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. [5] Three days after he abducted her, Couey tricked Jessica into getting into two garbage bags by saying he was going to "take her home". Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. 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. (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. Dietrich passed away at the hospital later that night. 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. 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. After a 45 minute negotiation period, members of CCSOs SWAT deployed a flash-bang with little effect and eventually fired two less-lethal gas rounds into the vehicle. She later pleaded no contest to the killings of the other five men. (Citrus County, FL) The tradition continues on Friday, May 13, 2022, when Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) deputies join in the annual Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run that benefits Special Olympics Florida. Most accurate 2021 crime rates for Hernando, FL. Your First Look at the New Series Floribama Murders, Florida may be a hot destination for retired snowbirds, vacation-starved families, and spring break partiers, but its also home to some of the most notorious criminals and shocking cases in U.S. history like Ted Bundys sorority house slayings and Aileen Wuornos infamous killing spree. Detective Parsons dedication to our community throughout his career is evidenced in his work to locate and dismantle in excess of 700 meth labs. The 6-year-old had been with his mom then suddenly he was gone. Hunter, 25, has a 4-year-old child and is more than five months pregnant. As Hite saw the motorcyclist approach from behind, he swerved into the right/outside lane and struck the victim and his motorcycle, causing both the victim and motorcycle to flip repeatedly in the air violently. Your IP: The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave which is standard procedure. Updated 12:48PM. In July 27, 1981, Adam Walsh vanished from a Sears in a Hollywood, Florida mall. Sheriff Mike Prendergast said, Our detectives worked diligently to apprehend Dillon quickly, and his arrest demonstrates the persistence and determination of our detectives in keeping Citrus County safe.. 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. The assessment team is composed of assessors from similar agencies. US States (36975K) Current Events (51K) Celebrity (272) Exonerated (117) Favorites (421) FBI . K9 Odie conducted an exterior vehicle sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. While Exotic may be behind bars, he has certainly achieved a high level of fame with the shows runaway success. Near the beginning of July, several sources came forward advising that Shannon Morgan was selling fentanyl and cocaine from her residence. Elias Junior Domenech (DOB 3-3-98), of Orlando, FL. Eventually, the relay came to be known as the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run. As soon as our team confirms the facts on what has transpired today, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, we will release more information. Philip Tompkins, Communications Quality Assurance & Training Coordinator, completed comprehensive training for the program. If youre curious to know more about the statisticsregarding crimesin Florida, several law enforcement organizations publish yearly reportson their websites that detail the crimes in the state. More than 200,000 unsolved cases have gone cold since 1980, and murder clearance rates continue to drop. 847.0135(4)(a), 4 counts Knowingly Transmit Harmful Material to a Minor: F.S.S. Anyone with information regarding is asked to call the CitrusCounty Sheriff's Office at 352-726-1121. (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. More notably, he has trained over 50 personnel in establishing emergency communications through two-way radio, satellite, and cellular connections. (Citrus County, FL) The Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Training Section coordinated a training session with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to facilitate a 16-hour Single Officer Response to Active Threat and Shooter Incident training scenario in preparation for the upcoming school year. Both suspects gave detectives a full confession and informed officials of where the stolen property was located. Arnold was later transported to Citrus County to await trial, where he was held until his sentencing yesterday. Dont let someone get behind the wheel if theyve been drinking. Her efforts and hard work contributed to ensuring the judicial systems fairness and impartiality of due process and, in the end, brought long-awaited justice for young Jessica Lunsford. 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. As reported by Project: Cold Case, there were around 55,895 murders in Florida from 1965 to 2019. This region is policed by CITRUS COUNTY. in Florida Citrus County. After securing the residence and individuals on scene, officials proceeded with the execution of the lawful search warrant. She walked out of prison 10 days after the sentencing on July 17, 2011. His actions put our deputies lives in jeopardy and that of our citizens. We are happy to provide this site as a resource for citizens to stay updated on the latest news in their county and to provide a platform of available resources and programs offered by our office. Touchton was then sentenced to six consecutive life sentences for Capital Sexual Battery and two consecutive five-year sentences for Domestic Battery. Despite being a wanted man, Bundy murdered more when he snuck into a sorority house in Tallahassee, where he killed two women and attacked two others. On March 17, Couey was arrested and charged with the murder of Jessica Lunsford, and transported to the Citrus County jail in Florida. During the summer of 1990, the college town of Gainesville was on edge. 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. The 6-year-old had been with his mom then suddenly he was gone. 847.0135 (3)(a ). The professionals that work in our TIU, supported by our outstanding Patrol Deputies, are committed to protecting the residents of our great county. The Keokuk County Sheriffs Office and the Iowa Animal Rescue League seized all of the animals due to their conditions. It is not as developed as Spring Hill was before the pandemic (Hernando County has grown considerably.. View nearby homes. Great job to our guys working out there in our community noticing the small details of an expired registration that elevated this minor traffic stop to a full blown drug bust.. Murder of Jessica Lunsford 3 languages 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. 