostage was safe, deputies ordered the suspect to show them his hands. Dawn McDonald (DOB 5/30/1969), Lecanto, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. 790.27(1)(A) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon F.S.S. (Citrus County, FL) On Friday, October 14, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Community Crimes Detectives (CCDs) arrested two individuals involved in a string of burglaries that occurred at local churches and storage facilities throughout Citrus County. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. Crime Scene Specialists actively assisted both on scene and behind the scene collecting pertinent evidence for future prosecution. The SOME Run soon gained momentum, and law enforcement agencies from all over Florida became involved. John Walsh also co-founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children not long after. Population 10,162. Jeremy Martin (DOB 7/18/1985), Lecanto, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. - After Citrus County deputies receiving a call for a welfare check, they said they found the body of a Crystal River man. 172.105.99.84 Additionally, some unsolved central Florida murders include the 1994 murder of Dallas Beard, the 1974 murder of Frances Hernandez, the 1988 murder of Nancy Foster, and the 2015 murder of April Mullins, among many others. Prior history of domestic violence. Citrus County has 16 open cold cases - Florida's Best Community Newspaper Upon arrival, deputies met with the complainant. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Recent Arrest. University of Florida students were turning up dead fatally stabbed to death, sometimes raped and mutilated. On March 19, police found nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford's body at the residence on West Snowbird Court in Homosassa, buried in a plastic bag in a hole approximately 2.5 feet (0.76m) deep and 2 feet (0.61m) circular, covered with leaves. We will not sit idly by; we will take a steadfast approach and stop the power and control these individuals have over their victims. But to willingly arrange to meet up with a child to carry out these sickening acts makes them very real and very dangerous. According to CCSO, this appears to be an isolated incident. As soon as our team confirms the facts on what has transpired today, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, we will release more information. After continuing to travel on the deflated tires, FHP successfully performed a pursuit intervention technique to further immobilize the vehicle. At the time of his arrest, Gromling was already in custody at the Citrus County Detention Facility for drug related charges, About the Citrus County Sheriffs Offices Tactical Impact Unit: The Tactical Impact Unit responsibilities include narcotics investigations, street[1]level reverse stings, regular checks for narcotics in schools and traffic interdiction. The young mom initially claimed that she had dropped her daughter off with a babysitter, and that when she came back later, both were gone. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. The dark underbelly to life in Florida is on full display in. Over the six-month span, multiple kilos of cocaine were seized by TIU, and through each seizure, more information was gathered, which culminated in probable cause for the search warrant. Staff members immediately contacted the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and CCSO. Detective Tiffany Barry with the CCSO High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU) was assigned to the case and immediately began an investigation. In addition to Ramos being named as Coordinator of the Year, she was also sworn in by the Honorable Judge Richard Carter as Crime Stoppers Director for Region IV. Megan Thersea Stergios Megan Thersea Stergios, 29, Beverly Hills, arrested May 18 for two counts of failure to appear. [1] Couey was a 46-year-old long-time resident of Homosassa with an extensive criminal record, listing dozens of arrests for burglary and was a convicted child sex offender. Upon arrival at the W. Carter Road residence, deputies discovered six people inside the home. A man was shot and killed in what Citrus County Sheriff's Office authorities believe to be an act of self-defense. I cannot imagine the countless lives investigations such as this have saved. According to the publicly released autopsy reports, Lunsford had poked two fingers through the bags before suffocating to death, and the fingers had skeletonized. While working full-time, Detective Parsons earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Florida State University. In February 2012, Detective Parsons was transferred to CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), serving as a Deputy from February 2012 until April 2015. What happens if the police dont get there in time? During the investigation, it was determined that individuals had traveled from all over the state with the intention of participating in the fighting of roosters. Jessica Cadett (DOB 10/16/1985), Dunnellon, FL- Failure to Pay Child Support. The National Apprehension Detail calls for agencies across the United States to participate in serving outstanding family-violence warrants. Today, Redman was formally arrested on the below charges and transported to the Lake Butler Correctional Facility: The immediate action and quick thinking our deputies demonstrated in this grisly situation speaks volumes to the rigorous training they undergo to serve our citizens, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. (Normally $49). Here in Florida, the Torch Run had its start many years ago as the Special Olympics Mileage Event (SOME) Run, when a handful of officers carried the Flame of Hope throughout the state in a grueling, non-stop run. Donald Cash (DOB 10/11/1977), Homosassa, FL- Failure to Pay Child Support, Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number F.S.S. I am extremely proud of the teamwork from the various law enforcement agencies that went into making these arrests possible and for knowing that thanks to their dedication, weve stopped these sexual predators from preying on children in our county and our surrounding counties.. On Monday, deputies responded to a home on North Andri Drive in Crystal River. Detectives with CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit set up an undercover drug buy with Morgan, where she sold fentanyl and cocaine to detectives from her residence.