Archive for Crime

Fugitive Arrested

December 19, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Victor Mature Miller

Victor Mature Miller

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Thursday the 13th day of December 2012, Investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received information that Fugitive Victor Mature Miller was hiding at a residence located at 245 Reedbuck Loop, Greenville FL. Miller had been on the run and hiding out for several months. An arrest team comprised of Sheriff’s Office personnel to include investigators, patrol deputies and the K-9 unit was assembled and responded to 245 Reedbuck Loop.
Upon arrival the rear of the residence was secured by Cpl. Kevin Stout and K-9 Onyx while other members of the arrest team went to the front of the residence. Contact was made with the home owner and a female identified as Sonya Denise Coleman. The home owner was questioned concerning anyone else being inside the residence. The home owner confirmed that a man known to him as “Frog”.
Simultaneously, investigators learned that Sonya Denise Coleman was Victor Millers girlfriend. When Coleman was questioned concerning who else was in the residence she answered “no one”. When Coleman was questioned concerning the whereabouts of Miller she answered that she did not know. Investigators explained to Coleman that she would be arrested for obstruction if in fact she was being untruthful.
Cpl. Kevin Anderson and K-9 Max along with the arrest team assembled at the opened front door. Commands were given to the unknown male inside the residence to come out. After several minutes with no response, Cpl. Anderson along with K-9 Max followed by the arrest team entered the residence. K-9 Max led Cpl. Anderson and the arrest team to a back bedroom with a closed door. Once the door was opened K-9 Max located Victor Mature Miller hiding in a corner concealed by a headboard of the bed. Victor Mature Miller was arrested without incident. Sonya Denise Coleman was also arrested for obstruction.
Arrested and charged are the following:
Victor Mature Miller, B/M, DOB: 01/03/1969 of 245 Reedbuck Loop, Greenville, FL 32331
Charged: Parole Violation Warrant-Second Degree Murder

Sonya Denise Coleman, B/F, DOB: 12/04/1979 of 245 Reedbuck Loop, Greenville FL 32331
Charged: Obstruction

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Sex Offender Changes Address

December 6, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Gregory Wayne Freeman

Gregory Wayne Freeman

Gregory Wayne Freeman Changes His Address. For more information, go to the FDLE site here

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Woman Arrested For Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon

December 6, 2012 Around Madison, Crime, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Madison woman was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Sunday, Dec. 2.
According to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 7:08 that morning, Carole Sherrill, 60, apparently made an assault on a victim, threatening to do violence, coupled with an apparent ability for her to do so. Read more

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Lee Woman Arrested For Paraphernalia

December 6, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Lee woman was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia on Friday, Nov. 30. Read more

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Three Arrested For Drug Trafficking

December 3, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Wednesday the 28th day of November 2012, Investigators of the Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Madison County for speeding. During the traffic stop, Investigators detected the odor of a controlled substance and other criminal indicators.
A consensual search of the vehicle located a towel under the hood concealing 7.5 ounces of cocaine. The vehicle was being driven by Neil Eric Jones and occupied by two passengers, William Stanley Johnson and Derrick Leon Thomas all from Jacksonville Florida.
Arrested and charged are the following:
Neil Eric Jones, B/M, DOB: 06/18/1990 of Jacksonville Florida
William Stanley Johnson, B/M, DOB: 09/22/1975 of Jacksonville Florida
Derrick Leon Thomas, B/M, DOB: 11/21/1968 of Jacksonville Florida.
1. Trafficking Cocaine

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Man Arrested For Possession Of Crack With Intent To Sell

November 29, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Kenneth C. Locke

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Monday the 26th day of November 2012, Investigators of the Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on State Road 6 in Madison County for a civil infraction. During the traffic stop, Investigators noted signs of possible criminal activity with the occupants of the vehicle.
Investigators deployed K-9 “Arko” for an exterior search of the vehicle with a positive alert. Investigators discovered 4.5 grams of crack cocaine in the passenger’s pocket. The passenger, Kenneth C. Locke, claimed the crack cocaine and the driver was not charged. Kenneth C Locke was taken into custody without further incident.
Arrested and charged are the following:
Kenneth C. Locke, DOB: 09/18/1967 of Jasper Florida
1. 1 count of Possession with intent to sell crack cocaine

