Detectives also observed evidence that tied Dlugos to at least one burglary scene. "Munns arrest could not have been made possible if it was not for the collaborative efforts of all the incredible professionals and advocates involved, said Sheriff Prendergast. 847.0138(2), Travel to Seduce/Solicit Child in Sex Act: F.S.S. Dailey subsequently surrendered without further incident and was arrested. (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) says farewell and Godspeed to Detective Travis Parsons, who is retiring after over 20 years of dedicated service to our community. On Tuesday, May 10th, detectives found the break they were looking for. In the meantime, please avoid the area between N. Regatta Pt and Fort Island Gulf Beach.. Aaron Matthew Smith, 41, Homosassa, arrested May 18 for possession of controlled substance and trafficking in 4-plus grams (morphine, opium, oxycodone or heroin). Pat received a Ribbon of Commendation for his quick action in preventing someone from self-harm. Steven Alan Swearingen is . The woman is considered a person of interest, according to the sheriff's office. (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, May 23, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) arrested 44-year-old Delia Marie Dean of Floral City for first-degree felony murder as a result of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (Fentanyl) which resulted in the overdose death of 48-year-old Jonathan Michael Bishop of Inverness. Couey stated he did not have anything to do with the nine-year-old's disappearance and had moved to Georgia to find a job, only knowing about it from the television news. The parent told deputies that the victim had just disclosed sexual activity with Cole, who they had met on the TikTok social media app. 486. Megan Thersea Stergios Megan Thersea Stergios, 29, Beverly Hills, arrested May 18 for two counts of failure to appear. The 57-year-old woman was found dead in her lakefront Inverness home in July 2019. Serial killers are seemingly almost always male, which is why Aileen Wuornos string of murders shocked the nation. 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. Also among these organized lists are the large numbers of unsolved murders Tallahassee, Florida, which include the 1957 murder of Dorothy Thomas, the 2005 murder of Tony Pierrelouis, and the 2006 murder of Ali Iisha Gilmore, among many others. The murder occurred several hours prior to the discovery of Thomas' body. On Jan. 14, deputies responded to a shooting in the area of East Dawson Drive in Inverness where they found 19-year Brenden Redman lying on a driveway with multiple gunshot wounds. (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. Bond set at $5,000. Total bond set at $4,500.00. At 9 a.m., bicyclists will ride the second leg of the cross-county relay from there to the Withlacoochee Technical College, about a 14-mile stretch. If you suspect someone is committing crimes against our youth, call (352) 249-2790 to report your suspicions to our office immediately. 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. 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. Allowing a negative interaction with another motorist to escalate to Road Rage puts everyone in jeopardy and demonstrates a reckless disregard for other motorists and passengers.. If you are the victim of burglary or theft, security systems and cameras increase the likelihood of developing leads to solve the case. (Arrested by Polk County Sheriffs Office), Justin Rampe (DOB 11/21/1983), Williston, FL Transmission of Harmful Material 847.0138(2), Seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child to engage in any illegal act F.S.S. (Citrus County, FL) Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) officials say a suspected bank robber is off the streets and there is no longer a threat to public safety. Law enforcement officials from seven Florida counties, who make up the 23rd and 24th cohorts of Saint Leo Universitys Command Officer Management Program, received their diplomas earlier today. The B- grade means the rate of murder is slightly lower than the average US county. 741.31(4)(A). 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. . HERNANDO, Fla. - The Citrus County Sheriff's 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. This all unfolded back in May of 2017, when a . has certainly achieved a high level of fame. Eventually, the relay came to be known as the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run. Total bond set at $52,000. What really happened to toddler Caylee is still unknown. Since taking over the program, Ramos has been extremely active and is responsible for much of the ongoing successes of our countys Crime Stoppers Program. This conduct will not be tolerated in Citrus County, and the SVU detectives will work tirelessly to bring justice to these young victims.. Our office works tirelessly to stop the illegal sell of narcotics in our community and will continue to work closely with our partners at CoreCivic in an effort to eliminate the flow of contraband into our detention facility. During separate interviews throughout this investigation, several juvenile victims disclosed sexual activity with Guevara at her residence in Inverness. According to NHTSA, one person is killed about every 45 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, totaling more than 11,000 lives lost each year. Thanks to his dapper good looks, charisma, and shockingly high body count, Ted Bundy, whos linked to the murders of at least 36 women, is perhaps the most famous serial killer in America. Ramos, has been employed with the Citrus County Sheriffs Office since 2005, first serving her community as a Communications Officer and later transferring to her current position as the Intelligence Analyst assigned the crucial responsibility of ensuring Sex Offenders and Predators remain in compliance with all applicable laws and conditions of their release from custody. After securing the residence and individuals on scene, officials proceeded with the execution of the lawful search warrant. He developed a relationship online, and then travelled to Citrus County to take advantage of a juvenile. Katlyn Obrien (DOB 6/6/1993), Hernando, FL- Failure to Appear original charge Battery. Near the beginning of July, several sources came forward advising that Shannon Morgan was selling fentanyl and cocaine from her residence. There is only one person in the world that should be held responsible for Jessica Lunsford's death and that's John Couey. Over two weeks later, his head was found in a Florida canal, Time Magazine reported in 2016. On March 17, Couey was arrested and charged with the murder of Jessica Lunsford, and transported to the Citrus County jail in Florida. On February 1, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) was contacted by the parent of the juvenile victim in this case. As soon as our team confirms the facts on what has transpired today, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, we will release more information. 