In total, ten arrests were made as a result of this operation. In April 2015, he began his service as a TIU Detective. During an interview with Cole he provided detectives with information that further reinforced the victims statements. While he never reached that height of notoriety, he did. While this can never undo the harm done to this victim, I hope they will find solace in knowing Touchton will spend the rest of his life in prison.. The SOME Run soon gained momentum, and law enforcement agencies from all over Florida became involved. 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. After securing the residence and individuals on scene, officials proceeded with the execution of the lawful search warrant. While serving the search warrant, defendant Ways and defendant Lozada both fled on foot from the property and were apprehended by perimeter units within seconds. Detective Snedeker recalled a vehicle matching the description being parked at a local motel in Homosassa. Almost immediately upon his release, he chose to reoffend again said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. John and Reve Walsh of Hollywood, Fla., along with a photo of their son Adam, who was taken from a store in Hollywood several months ago, appear before a House Judiciary subcommittee on Missing Children on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 18, 1981. Detective Parsons has been an outstanding and fiercely committed member of our agency during his tenure. (Citrus County, FL) Over the last two days, just in time for Easter, members of the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) conducted a covert operation to search for the rotten eggs that have been involved in the sale and distribution of illicit narcotics in Citrus County. Crime Stoppers is an integral part in solving crime locally in Citrus County and beyond. 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. In 1998, Deputy Spencer transferred to the Civil Unit where she performed the duties of a Process Server while attending the Law Enforcement Academy at Withlacoochee Technical College. 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. Thanks to our deputies quick thinking and superior performance, they were able to protect our community from further harm.. Total bond set at $137,000. The majority of the recent and decades-old murders in Tallahassee, Florida, have remained unsolved, and authorities continue tothoroughly investigate them. Johnson-Cabrera (DOB 03/04/2000) was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, pending charges for second degree murder with no bond. On November 17, 2021, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to a physical disturbance near the Family Dollar in Citrus Springs. Rolling was arrested for armed robbery around this time. He has also received two Certificates of Commendation, a Division Letter of Commendation, and more than twenty Letters of Appreciation. Dlugos was charged with 10 counts of commercial burglary, 2 counts of felony criminal mischief, 2 counts of grand theft, 1 count of possession of a controlled substance, 5 counts of criminal mischief, 5 counts of petit theft, and 1 count of driving without a valid license. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, the combined law enforcement efforts resulted in the arrests of thirty-five men and women in Citrus County for an array of narcotics charges. Lunsford stated that changes were needed in procedures and policies. The 57-year-old woman was found dead in her lakefront Inverness home in July 2019. In 2013, an appeals court overturned two of the four convictions. Todays seizure and arrests demonstrate our unwavering effort in stopping the flow of deadly drugs in our community. CCSO. To learn more about NCMEC and the Missing Kids Readiness Program, go to: https://www.missingkids.org/education/training/mkrp. On March 7, 2007, Couey was found guilty of all charges in relation to Lunsford's death, including first degree murder, kidnapping, burglary with assault or battery upon any person, and capital sexual battery. (Citrus County, FL) Early this morning, detectives from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed a search warrant at 5023 North Bedstrow Blvd. US States (36975K) Current Events (51K) Celebrity (272) Exonerated (117) Favorites (421) FBI . The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave which is standard procedure. See All Citrus County Rankings Crime & Safety Violent Crimes Calculated annually per 100,000 residents National Assault 282.7 Murder 6.1 Rape 40.7 Robbery 135.5 Property Crimes Calculated annually per 100,000 residents National Burglary 500.1 Theft 2,042.8 Motor Vehicle Theft 284 Residents Diversity C+ annual societal costs are estimated at $740 billion in overall healthcare spending as well as lost productivity and crime. Parents predators know how susceptible and trusting our children are, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Dispatch relayed to the responding deputies the suspect's vehicle had fled the scene and no one inside the home was injured. 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. Once the Commissions assessors complete their review of the agency, they report to the full Commission, which then determines if the agency is to receive accredited or reaccredited status - accreditation is valid for three years. I am extremely grateful to my team and the outstanding staff at Citrus County animal shelter for saving these helpless animals, working well into the midnight hours.. CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. -- A week after two Florida teens were charged with murdering a man during a robbery, one of the suspects faces charges in a separate attempted murder, reports CBS affiliate . Initially, staff only observed minor scratches and red marks, but a short time later they worsened. Hopefully this arrest will bring peace to the victims family and be the first step in seeking justice for Houstons actions.. It was Exotic, however, who ended up behind bars for a murder plot. Bond set at $5,000. Cases like this shock the community and take a dedicated team to seek justice for their victims. According to the publicly released autopsy reports, Lunsford had poked two fingers through the bags before suffocating to death, and the fingers had skeletonized. We at the National Center would like to express our sincere gratitude and congratulations to the Citrus County Sheriffs Office for their diligence and commitment to children.. However, his treatment of the animals enraged, , owner of Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Citrus County Crimes Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS. Total bond set at $1,678.00. The units detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street-level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. 