Tag Archive for madison county sheriff’s office

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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Madison County Youth Adventure Camp

August 7, 2012 Around Madison, Education, Outdoors Comments Off

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will be facilitating a Youth Adventure Camp Monday, August 13 through Friday, August 17. This camp will be offered for boys between the ages of 11 and 16. This adventure camp will include firearms marksmanship, archery, rappelling, a live K-9 track, hiking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, health and fitness training and life skills. Meals will be provided and the camp is free to participants. If you are interested in this Adventure Camp, or if you have any questions, please contact Captain Mark W. Joost at 850 519-0947.

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New Additions To The Sheriff’s Office Fleet

May 31, 2012 Front Page Comments Off
2012 Ford Explorer 2

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart announces the latest addition to the Sheriff’s Office fleet of patrol vehicles. The Sheriff’s Office, utilizing forfeiture funds from drug dealers, purchased two 2012 Police Package Ford Explorers. The new 2012 Police Package Ford Explorer not only comes with the standard equipment of a police package unit but also comes equipped with an “Economy-Boost” motor to promote better fuel mileage while offering comparative horse power. The Ford Explorer is equipped with an enhanced suspension benefit for operating and handling on the many unpaved roads in Madison. This feature will further reduce maintenance cost and extend the operating period of the unit. The purchase price of the 2012 Police Package Ford Explorer in comparison with the historical Ford Crown Vic, which ended production by Ford in 2011, comes at a lower cost as well.
Sheriff Stewart reports that this is another opportunity to save tax payer dollars and continue to provide proficient services to the citizens of Madison County.

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Sheriff’s Office Recognized by MADD

May 31, 2012 Front Page Comments Off
MCSO - MADD AWARD

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart commends the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for their continued commitment and dedication to serve the citizens of Madison County. On Monday the 21st day of May 2012 the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was honored by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Florida 2012 Law Enforcement Recognition in Orlando for the Sheriff’s Office proactive efforts resulting in a significant and positive impact in Madison County during the calendar year 2011.
The banquet and awards ceremony was attended by DUI victims and their families as well as Law Enforcement Officers and their families across the state of Florida. There were many honorees from the many different Law Enforcement agencies in Florida to include Florida Police Departments, Sheriff’s Offices, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and State Attorney’s Offices.
Madison County Deputy Sheriff Corporal Jason Whitfield represented the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in the “Outstanding Dedication to DUI Enforcement-Small/Rural Agency” category. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was nominated for their efforts in combating drunk driving. The enhanced enforcement of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies resulted in more than doubling the DUI arrests in 2011 from eight (8) in 2010 to eighteen (18) in 2011. This is a 125 percent increase in DUI arrest activity.

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Local K-9 Unit Obtains National Certification

February 21, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that during the week of February 13th through February 16th, 2012 All handlers of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit Obtained National certification in narcotics detection.
The K-9 teams attended the 2012 training and problem solving workshop hosted by American Aluminum in Taylor County Florida.
American Aluminum manufactures the vehicle K-9 containment systems used by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Every year they host a workshop for K-9 handlers nationwide to train, problem solve, and certify. Master Trainers from the North American Police Work dog Association (N.A.P.W.D.A.) were on hand to work with handlers on issues with there K-9 partners. The Master Trainers also administered the required tests to obtain national certification for teams wanting to certify.
There were over 120 K-9 teams from many states present. There were also K-9 Instructors and Master Trainers from as far away as Wisconsin. They were all very helpful to the K-9 teams.
All Madison County Sheriff’s Office handlers along with there K-9 partners took the required test for certification which took three days. All teams passed and obtained a national certificate in detecting four different illegal narcotic odors located in vehicles, buildings, and open areas. The tests consisted of multiple hides of the different narcotics along with untainted vehicles, buildings, and open areas known as “blanks”. The teams were required to find all the hides and identify the “blanks” without the assistance of the trainers.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office teams certified using different alert methods. With the teams certifying in different alert methods the K-9 Unit can be utilized in almost any situation.
Along with the national certificate the teams also received a certificate and 40 hours credit for the training and problem solving work they completed during the week.
All Madison County Sheriff’s Office teams scored 100% with no missed hides and no false alerts.