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. David Scheibelhoffer (DOB 1/19/1981), Homosassa, FL- Failure to Pay Child Support. Driving while intoxicated is not only illegal, it is dangerous and puts others on the road in jeopardyincluding innocent passengers like children. Philip Tompkins, Communications Quality Assurance & Training Coordinator, completed comprehensive training for the program. K9 Odie conducted an exterior vehicle sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. 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. Citrus County Total Crime Map However, during one of his short stops, the other passenger of the vehicle, identified as 61-year-old Betty Joan Hall of Lecanto, was able to safely exit. No one was injured during the incident. After continuing to travel on the deflated tires, FHP successfully performed a pursuit intervention technique to further immobilize the vehicle. Emery Whitt was sentenced on Thursday to 30 years in prison. It was an immense honor to witness my staff graduate from such an outstanding and rigorous professional development program. Eric Luckey (DOB 5/28/1984), Beverly Hills, FL- Violation of Probation original charge of Theft and Possession of Fentanyl. Houston was arrested for one count of 3 rd degree murder and one count of aggravated battery by a person who is being detained in a prison, jail, or other detention facility upon visitor or other detainee. 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. Picture the state of Florida and all it has to offer the gorgeous beaches, the near-constant sunshine, the family fun magic of Walt Disney World the bizarre and jaw-dropping crimes? Crime Stoppers of Citrus County provides a method for you to safely and ANONYMOUSLY provide tips to Law Enforcement and PAYS CASH REWARDS for information that leads to an arrest, warrant and/or recovery of narcotics or stolen property. If you know of anyone who may be dealing in illegal narcotics or know of someone struggling with addiction, call our non-emergency line at 352-249-2790 to report the criminal activity, or to speak with a member of our Behavioral Health Unit for assistance. ALL TRADEMARKS BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL . Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. Bond set at $5,000. After initial contact with Munn reference the allegations of violating county ordinances, it was discovered that Munn was not in compliance with the size and capacity of the dogs kennels. It has truly been an honor to have had him as part of our team, and we wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.. The Missing Childrens Act, which requires missing minors to be entered into the FBIs National Crime Information Center database, was passed in 1982 thanks to their help. We will not sit idly by; we will take a steadfast approach and stop the power and control these individuals have over their victims. Rolling was arrested for armed robbery around this time. 847.0138(2), Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Molestation: F.S.S. CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A retired Citrus County deputy was murdered in central Florida on Tuesday, according to the county sheriff. 572 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428 +1(352)794-6367 FireFlex Beauty Supply 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. The peak occurred just three years ago in 2009 at 536 but the total violent crime index of the last year of reporting (2011) is not that far behind at 442. Use Google Maps or Waze. Your IP: Total bond set at $450,000. Arnold was consequently sentenced to life in prison. They said they made contact with an injured 50-year-old woman inside the home. Although our deputies are always diligently looking to serve these warrants, Thursday and Friday was designated solely to gathering intelligence, chase down leads, and track offenders that have been eluding capture. BLOG; CATEGORIES. Medical examiners ruled the death a homicide after finding the cause to be blunt-force trauma and drowning. Wuornos died by lethal injection in 2002. Detective Richey and Sergeant Holloway . 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. Earlier that day, the CCSO was contacted by a concerned citizen in reference to possible sexual abuse of a child. Sheriff Grady Judd . University of Florida students were turning up dead fatally stabbed to death, sometimes raped and mutilated. Dillion is accused of robbing the Regions Bank at 809 W Main St, in Inverness. On July 13, 2022, 33-year-old Diana Elizabeth Guevara of Inverness, Florida, was arrested on a warrant for the charges of Transmitting Harmful Materials to Minors, Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors, and four counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery in reference to multiple incidents that occurred over the past several months at her residence in Inverness, Florida. So naturally, there is a lot of respect afforded to those deemed fit and courageous enough to travel to mankinds final frontier. Based on the findings of this case, along with the evidence collected and interviews conducted, an arrest warrant was signed by the Honorable Judge Falvey yesterday and Dean was arrested merely hours later. Annually, the Federal Bureau of Investigation publishes a Uniform Crime Report which details the crimes, crime rates, and crime locations in every state, county, and city, including Florida. After providing immediate first-aid on scene, Greenough, was then transported to a medical facility for his non-fatal injuries. First responders arrived at the residence shortly thereafter and pronounced the victim deceased. See the section on interpreting the crime map, however, because comparing rates for crime or any other crime is not as intuitive as it may seem. As seen in Oxygens series Floribama Murders," the crimes in the Sunshine State get the whole country talking. 