784.03(2). Looking further into this, according to the same page, roughly 36,831 of those cold cases have been solved, leaving around 19,064 unsolved homicides in Florida, and making the states homicide clearance rate around 66%. Photo: David. Upon further investigation by the CCDs, along with the assistance of CCSOs Intelligence Analysis Unit, detectives were able to identify the two suspects from the surveillance video as 68-year-old Steven Rodrick and 54-year-old Henry Hudson of Homosassa. 847.0135 (3)(a), Sexual Offenders Failure to Register; Electronic Mail 943.0435(4)(e)(1), Sexual Offenders Failure to Register; Telephone Numbers 943.0435(4)(e)(2), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. 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. It was later discovered that Munn relocated 65 dogs to Iowa. The unit coordinates and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. Some were confined in small kennels with multiple other dogs and no access to food or water. B. Citrus County. (Citrus County, FL) Today, we celebrate the many impressive achievements, valuable contributions, and well-deserved retirement of Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Deputy Jannette Spencer, who is officially retiring from our office after 32 years of dedicated service. The unit coordinates and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. Upon arrival at the W. Carter Road residence, deputies discovered six people inside the home. To get ready for "Floribama Murders," you can read up on the most infamous cases in Sunshine State history below. (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. More about this case Best Image Available Meeker, Robert Case Information: Case Type: Homicide Fifty-nine roosters and hens were seized by CCSO Animal Control. Instead of CCSO deputies discovering a possible party with loud music, they found plain evidence of this organized criminal activity, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. In 2020, 106,515 crimes of domestic violence were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies resulting in 63,217 arrests. (Citrus County, FL) Wednesday night, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) deputies responded to an address in Beverly Hills regarding an animal cruelty complaint which resulted in an arrest for 12 counts of animal cruelty charges and one count of child neglect. Many of the most famous Florida serial killers can easily be found on any top ten or other form of serial killer list, including, but not limited to, list of serial killers in Florida and Florida serial killer list. After approximately three weeks of intense searching for her around the area of her home, John Evander Couey was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for an outstanding warrant of cannabis possession, but was released after questioning because it was only a local warrant. On Tuesday, May 10th, detectives found the break they were looking for. Please join us in congratulating Detective Cornell on his commitment to excellence in public safety and selfless service to our community for over two decades. Emergency call centers and law enforcement agencies are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements and demonstrating preparedness for responding to a missing child incident. His crime spree continued into the following year he shot his father twice and went on the run for attempted murder, raping a woman named Janet Frakealong the way. It requires tighter restrictions on sex offenders (such as wearing electronic tracking devices) and increased prison sentences for some convicted sex offenders. This unit works in direct conjunction with the Citrus County State Attorneys Office, Jesses Advocacy Center, the Department of Children and Families, as well as other local, state and federal agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving sexual exploitation and abuse, human trafficking, severe physical abuse cases involving children and a wide variety of other crimes against children. Citrus County Sheriff. Eric Paul Clemente, 33, Floral City, arrested Sept. 19 for felony burglary of unoccupied residence and criminal mischief ($200 or less). Rafael Rosado Lopez (DOB 3-20-62), of Hudson, FL. Medical examiners ruled the death a homicide after finding the cause to be blunt-force trauma and drowning. Citrus Springs is an extremely comfortable & affordable place to live in the Tampa Bay area. Most, if not all, of the unsolved murders in Florida can be found organized by law enforcement and investigating agencies on the Florida Department of Law Enforcements unsolved cases website, as well as many additional local and county law enforcement websites. (Citrus County, FL) Today, six Citrus County Sheriffs Office professionals graduated from Saint Leo Universitys Command Officer Management Program. 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. 847.0135 (3)(a ), and Unlawful use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. We are thankful for her devotion to our community and wish her the best in retirement! Uncovered is where the most passionate true crime enthusiasts can learn from and teach others. Police found Nowak had brought along a steel mallet, a four-inch folding knife, a BB gun, garbage bags, latex gloves, pepper spray, and a black wig on her drive, according toa 2007 Los Angeles Times report. On September 9, 2022, the CCSO was contacted by jail staff in reference to an inmate, 40-year-old Gerald Raymond Dietrich, Jr., who had been transported to a hospital with an unknown medical condition. Updated: 6:44 PM EST December 1, 2021. I hope you get raped, scumbags of America, a visibly upset Wuornos shouted when she was convicted. However, the most credible intelligence test rated Couey's IQ at 78, above the standard accepted level of intellectual disability, which is 70. Munn aired as CCSOs Wanted of the Week originally on April 27th for his warrant for two counts of animal cruelty. 