The units detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street-level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. Cornelius was challenged with hands-on training, structured coursework, and assessments, expanding her abilities to recognize evolving criminal trends and threats and how to apply that knowledge into making actionable intelligence products. 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. Kenneth Hottes (DOB 4/01/1979), Ocala, FL Knowingly Transmit Harmful Material to a Minor: F.S.S. 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. K9 Odie conducted an exterior vehicle sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. On December 10th, 2020, Judge Howard sentenced 28-year-old Emery Whitt to 30 years in prison for the 2017 murder of Ryan McClellan. 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. Welcome to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office website. 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. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. Analyst Ramos, attended the conference not only to further her applicable abilities in various concepts of criminality, but she was also featured as a speaker, delivering a presentation on Tools to Enhance Investigating Tips & Open Source Intelligence.. At the same time, the management and security team at CoreCivic received similar information about the defendant. But in 2008, Time reported that Florida police closed the case, saying that OToole, who has since been executed and allegedly confessed again to the murder before his was death, was indeed the killer. Through these collaborations, we fiercely prepare ourselves to defeat threats and remove any potential hazard that may endanger our students and schools.. "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.". Prior history of domestic violence. Whether mentoring newly hired deputies or investigating criminal activity, Pat always performed with an unwavering commitment to his position. 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%. Subsequently, the victim was air-lifted to Marion County for medical treatment and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Congratulations, Allison Cornelius! (Arrested by the USMS FCFTF). Operation Southern Slow Down is a collaborative effort by law enforcement agencies to detect and cite drivers for exceeding the posted speed. Detective Parsons has been an outstanding and fiercely committed member of our agency during his tenure. 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. Retired Deputy Steven Smolensky was shot and. The juvenile victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) members at Jessies Place, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center. 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.. Several law enforcement and investigating agencies provide reports and statistics on their websites if you would like to know more about the number of murders in Florida by year. (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. John Walsh also co-founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children not long after. Rather than attempt to correct the violations witnessed by Animal Control Officers, Munn began trying to relocate some of the animals in his possession. 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. 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. I am proud of our detectives and analysists who nimbly worked together to solve and put a stop to these crimes, Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. Exotic (whose legal name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage) owned the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, a home to a number of big cats. However, he broke out of the Colorado prison twice and in January 1978 he fled all the way to Florida. Dean admitted to supplying the decedent with narcotics on various occasions, specifically on the night of his death. Lunsford's body was removed from the ground and transported to the coroner's office, where it was recorded to have undergone "moderate" to "severe" decomposition. However, Couey died of natural causes in 2009, before his sentence could be carried out. 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. Total bond set at $52,000. The murder occurred several hours prior to the discovery of Thomas' body. Special Victims Unit conducts specialized investigations into the sexual and physical abuse cases involving children. Sheriff Grady Judd . Couey held her captive over the weekend, during which she was raped and later murdered by being buried alive. CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. - On September 28, 2020, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies were dispatched to a residence in Inverness regarding a drive-by shooting. There is garbage everywhere. (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office announces its participation in Operation Southern Slow Down. Despite being a wanted man, Bundy murdered more when he snuck i. , where he killed two women and attacked two others. 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+ More notably, he has trained over 50 personnel in establishing emergency communications through two-way radio, satellite, and cellular connections. Most of the names on the list of murders in Florida that can be found on the Florida Department of Law Enforcements unsolved cases website may not sound familiar; however, a few of the names on the list of all murders in Florida, list of Florida murders, and notorious Florida criminals have seemingly become household names across the state. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. Prior history of domestic violence. Nowak was originally charged with kidnapping and attempted murder but pleaded guilty to burglary and misdemeanor battery. Greenough will be charged with robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. cotton short-sleeve shirts are $20.00, dry-fit shirts are $25.00, and womens cotton razorback tanks are $25.00. 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. Without a doubt, the most famous Florida serial killers include Danny Rolling, Ted Bundy, David Alan Gore, Gerard Schaefer, also known as "The Killer Cop," Aileen Wuornos, Bobby Joe Long, and "The Flat-Tire Murderer," who has remained unidentified since at least 1975. "Citrus County Animal Services staff will be collecting veterinary forensic evidence and providing care for the victims. "We here at the Citrus County Sheriffs Office want these offenders to know their actions are unacceptable and they will be held accountable. Members of TIU, CCDs, and K9 Deputy Elias conducted a traffic stop in the motel parking lot. Tallahassee murders discussion will continue on social media sites until these murders are solved, as expected. 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. 