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Scam Alert

November 1, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A reader emailed this writer and told him of a scam call he had received.
The reader related that he had received a call from 409-291-5191. The person calling him claimed to be seeking information to send a new Medicare card and demanded the name of his bank. He claimed he was only verifying the records for Medicare.
The reader noted that the caller could have easily have found the routing number for the bank through a Google search and then would have requested he give him the account number.
A search for the number on Google revealed that it is a Beaumont, Tex., phone number and it has been used in a number of scams, most notably using Medicare and Medicaid cards. Some of the people have commented on their posts that the person has a very heavy accent, perhaps an Indian accent.
Be alert and do not give any banking information or credit card numbers over the phone unless it is a call that you have made to pay for something or to order something. Beware if anyone calls you requesting such information.

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Arrests Made In Lawn Mower Cases; Burglaries

October 29, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that the Sheriff’s Office dedicated the Criminal Investigation Division, the Drug Task Force and the Patrol Division, as a highest priority, to focus on the overwhelming number of stolen lawn mowers and ATV type equipment. Sheriff Stewart proudly reports that through this dedication and effort the CID and DTF with the Sheriff’s Office has closed several cases involving these thefts. These cases were as a result of several months of investigation that resulted in identifying a large ring of participants involving local and out of county individuals. The investigation, thus far, has resulted in recovering approximately $50,000.00 worth of property, executed two (2) search warrants and obtaining arrest warrants for the following;
1. Eric Manfredo Cortez, W/M, DOB: 11/23/1992 of Madison Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property
2. Joseph Lee Fudge, B/M, DOB: 02/11/1982 of Lee Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property
3. Antwan Darrell Fudge, B/M, DOB: 08/14/1985 of Madison Florida / Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property
4. Vincent Lanard Bryant, B/M, DOB: 05/30/1989 of Madison Florida / Burglary, Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property
5. Alisa Jay Thompkins, B/F, DOB: 09/03/1971 of Deltona Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property
6. Marcus Shannon Brinson, B/M, DOB: 07/17/1976 of Madison Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property * AT LARGE AND WARRANT OUTSTANDING
7. Thaddeus Marquise Robinson, B/M, DOB: 07/09/1989 of Sanford Florida / Burglary, Grand Theft and Dealing Stolen Property * AT LARGE AND WARRANT OUTSTANDING
8. Anthony Maurice Thompkins, B/M, DOB: 06/10/1979 of Sanford Florida / Burglary, Grand Theft and Dealing Stolen Property * AT LARGE AND WARRANT OUTSTANDING

Sheriff Stewart further reports that simultaneously the Criminal Investigation Division, the Drug Task Force and the patrol Division, as a highest priority, focused on the numerous cases involving burglary of dwellings at or near the North East portion of the County. Sheriff Stewart again proudly reports that as a result of the dedication and effort of several months of investigation arrest warrants have been obtained on the following;
1. Tevin Alexander, B/M, DOB: 02/12/1994 of Valdosta Georgia / Burglary, Grand Theft and Criminal Mischief.
2. Anthony Dudley, B/M, DOB: 07/16/1995 of Valdosta Georgia / Burglary, Grand Theft and Criminal Mischief.

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Man, Woman Arrested On Meth Charges

October 18, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Sherry Daggy

Sherry Daggy

Flores

According to the Lowndes County, Ga. Sheriff’s Office, a Madison woman was arrested on drug charges. Investigators arrested Sherry Daggy and Andrew Flores after observing the two buying cold medication at a local pharmacy. Tubing was also located in the vehicle they were stopped in. Flores was charged with F-Possession of Tools to Manufacture a Schedule II Narcotic (Party to a Crime). Daggy was charged with F-Possession of Tools for the Manufacture of a Schedule II Narcotic and F-Use of Communications Device to Facilitate VGCSA.

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Madison County man arrested for capital sexual battery

October 18, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Richard Sweitzer

Richard Sweitzer

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Regional Operations Center yesterday arrested Richard George Sweitzer, 65, of Madison, Fla., for one count of capital sexual battery on a victim under 12 years of age.