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty 828.12(1). This conduct will not be tolerated in Citrus County, and the SVU detectives will work tirelessly to bring justice to these young victims.. Jessica Lunsford's murder influenced the introduction of legislation in Florida known as Jessica's Law, designed to protect potential victims and reduce a sexual offender's ability to re-offend, which has since influenced similar legislation in 42 other states. A copy of the standards manual is available on the CFA website at www.flaccreditation.org under the standards tab. As a Field Training Officer in the Court Security and Civil Units, she has imparted her years of knowledge and experience to a new generation of Judicial Deputies to serve the citizens of Citrus County. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe Exotic became Americas unofficial entertainer as millions of viewers self-isolated at home and watched Netflixs docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. The hit docuseries immersed viewers in the world of private zoos and big cat conservationists, focusing primarily on eccentric zookeeper Exotic and his eventual downfall in pursuit of his rival, Carole Baskin. . Despite being a wanted man, Bundy murdered more when he snuck i. , where he killed two women and attacked two others. Rather than attempt to correct the violations witnessed by Animal Control Officers, Munn began trying to relocate some of the animals in his possession. HERNANDO, Fla. - The Citrus County Sheriffs Office is investigating a suspicious death as a possible homicide after a man was found dead in a pickup truck in the woods early Thursday morning. On July 28, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) responded to a motor vehicle crash that occurred near the 8000 block of North Suncoast Boulevard in Crystal River. Bond set at $5,000. The suspect left the scene on a black bicycle heading westbound on Main Street towards Highway 581. Deputies say the man appeared to have heavy trauma and injuries from the crash. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Warning: Do NOT use the iPhone GPS to get you here. When law enforcement saw a vehicle matching the suspects description, they initiated a traffic stop wherein the suspect was ultimately detained. This is a horrendous case of an adult using a child for sexual gratification instead of protecting them, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. (Citrus County, FL) Today, October 18, 2022, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Sergeant John Bergen graduates from the National Public Safety Innovation Academy (NIA). On April 20, 2022, CCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence off West Hudson Street in reference to a death. Citrus County Sheriff's Office, FL. Further investigation also revealed the other occupant in the vehicle, 36-year-old Danielle Marie Turney of Inverness, had an active Pasco County warrant. 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. A week later, after about one hour and 15 minutes of deliberation, a jury recommended Couey be put to death. The Citrus County Sheriffs Office will be officially announcing its membership renewal in the Missing Kids Readiness Program in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on July 12, 2022. Aaron Matthew Smith, 41, Homosassa, arrested May 18 for possession of controlled substance and trafficking in 4-plus grams (morphine, opium, oxycodone or heroin). Although in comparison to the total county population the number of reported violent crime is less than 1% of the population, the numbers are still definitive. Mandel Witherspoon in Florida Citrus County 12/26/1975. Through witness statements, deputies were able to identify the suspect as 29-year-old Daniel Arthur Redman, who was just released from prison on January 9, 2022. Dietrich passed away at the hospital later that night. 800.04(5)(a), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S 934.215. After providing immediate first-aid on scene, Greenough, was then transported to a medical facility for his non-fatal injuries. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. As deputies approached the suspect, he refused to comply with verbal commands. A breakdown of 2018 crime figures shows that the county recorded 2 homicides, 19 rapes, 42 robberies, 282 aggravated assaults, 369 burglaries, 1,505 larcenies, and 230 motor vehicle thefts. One inmate is dead and another inmate has been charged with murder following an altercation at the Citrus County Detention Facility. He also served as team leader and supervisor for CCSOs Mobile Command Unit. The remains of two dogs were also located under a tarp on the property and one puppy was found deceased in its own feces and urine, with no access to water. BLOG; CATEGORIES. As soon as our team confirms the facts on what has transpired today, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, we will release more information. [2] He was released from police custody after being interviewed. Total bond set at $27,000. Over time, roughly 36,831 of those homicides were solved, leaving Florida with around 19,064 unsolved murders. For 135 years, we have served selflessly, protecting the citizens of Citrus County since our . The detectives assigned to this unit are among the most skilled and experienced investigators in law enforcement and undergo in-depth training in various forensic disciplines and other specialized training topics. The Sheriffs Office has been conducting Active Shooter/Assailant trainings for many years in both the School Resource Deputy program and agency in-service training. 