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. Prior history of domestic violence. On July 12, 2022 the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to a juvenile receiving sexually explicit social media messages from Geller. If you want to speak with a domestic violence advocate you can also contact CASA at 352-344-8111. B. During her eight years in Communications, she ascended to the rank of Communications Supervisor and Training Officer. Citrus County's relay participants will meet at the Sheriff's Crystal River Community Resource Office on U.S. Highway 19, where the run will start at 8 a.m. Bond $4,000. Tallahassee is home to more than 197,900 people. They said they made contact with an injured 50-year-old woman inside the home. We will continue to fight illicit drug activity in our community at every given opportunity.. In 2007, Nowak, then 43, embarked on the hours-long drive from Houston to Orlando to allegedly kidnap 30-year-old Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman, who was dating William Oefelein, another NASA astronaut with whom Nowak had once had an affair. Based on the findings of the medical examiner, and the facts and evidence collected by members of TIU and Detective Slingerland, Gromling was arrested for murder by unlawful distribution of fentanyl and is being held without bond. Contact was then made with Geller at the Department of Corrections Parole and Probation Office in Inverness where he was placed under arrest. The initial investigation into Munns criminal acts began on April 1, 2022, after CCSO officials received information that Munn, the property/business owner was not properly caring for a large number of dogs that he was breeding and selling. A search revealed Dlugos was in possession of crack cocaine. string of murders shocked the nation. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Citrus County Crimes Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS. Thats probably why the story. During the initial investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Daniel Redman. whos linked to the murders of at least 36 women, is perhaps the most famous serial killer in America. (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. Detective Cornell began his career with the Citrus County Sheriffs Office on February 14, 2000, as a Deputy Sheriff where he responded to various calls for service in our community and worked diligently enforcing Floridas laws for the safety of our community. He then set up a campsite near the University of Florida and murdered five students in a shockingly brutal manner, stabbing them repeatedly and cutting the nipples off two of the women. Serial killers are seemingly almost always male, which is why Aileen Wuornos string of murders shocked the nation. The detectives worked closely with the Child Protection Team at Jessies Place, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center, to obtain the statements and evidence needed to place Touchton under arrest. The majority of the recent and decades-old murders in Tallahassee, Florida, have remained unsolved, and authorities continue tothoroughly investigate them. in Beverly Hills, FL. Thank you to the FDLE instructors who came to Citrus County to provide this imperative course to our SRDs, and the School Districts participation of its Guardians, along with the furnishing of a school venue, said Sheriff Prendergast. Prior history of domestic violence. Upon contact, the suspect was observed holding another victim, with obvious injuries, as hostage. 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. We believe the more resources we can provide to digital volunteers and citizen solvers mean more citizen detective communities. On March 14, Couey's half-sister Dorothy Dixon gave permission to police to search her trailer at West Snowbird Court in Homosassa. At around the same time, another male body turned. Prior history of domestic violence. In 2007, Nowak, then 43, embarked on the hours-long drive from Houston to Orlando to allegedly kidnap 30-year-old Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman, who was dating. Over two weeks later, his head was found in a Florida canal. Regretfully, many of these reports deal with repeat offenders. As deputies approached the suspect, he refused to comply with verbal commands. A couple of her accomplishments during her tenure as coordinator include obtaining additional funding for Crime Stoppers of Citrus County and enhancing crime tip rewards through Google Grants and partnerships with the Florida Sheriffs Association Cold Case Advisory Board. After a thorough search of the property, TIU detectives located: Over the duration of this investigation, a grand total of 8.98 kilograms of cocaine (19.8 pounds) a street-level value of $1,077,735.48 was seized from this drug organization. Arnold was consequently sentenced to life in prison. Her sensational trial featuring her defenses scorched-earth tactics against her family was watched by around 40 million viewers. No bond. Greenough entered the bank, shortly before noon yesterday, where he approached the tellers counter and demanded money while brandishing a firearm. (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. FLORAL CITY, Fla. - Deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office say they seized the largest amount of pure, uncut crystal methamphetamine in agency history. Each year, this signature event highlights the law enforcement community's year-round support of the Special Olympics. 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. Both suspects gave detectives a full confession and informed officials of where the stolen property was located. This year, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison. During the search a blood-stained mattress and pillows were found in Couey's closet in his room, and forensic analysis discovered both Couey's and Lunsford's DNA on the mattress.[3]. The dark underbelly to life in Florida is on full display in. (Citrus County, FL) Today, we celebrate the well-deserved retirement of Citrus County Sheriffs Office Deputy Nancy Suto, who is officially hanging up her duty belt after three decades. In October 2005, Deputy Parsons was promoted to the rank of Corporal and Officer In Charge. I cannot imagine the countless lives investigations such as this have saved. Published Feb. 21, 1992 | Updated Oct. 10, 2005. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. 741.29(6). He instead buried her alive as he decided he could do nothing else with the girl. When Cohen brought the victim inside, he spontaneously told staff the victim had injuries on his chest, and it was caused by a pet. Over her career, Deputy Spencer has received Certificates of Commendations, a Divisional Letter of Dedication, a Letter of Commendation, Perfect Attendance Awards, and numerous letters of appreciation from various judges, jurors, school groups, and citizens in our community. Florida -- At approximately 9:18 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) arrested 41-year-old Kenneth Slanker of Inverness, Florida. Deputies found the man while responding to a reported vehicle crash off North Alabaster Dr. and East Dearborn Drive in Hernando. Dailey subsequently surrendered without further incident and was arrested. Detectives learned the suspect vehicle, a white GMC extended cab style vehicle, was observed to be in the area of multiple burglary scenes. Total bond set at $52,000. 