The investigation began in September 2012, when FDLE was provided information relating to this case that allowed agents to secure a warrant for his arrest. The alleged crime occurred in Madison County.

The investigation is continuing.

Sweitzer was booked into the Madison County Jail and his bond is $250,000.00.

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Murder Trial Set

October 12, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Gary Givens Murder Trial Set Read about it Here

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Man Arrested On Drunk Driving Charges

October 3, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
craigsolomon

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A man was arrested on multiple charges after he ran a stop sign and traveled into a ditch on Saturday evening, Sept. 29.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Craig L. Solomon, 23, of Madison, was traveling south on SE Arnett Avenue.
Solomon failed to stop at the stop sign on SE Arnett at SE Farm Road and his 1989 Cadillac came to a final rest, facing south. Read full story Here

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Gary Givens Murder Trial To Begin

September 28, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Gary Givens

Gary Givens, charged in the murder of 75-year-old James Edward Campbell appeared in court Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 25. During the hearing, he waived his right to a 12-person jury. Read more Here

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Man Arrested For Burglary

September 24, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Matthew Edward Brown

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Friday the 21st day of August 2012 at 10:25 PM, Madison County Deputies responded to a report of a possible burglary in progress at a residence in Lee Florida. The home owners father called to report that his son was out of town and lights were on in the son’s residence.
When Deputies arrived they immediately secured the residence and eventually made contact with a person inside. The person whom identified himself as Montrell Spain told deputies that he was a friend of the home owner and had been staying there while the owner was out of town. Deputies attempted to contact the home owner to verify the story but were unable to do so. Deputies made every attempt to verify the subject’s identity utilizing various databases without success.
Deputies tried to clarify the subject’s personal information and the subject changed his last name to Spin which again no identity match could be made. Based on the Deputies training and experience and considerations of the totality of circumstances the Deputies had the subject accompany them to the jail for finger print identification to confirm his exact identity. The subject consented and accompanied the deputies. While traveling to the jail, the subject admitted he was lying about his identity and then provided his real identity.
The subject identified himself as Matthew Edward Brown, DOB: 09/25/1971, B/M of Miami Florida. Brown was further checked through FBI databases which confirmed his identity and proved that he was listed as a fugitive on the United States Marshalls’ Office most wanted for homicide in Miami Florida.
Matthew Edward Brown of Miami Florida was arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail on murder and placed on hold for the US Marshall’s Office to pick up.

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Over $16K Seized By Sheriff’s Office

September 24, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Christopher Joseph Stallworth

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that On Wednesday the 19th day of September 2012 at 10:05 AM, Investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 silver 2 door Mercedes for speeding, following too close, failure to use turn signal and illegal window tint. The vehicle was traveling East bound on interstate 10 in Madison County. The vehicle was being operated by Christopher Joseph Stallworth of Pensacola Florida.
While Investigators were taking necessary enforcement action concerning the traffic violations, they noted several signs of deception and suspicious behavior of the driver. A canine search of the exterior of the vehicle was conducted with a positive alert. Incident to the positive canine alert, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. The search discovered a bundle of currency in the center console and two additional bundles of currency wrapped in plastic bags containing cotton balls sprayed with perfume in the trunk area of the Mercedes. The glove box contained a cocked, loaded and ready to shoot 25 caliber hand gun.
The currency was commonly packaged in a manner indicative of a drug couriers fashion for transporting currency. A count of the currency revealed the total amount to be $16,211.00. Stallworth gave several stories of discrepancy regarding to whom the currency belonged to and the amount.
Christopher Joseph Stallworth, B/M, DOB: 12/22/1973 of Pensacola Florida was arrested and charged with Possession of Firearm by convicted felon. The currency was seized pending further investigation.

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Indoor Marijuana Grow Houses Found

August 21, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Indoorgrowhouse

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Wednesday the 15th day of August 2012 the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint concerning the possible theft of electric power. An investigation into the complaint by the Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force confirmed that electric power was being diverted to two (2) separate structures on the property.
The property was secured and a warrant to search the property was obtained. The property was located at 6939 SW #1 Federal Road Lamont Florida and in the name of Octavio Cruz. The search discovered two (2) active indoor marijuana grow houses and the partial construction of two (2) additional grow houses. A total of 103 marijuana plants were seized from the operation as well as destruction of the functional grow houses. Octavio Cruz was not present at the location and the scene indicated that persons present obviously departed hastily.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Taylor County Drug Task assisted the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force in the investigation.