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. MUGSHOTS.COM IS AN AGGREGATOR OF THE TODAY'S CRIME NEWS. (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) announces its participation in the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign. Detectives also observed evidence that tied Dlugos to at least one burglary scene. Detectives interviewed Miranda who advised that he stayed on the property and worked for his friend who raises roosters to ship to the Philippines for fighting. However, he broke out of the Colorado prison twice and in January 1978 he fled all the way to Florida. The Citrus County Sheriffs Office remains steadfast in its mission to make our community safe and protect our most vulnerable citizens, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. HCSO said deputies were called out to a home . On March 14, Couey's half-sister Dorothy Dixon gave permission to police to search her trailer at West Snowbird Court in Homosassa. At the conclusion of the interview further evidence was collected in an attempt to support the victims statements. He then kidnapped his youngest and final victim, 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, from her Lake City school and murdered her. 741.29(6). (Normally $49). (Citrus County, FL) On November 14, 2022, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Intelligence Analyst Heather Ramos was selected as the 2022 Crime Stoppers Coordinator of the Year at the Annual National Crime Stoppers Conference held in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations, Allison Cornelius! Our office stands with Gov. If not for the watchful eye of the daycare staff and the teamwork between DCF, Jessies Place, and our office, this victims fate could have been much worse. To meet the programs requirements, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office reviewed its missing child policy with NCMEC ensure it will meet the critical elements of NCMECs model policy for call center agencies. On Monday, deputies responded to a home on North Andri Drive in Crystal River. Your chance of being a victim of vandalism in Citrus County may be as high as 1 in 188 in the southwest neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 695 in the south part of the county. Deputies were dispatched to an alarm call at TD Bank in Crystal River shortly before noon today. Detective Parsons dedication to our community throughout his career is evidenced in his work to locate and dismantle in excess of 700 meth labs. Detectives spotted the vehicle and members of the Tactical Impact Unit jumped on surveillance, tracking the suspects movement. Their initial investigation revealed that Jonathan had contacted Dean for illicit narcotics, which she provided him on numerous occasions. became Americas unofficial entertainer as millions of viewers self-isolated at home and watched Netflixs docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. The hit docuseries immersed viewers in the world of private zoos and big cat conservationists, focusing primarily on eccentric zookeeper Exotic and his eventual downfall in pursuit of his rival, Carole Baskin. Detectives interviewed Dlugos who confessed to 10 of the reported 11 burglaries. Total bond set at $137,000. (Citrus County, FL) February 17, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, along with the support of the Hernando County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, executed a search warrant at 6330 W. Carter Road in Homosassa. Further investigation revealed the identity to be 24-year-old Renee Rosita Harris, of Ocala. Please join us in congratulating Deputy Pat Alford on his remarkable commitment to public service for the past three decades. A 30-something drifter named Danny Rolling. During the search of the vehicle the following narcotics were located: Both Grimaldi and Turney were arrested and charged accordingly: This is just another prime example of how dull-witted individuals dealing illicit drugs are, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. If youre hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home. In February 2012, Detective Parsons was transferred to CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), serving as a Deputy from February 2012 until April 2015. Thanks for registering for our FREE 1.5 Hour Intro to Firearms Class! Retired Deputy Steven Smolensky was shot and. She was taken to a nearby hospital. The disgusting and sexually deviant behaviors these predators displayed in their online chats are monstrous. Marty Taylor (DOB 1/27/1980), Homosassa, FL- Strangulation F.S.S. Agents arrested Jesse James Rumson, of Lecanto, Florida, on a long list of charges, including obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, engaging in physical violence in a . As part of the assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 790.27(1)(A) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon F.S.S. Verification by the team that an agency meets the Commissions standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation--a highly prized recognition of professional excellence. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In October 2005, Deputy Parsons was promoted to the rank of Corporal and Officer In Charge. Crime in Citrus County, Florida Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime) Citrus County violent crime is 28.2. It disgusting that individuals like Morgan not only peddle their poison in our community, but seek to infiltrate our detention facility for the sole purpose of bringing in contraband to inmates, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. From July 15-21, state and local law enforcement agencies in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida will conduct a week-long speed enforcement campaign. Despite the acknowledgment of the childs age, in various messages these subjects engaged in sexually explicit conversations, detailing different sexual activities they hoped to perform with the child. 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. Our office takes an aggressive stance in safeguarding our youth. Very few humans have ventured into space. I cannot imagine the countless lives investigations such as this have saved. 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. Detective Barry worked with the State Attorneys Office and a warrant was issued for Coles arrest. While taking on this new role, Ramos will also continue to hold her position as Coordinator for Crime Stoppers of Citrus County. Whether mentoring newly hired deputies or investigating criminal activity, Pat always performed with an unwavering commitment to his position. Over the course of this operation, officials from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office, along with our partners at the United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Fugitive Task Force (USMS FCFTF), the United States Secret Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Sumter County Sheriffs Office, Hernando County Sheriffs Office, Pasco County Sheriffs Office, Sarasota Police Department, and the Longwood Police Department worked collaboratively to capture these online child sex predators.