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. Throughout the investigation, TIU, in conjunction with CCSOs Intelligence Analysis Unit partnered with the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshal Service, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Airport Division, United States Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations - Tampa Marine Unit, Hernando County Sheriffs Office SWAT team and the State Attorneys Office of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. These arrests came after the CCSOs Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, with the assistance of the Hernando County Sheriffs Office SWAT team served a search warrant at 116 and 158 South Kensington Avenue, in Lecanto. In his confession, Couey said that he had previously seen Lunsford playing in her yard and thought she was "about six years old". The Citrus County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance near North Andri Drive on March 30, and found the man, later identified as Lawrence Howard Worley, Sr., dead. Detective Mike Mission with the CCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) was assigned to the case and immediately began investigating the incident. We wish you the best in your retirement, as well as happiness and health in the years to come.. After locating both Rodrick and Hudson, detectives conducted an interview with them regarding the crimes committed. We will continue to work in partnership with the State Attorneys Office to make sure Geller will never terrorize another child.. We will release additional details as they become available. 784.041(2)(A). 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. 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 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. (Citrus County, FL) June 8, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Offices (CCSO) High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU) is releasing the results of Operation Cyber Knights, a strategic undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation to apprehend dangerous, cyber predators who had the intent to engage in sexual activity with a child. Law enforcement officers from around the state carry the Flame of Hope in an intrastate relay of simultaneous routes throughout Florida, covering hundreds of miles. The Citrus County Sheriffs Office is devoted to protecting the youth of our community and taking offenders like Cole off the street.. 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. Geller was arrested for one count of Sexual Battery on a Person Under 18, one count of Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors, and one count of a Sexual Predator Failure to Register a Social Media Account. 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. Erik Andrew Hess 1 The Murder Of Caylee Anthony After sharing this same information with our office, officials went to work to investigate these claims. 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. Pedro Antinio Gutierrez (DOB 7-3-57), of Kissimmee, FL. This year, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. "Simply put . (Citrus County, FL) On September 13, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) wrapped up a six-month-long narcotics investigation that resulted in the arrest of 38-year-old Felix Abdiel Pintado Bernard, 28-year-old Angel Alberto Seda Ways, and 32-year-old Jennifer Medina Lozada, all of Lecanto. As seen in Oxygens series Floribama Murders," the crimes in the Sunshine State get the whole country talking. A copy of the standards manual is available on the CFA website at www.flaccreditation.org under the standards tab. 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. The dark underbelly to life in Florida is on full display in. As additional evidence was uncovered, collected, and analyzed, it became very clear that Cory Schweitzer, an off-duty Detention Deputy with the Marion County Sheriffs Office, was murdered. A few of the countless northern Florida unsolved murders that are listed on this website and many others include the 1986 murer of Howard Kip Evans, the 2009 murder of Tymon Ross, the 2004 murder of Kristin Dunn, the 1994 murder of Laralee Spear, and the 1978 murder of Carol Lynn Sullivan, among many others. Additionally, at the 2003 Florida Law Enforcement Olympics, Deputy Spencer won Gold in Team Bowling and took Silver in the All Events portion. We will continue to fight illicit drug activity in our community at every given opportunity.. Cole was arrested on the warrant for one count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery of a Child less than 16. Earlier this year Gov. Following agency policy, the deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the preliminary FDLE investigation. Katlyn Obrien (DOB 6/6/1993), Hernando, FL- Failure to Appear original charge Battery. On August 24, 2007, a judge in Inverness convicted Couey for the kidnapping, sexual battery, and first degree murder of Lunsford, and sentenced him to death. This program ensures the CCSO team has the best training, knowledge, and resources when responding to a report of a missing or exploited child.. The following arrests were made during Operation Rotten Eggs: Three of the arrestees listed here were also arrested during a previous operation, Deck the Cells back in December of 2021 those individuals are Nicole Mandat, Richard Harkleroad, and Corey Ross. 486. However, he broke out of the Colorado prison twice and in January 1978 he fled all the way to Florida. Through these collaborations, we fiercely prepare ourselves to defeat threats and remove any potential hazard that may endanger our students and schools.. Total bond set at $52,000. I have been a Deputy Sheriff in Broward County 27 yrs. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Citrus County may be as high as 1 in 42 in the west neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 71 in the north part of the county. Officials did not describe the severity of her injuries or the cause. Police in Citrus County, Florida said Sunday that a man reportedly seen shooting at a natural gas pipeline had been fatally shot by officers after a vehicle chase. Thats probably why the story of Lisa Nowak, an astronaut who drove about 900 miles to confront and allegedly kidnap a romantic rival, fascinated the public. (Citrus County, FL) In the early morning hours on Friday, March 18, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of U.S. 19 and W. Yulee Dr. in Homosassa due to an expired registration. Couey held her captive over the weekend, during which she was raped and later murdered by being buried alive. Justice has been served today in Citrus County, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Dont give criminals an open door of opportunity. As with any of our deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is on scene and investigating this case. Total bondset at none, due to domestic violence related crime. In a study concerning criminals encountering armed resistance, some 2,000 felons incarcerated in state prisons across the United States provided information as to why they stopped their violent assaults. Rodrick was charged with two counts of burglary to a structure and three counts of grand theft. He was then sentenced to 35 years incarceration with the Florida Department of Corrections, lifetime Sexual Offender Probation, and will be required to register as a Sexual Predator. In July 27, 1981, Adam Walsh vanished from a Sears in a Hollywood, Florida mall. (Citrus County, FL)March 15, 2022, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Richard Ric Howard, a jury found 34-year-old Rapheal Malik Akbar Arnold of Oviedo guilty on one count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12. 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. The suspect, later identified as 46-years-old Bryan Thomas Otto of Dunnellon (DOB 10/19/1975), was pronounced deceased on scene. 784.03(1)(A)(1). Rather than attempt to correct the violations witnessed by Animal Control Officers, Munn began trying to relocate some of the animals in his possession. CCSO. (Citrus County, FL) Today, detectives from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) executed a search warrant at 6959 North Charles Terrace in Hernando, FL. The unit coordinates and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. (Citrus County, FL) Beginning on February 25th, 2022 the Sheriffs Office began receiving reports of commercial burglaries that occurred throughout the county. The hard work and dedication of all members led to a very successful outcome. Prior history of domestic violence. Ramon Luis Castro (DOB 8-21-42), of Hudson, FL. Cases like this shock the community and take a dedicated team to seek justice for their victims. [2] He was released from police custody after being interviewed. Jamey Waters (DOB 8/16/1973), Hernando, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. Aileen Carol Wuornos (February 29, 1956 - October 9, 2002) was an American serial killer who killed seven men in Florida in 1989 and 1990, claiming they raped or attempted to rape her while she was working as a prostitute. (Citrus County, FL)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. (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. 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. 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.. Citrus Hills; Holder; Hernando, FL crime analytics Source & Methodology. Her sensational trial featuring her defenses scorched-earth tactics against her family was watched by around 40 million viewers. Detective Parsons has been an outstanding and fiercely committed member of our agency during his tenure. "Dailey showed a blatant disregard for law enforcement today, said Sheriff Prendergast. I am extremely proud of the CCSO team, the Child Protection Team, and the State Attorneys Office for their efforts in taking predators like Florence off the streets of Citrus County.. Evidence used throughout Leon County homicide trials is entirely based on the nature or severityof the crime. Leah Barnes (DOB 6/11/1995), Crystal River, FL- Violation of Probation original charge Battery. MARION COUNTY, Fla. A Marion County man is accused of shooting and killing a former Citrus County deputy who had a retirement job filling propane tanks . As the investigation continued, evidence was obtained that supported the victims allegations. They said there is no threat to the public. The suspect refused to comply and reached behind his back towards his waistband. Total bond set at none, due to domestic violence related crime. And when Anthony was found not guilty of her daughters murder. Mugshot.com, known as best search engine for Arrest Records, True crime stories and Criminal Records, Official Records and booking photographs. 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. Kenneth Hottes (DOB 4/01/1979), Ocala, FL Knowingly Transmit Harmful Material to a Minor: F.S.S. Total bond set at $450,000. For 135 years, we have served selflessly, protecting the citizens of Citrus County since our . 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. . (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. 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. When Orlando mom Casey Anthony was put on trial in 2011 for the murder of her toddler daughter, Caylee, the case had generated nearly deafening levels of media coverage. She was taken into custody in Homosassa and booked. Shamy Tommie (DOB 7/23/1985), Crystal River, FL- Domestic Battery F.S.S. As in past years, Citrus Countys runners and bicyclists will raise funds for Special Olympics Florida through the sale of commemorative T-shirts. In October 2005, Deputy Parsons was promoted to the rank of Corporal and Officer In Charge. Citrus County Animal Control and CCSOs Community Crimes Unit detectives responded to assist with the investigation. ALL TRADEMARKS BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL . The two suspects were arrested and charged accordingly: Ive said it before, drug dealers have no regard for the law and they have no regard for the life of others, said Sheriff Prendergast. Multiple robberies, battery, assaults,burglaries,thefts per day per population in just the city I work, not including the entire county. The parent told deputies that the victim had just disclosed sexual activity with Cole, who they had met on the TikTok social media app. Total bond set at $15,485.00. Hite was traveling with his girlfriend and young son. Touchton, who had been a Correctional Officer at Lowell Correctional Institution in Marion County, was originally arrested on March 11, 2019, by Detective Jason Cook and Detective Mike Laborda with the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Special Victims Unit (SVU). 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. . From that point, runners will complete the relay leg over to the Publix in Inverness. Greenough exited his vehicle and armed himself with a rifle from inside the vehicle prior to taking off and running toward a playground area. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. As part of the assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. Detective Parsons began his career with the Citrus County Sheriffs Office on May 28, 2002, as a Deputy Sheriff. 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.