741.29(6). Citrus County Sheriffs Office deputies will be out in full force during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. In his confession, Couey said that he had previously seen Lunsford playing in her yard and thought she was "about six years old". This year, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! He received specialized training to enter and dismantle clandestine laboratories and is still one of only several clan lab certified detectives at the sheriffs office. In his last act to elude law enforcement, Dailey attempted to drive over a rock embankment but was unsuccessful and immobilized the vehicle. The victim was put on life support and was in critical condition due to his injuries. Witnesses told deputies the suspected shooter tried to break into their home before he fled on foot. Subsequently, officials deployed spikes strips, which deflated the suspects tires. (Citrus County, FL) On August 8, 2022, 35-year-old Kristopher Alan Hite of Homosassa, Florida, was arrested for Attempted Vehicular Homicide and Child Neglect as a result of a Road Rage incident. Cole is an example of how a predator can use social media to connect with a victim said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Total bond set at $1,178.00. Since then, she has continued to further her education to enhance her skills in the intelligence analysis field to support CCSOs mission of Excellence in Public Safety. On March 12, Couey was arrested in Augusta, Georgia, at the request of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, for questioning about Jessica Lunsford's disappearance due to his residence on West Snowbird Court in Homosassa, only 65 yards from the Lunsford's home, and his criminal record. During her eight years in Communications, she ascended to the rank of Communications Supervisor and Training Officer. (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office announces its participation in Operation Southern Slow Down. The following individuals were also arrested and charged in accordance with Florida Statute 828.122 (3) (h), Fighting or baiting animals and/or attending the fighting or baiting of animals: Carlos Rodriguez Cortes (DOB 3-7-50), of Orlando, FL. Soon he was caught on tape. Due to the laws at the time, Couey received only short sentences and was not monitored after release, despite his record of being an experienced trespasser and his repeated sexual offenses against children. A week later, after about one hour and 15 minutes of deliberation, a jury recommended Couey be put to death. Dawn McDonald (DOB 5/30/1969), Lecanto, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave which is standard procedure. CCSO App users can look up Sexual Offenders in their area by clicking on the Sexual Offenders feature, which will show a photo of the offender, their name, physical descriptors, address, and your approximate distance from their location (if app location settings are turned on by the user). Dont give criminals an open door of opportunity. Tampa police will hold a community forum on Thursday, March 2, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center2200 N Oregon Ave, Tampa, FL, 33607from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to talk about violent crime and . Additional charges are pending for Munn as our office continues its investigation. Jeremy Martin (DOB 7/18/1985), Lecanto, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. Due to this being a potential fatal fentanyl overdose, detectives from the CCSO Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) responded to the scene and began an investigation. Detectives, with the assistance of Analyst Lori Cronshaw, learned the suspect didnt have a current driver's license. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. Our office attempted to serve 69 arrest warrants and simultaneously conduct pre-trial release spot checks. The campaign, which runs from August 19th - September 5th, is designed to educate people about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving. Shirts can be purchased at the Citrus County Sheriffs Office Training section in the Park Place building located at 107 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Inverness, Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Citizens can purchase the shirts with cash or check (payable to L.E.T.R.). Detectives were then able to locate Dean just eight short days after Jonathans death to question her about her interactions with Jonathan and involvement in his illicit drug use. (Citrus County, FL) Today, we celebrate the many accomplishments, influential leadership, and well-deserved retirement of Citrus County Sheriffs Office K9 Deputy Dale Strickland, who is officially retiring from our office after 22 years of unwavering service. Touchton was then sentenced to six consecutive life sentences for Capital Sexual Battery and two consecutive five-year sentences for Domestic Battery. Whether mentoring newly hired deputies or investigating criminal activity, Pat always performed with an unwavering commitment to his position. Heres why felons stopped their violent assaults: The fact that a large percentage of incidents are not reported and these numbers can be even higher. 