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Drug Search Warrants Executed

August 20, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Thursday the 16th day of August 2012 the Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force executed two (2) search warrants. The search warrants were results of several undercover drug buy operations that took place from individuals inside the residences. The search warrants were executed at the following locations:
Latonya Shrease Scott, B/F, DOB: 10/05/1982 of 442 SW Brookwood Avenue Madison Florida was arrested and charged for possession crack cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a church 2cts, Sell of Crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of church, possession of drug paraphernalia. An additional 2 grams of crack cocaine was discovered during the search warrant as well as the paraphernalia.
The residence of Johnny Bedgood located at 1304 SE Booker Avenue Madison Florida. The search warrant recovered 5 ounces of crack cocaine, 6 ounces of powder cocaine, 4 grams of marijuana, two (2) hand guns and drug paraphernalia. Johnny Bedgood, B/M, DOB: 11/29/1966 was not present during the search warrant and remains at large. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office have arrest warrants on Bedgood for possession crack cocaine with intent to sell and for the sell of crack cocaine to accompany new charges from the recovered drugs, weapons and paraphernalia seized during the search warrant. The investigation continues with possible arrest warrants for others involved in Bedgood’s operation.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Special Operations Team with executing the search warrants.

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Arrest and Recovery in Burglary

August 16, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Larry Dean Bartley

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Tuesday the 7th day of August 2012, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of grand theft from Hickory Grove United Methodist Church. The item taken was an 80 gallon syrup kettle having very distinctive markings for identification. The kettle holds a minimum value of $500.00.
Deputies received information from witnesses providing vehicle and persons description of potential suspects from Statenville Georgia that were in the area the day the theft occurred. A follow up investigation into the theft and with the assistance of Echols County Georgia Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of Larry Dean Bartley and the discovery of the kettle at an antique chop in Lanier County Georgia.
Larry Dean Bartley, W/M, DOB: 06/26/1982 of Naylor Georgia is currently incarcerated in the Berrien County jail for violation of Parole and hold placed on him for charges in Madison County Florida.
Bartley is being further investigated for potential involvement in additional burglaries in Madison County as well as the State of Georgia. Sheriff Stewart thanks the citizens of Madison County for their assistance with reporting suspicious persons, vehicles and incidents in and around Madison County.

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Update on Escaped Inmate

August 13, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Fredrick Antwaon McCray

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that the Sheriff’s Office has received information concerning several possible locations of Frederick Antwon McCray; however each has proved to be unsuccessful with locating him.
Frederick Antwon McCray escaped from the Madison County Jail on Friday the 10th day of august 2012 at 6:08 AM. McCray was incarcerated on May 8, 2012 at the Madison County Jail for charges relating to Criminal Mischief, Burglary, Loitering, resisting arrest without violence and violation of probation.
McCray has not previously presented violent tendencies However, Sheriff Stewart recommends all persons to use caution and immediately contact the Sheriff’s Office if they come in contact with McCray or have any information concerning his whereabouts.
The Sheriff’s Office is offering a $1,000.00 reward for information which leads to the arrest of Frederick Antwon McCray and can be contacted at 850-973-4001 or Crime stoppers at 850-973-2762.

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Escapee from Local Jail

August 10, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Fredrick Antwaon McCray

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Friday the 10th day of august 2012 at 6:08 AM an inmate incarcerated at the Madison County Jail escaped. The inmate, Frederick Antwon McCray, B/M, DOB: 02/28/1991, Hgt: 5-06, Wgt: 130 lbs, was arrested on May 8, 2012 for Criminal Mischief, Burglary, Loitering, resisting arrest without violence and violation of probation. During his incarceration, McCray was assigned inside trustee status to assist with meal service. On this date while assisting meal service, McCray fled through an electronic gate as the Meal service vehicle was exiting.
Sheriff Stewart request for anyone having any information concerning the whereabouts of Mcray to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 850-973-4001 or Crime stoppers at 850-973-2762

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