741.31(4)(A). Dispatch relayed to the responding deputies the suspect's vehicle had fled the scene and no one inside the home was injured. The crash involved a motorcycle and an SUV, following a verbal altercation between the motorists at a stoplight. On October 20th and 21st, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office implemented their plan, not only to capture active wanted domestic violence suspects, but also help raise awareness in our communities. 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. This program ensures the CCSO team has the best training, knowledge, and resources when responding to a report of a missing or exploited child.. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if any other suspects are related to this illegal breeding operation or if there is any connection to the previous case of cock fighting in Floral City. 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. (Citrus County, FL) The Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) is proud to announce that we have received our 3rd consecutive Excelsior Accreditation Award from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA). Shortly thereafter, EMS arrived and began treating the victim. After the discovery of Lunsford's body at the residence, Dixon stated that a week earlier she had given Couey money for a bus ticket, and that he had telephoned her to say he had moved to Savannah, Georgia. On Monday, deputies responded to a home on North Andri Drive in Crystal River. The rate of murder in Citrus County is 0.03 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. The preliminary information gathered at the scene led detectives in a different direction. And when Anthony was found not guilty of her daughters murder, the country was furious. The below arrests were made: FELIX ABDIEL PINTADO BERNARD, H/M, DOB-02/12/1985, (TOTAL BOND $11,000.00) charged with: ANGEL ALBERTO SEDA WAYS, H/M, DOB-03/02/1994, (TOTAL BOND $117,000.00) charged with: JENNIFFER MEDINA LOZADA, H/F, DOB-11/25/1989, (TOTAL BOND $12,000.00) charged with: 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 CrimeStoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. (Citrus County, FL) Today, October 18, 2022, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Sergeant John Bergen graduates from the National Public Safety Innovation Academy (NIA). 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. He then set up a campsite near the University of Florida and murdered five students in a shockingly brutal manner, stabbing them repeatedly and cutting the nipples off two of the women. 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. 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. Drug users steal to pay for their addictions; their dependence tarnishes relationships with loved ones and can even result in their death by means of overdose. Detectives also observed evidence that tied Dlugos to at least one burglary scene. Project: Cold Case, as well as many other local, county, and state law enforcement and investigating agencies have lists of unsolved homicides and unsolved missing persons cases listed on their websites. The assessment team is composed of assessors from similar agencies. I was raped. Both the white powder and bill were collected for evidence. Soon he was caught on tape trying to hire a hitman (in reality an undercover agent) to kill Baskin, and was arrested in Gulf Breeze, Florida. More about this case Best Image Available Meeker, Robert Case Information: Case Type: Homicide Orlando Sentinel. (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. CITRUS COUNTY, FL - A Florida man convicted for the 2017 murder of Ryan Michael McClellan is finally going away. Her story was even told in the 2003 film Monster, which won Charlize Theron a Best Actress Oscar. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has published crime reports from 1995-2011 that indicate violent crimes in our county. Citrus County is in the 50th percentile for safety, meaning 50% of counties are safer and 50% of counties are more dangerous. 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. What really happened to toddler Caylee is still unknown. Marion County. Robbery. 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.. Medical examiners ruled the death a homicide after finding the cause to be blunt-force trauma and drowning. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave which is standard procedure. More than 200,000 unsolved cases have gone cold since 1980, and murder clearance rates continue to drop. In addition, all Communications Certified Training Officers, Communications Officers In Charge, Communications Supervisors, and Communication Officers completed the online training required for their membership. If you see an impaired driver, dial 9-1-1. In February 2012, Detective Parsons was transferred to CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), serving as a Deputy from February 2012 until April 2015. Detective Ricci with the CCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) immediately began investigating the allegations. On Tuesday, May 10th, detectives found the break they were looking for. Detective Richey and Sergeant Holloway . The investigation shows that Norris traveled to Citrus County, Florida to purchase his marijuana from . In February 1994, on the eve of his murder trial, Rolling pled guiltyto five counts of murder and three counts each of sexual battery and armed burglary. 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. Crime Scene Specialists actively assisted both on scene and behind the scene collecting pertinent evidence for future prosecution. Additionally, at the 2003 Florida Law Enforcement Olympics, Deputy Spencer won Gold in Team Bowling and took Silver in the All Events portion. Alex Murdaugh listens as prosecutor Creighton Waters makes closing arguments during his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse on Wednesday, March 1, in Walterboro, S.C. . The rate of violent crime in Citrus County is 3.28 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. Total bond set at $27,000. May nothing but good health and happiness follow in his many years to come.. (Citrus County, FL) A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive on August 2, 2022, to examine all aspects of the Citrus County Sheriffs Offices (CCSO) policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. A 30-something drifter named. "Dailey showed a blatant disregard for law enforcement today, said Sheriff Prendergast. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Schweitzers family, along with Sheriff Woods and the men and women of the Marion County Sheriffs Office, who knew and worked alongside Cory, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Our office attempted to serve 69 arrest warrants and simultaneously conduct pre-trial release spot checks. Rolling was arrested for armed robbery around this time. 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.