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. CCSOs Major Crimes detectives, along with Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) detectives continued to work collectively on this case. On May 19, 2022, the toxicology report from the Medical Examiners Office ruled the cause of death as a combined drug toxicity of Fentanyl and alcohol. Detectives were able to review surveillance footage from the church property that showed two suspects removing various items, to include three lawn mowers and a portable air compressor. Beginners Class: Shoot 5 Handgun Calibers at the Range! The NHTSA recommends having a plan whether youre driving, riding, or hosting. Citrus is a county located in FL, and has a population of 140,011. We will release additional details as they become available. This case presented many unique factors and, with the arrest of Johnson-Cabrera, I hope and pray the family and colleagues can now begin the healing process.. Gainesville Rippers String Of Coed Killings, Photo: Detective Mike Mission with the CCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) was assigned to the case and immediately began investigating the incident. In February 2012, Detective Parsons was transferred to CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), serving as a Deputy from February 2012 until April 2015. He is a Sexual Predator in the truest sense of the word and has shown he is beyond rehabilitation. 847.0135 (3), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S 934.215. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually in the United States. However, on September 30, 2009, before the sentences could be carried out, Couey died of natural causes.[11]. Fifty-nine roosters and hens were seized by CCSO Animal Control. Published Feb. 21, 1992 | Updated Oct. 10, 2005. US States (36975K) Current Events (51K) Celebrity (272) Exonerated (117) Favorites (421) FBI . Fabricio Oswaldo Aguilar Beccera (DOB 5/10/1981), Ocala, FL Travel to Seduce/Solicit Child in Sex Act: F.S.S. Lunsford was abducted from her home in the early morning of February 24, 2005, by John Couey, a 46-year-old convicted sex offender who lived nearby. Anyone with information is asked to call SW FL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS/1-800-780 . James Robert Fain Updated Sep 21, 2022 James Robert Fain, 28, Inverness, arrested Sept. 19 for felony cause cruel death, pain and suffering, and felony cruelty to animals. Tallahassee, Floridas capital, is also one of the states largest cities. The following subjects were arrested on Citrus County warrants as part of this operation: Timothy Brown (DOB 11/28/1968), Ponte Vedra, FL 17 Counts of Transmission of harmful material to minor 847.0138 (2), and Seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child to engage in any illegal act F.S.S. As a result of his extensive investigation, Detective Watts arrested Houston for murder. Near his body, deputies located drug paraphernalia that tested positive for fentanyl, an extremely dangerous opioid. Serial killers are seemingly almost always male, which is why. 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. (Citrus County, FL) As part of our vision to make Citrus County the safest community in Florida, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office announces its membership renewal in the Missing Kids Readiness Program. Erik Andrew Hess (Citrus County, FL) On September 14, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) arrested detention guard candidate, 38-year-old Shannon Marie Morgan of Inverness, at the Citrus County Detention Facility. Crime Stoppers is an integral part in solving crime locally in Citrus County and beyond. Contrary to what many believe, drug use is not a victimless crime everyones safety is at stake. 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.. Thanks to our dedicated team, Citrus County started off this week a little safer than last.". (Citrus County, FL) On August 10, 2022, Community Crime Unit Detectives along with CCSO Animal Control responded to 6619 W Copenhagen St. in Dunnellon in reference to suspicion of breeding roosters for fighting. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled in a white vehicle. Responding deputies determined that Dietrich and Houston had been involved in a physical altercation earlier in the day, which could have led to his hospitalization. Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, 36-year-old Ernest Corey Grimaldi of Brooksville, it was discovered the individual did not possess a valid drivers license due to a suspension. 800.04(5)(a), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S 934.215. During the operation, law enforcement officials posed undercover as either a 13 or 14-year-old girl or boy and exchanged online messages with these subjects. Bond set at $5,000. 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. Justice has been served today in Citrus County, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Officials did not describe the severity of her injuries or the cause. Detectives were able to identify him as a suspect, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest. She walked out of prison 10 days after the sentencing on July 17, 2011. "Since being elected Sheriff, I have upheld my promise to combat the illicit drugs in Citrus County after witnessing the damaging effects drugs have on our community, especially our youth, said Sheriff Prendergast. Expand. Detectives were aware of ongoing narcotics sales at the residence and conducted an investigation that led to the execution of the narcotics search warrant. At the conclusion of the interview further evidence was collected in an attempt to support the victims statements. into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. Detective Missions quick and pivotal action in this case saved this child from further abuse at the hands of Florence. 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. There were also two dogs on the property with inadequate food, water, and shelter that were seized by CCSO Animal Control. Geller is a registered Sexual Predator in the State of Florida since 2019. The curriculum the academy offers has been certified by the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA), an organization that represents analytical personnel in law enforcement and develops international qualification and competency standards, setting the foundation for a professional career path in intelligence analysis. (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). The rate of violent crime in Citrus County is 3.28 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.