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Drug Task Force Seizes Firearm

February 13, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that On Thursday night February 10, 2012 at 11:58 PM Agents of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a 2011 Chevy 4 door sedan for unlawful speed. The vehicle was traveling westbound on interstate 10 in Madison County and was being operated by Norris Antonio Baker Jr.
While Agents were taking enforcement action for the speeding violation, they detected signs of possible criminal activity. Canine “Arko” was deployed and gave a positive alert for the presence of a narcotic odor. Agents then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and discovered a small amount of marijuana residue. The search further discovered a Taurus .45 caliber semi automatic hand gun concealed within the vehicle.
The driver, Antonio Baker, denied owning the handgun, how it got into his vehicle or to whom the gun may belong to. Agents seized the handgun for further investigation and to have analyzed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (F.D.L.E.) Crime Lab to verify that the gun has not been previously used in a crime.
Currently, No formal charges are being filed on Antonio Baker and he gladly relinquished possession of the firearm and was released. The investigation remains pending.

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Deputies Seize $40,000

December 7, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Currecny Seizure 12-03-2011

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that On Sunday afternoon the 3rd day of December 2011 at approximately 4:00 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a 2008 Buick sport utility vehicle for a traffic infraction on interstate 10. The vehicle was traveling 90 miles per hours in a posted 70 mile per hour speed zone.

Deputies noted several discrepancies provided between the two occupants of the Buick and other suspicious activity regarding the driver not able to identify the passenger or from whom they had borrowed the vehicle from.

A Canine search of the exterior of the vehicle gave a positive alert by k-9 “Dare” which resulted in a “Probable cause” detailed search of the vehicle. The detailed search discovered a large sum of currency located in back pack. The currency was commonly packaged in a manner indicative of a drug couriers fashion for transporting currency. A count of the currency revealed the amount to be $40,000.00.  The occupants of the vehicle denied ownership of the currency or having any knowledge of the currency or mysteriously how it appeared with their belongings. A receipt for the seized currency was provided and the investigation continues. The occupants were from Huntington California and Tampa Florida.

 

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Sheriff’s Office Hires Victims Advocate

December 7, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Sheila Combs, Victims Advocate

Sheila Combs, Victims Advocate

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that it is with great pleasure to announce the newest member of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Shelia Combs. Mrs. Combs started her new position on December 5, 2011 as the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Victims Advocate. Shelia Combs was one of 35 applicants for the position and was evaluated by a five (5) member board before being offered the position.

 

The Sheriff’s Office Victims Advocate of Crime became reality after several years of pursuing the position and being awarded a grant from the Bureau of Advocacy & Grants Management, Office of the Attorney General.

 

Sheriff Stewart explains that even during a difficult budgetary climate it is his goal to continue to move forward with the services the Sheriff’s Office provides. This new position is not only a great asset for the Sheriff’s Office but a tremendous opportunity to provide a much needed service to the citizens of the community. Mrs. Combs comes aboard with a history of experience and will be reviewing incidents of persons that become victims of crime and assisting these victims with the many different types of victim’s compensation, counseling, crisis intervention to include injunctions against repeat violence and referrals to outside agencies for additional services.

 

Mrs. Combs will not be limited to the Sheriff’s Office but also assist the City of Madison Police Department with their victims of crime in accordance with the grant award. Mrs. Combs may be reached by contacting the Sheriff’s Office at 850-973-4001 Extension 236 during normal business hours of Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If services are of need and require immediate attention please contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center at 850-973-4001 Extension 2.

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Sheriff’s Office Offering Concealed Weapons Class

November 14, 2011 Around Madison, Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Submitted by Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Joost
　A concealed weapons firearm class will be offering this Saturday, Nov. 19, beginning at 9 a.m.
　For many years, Madison County Sheriff Ben J. Stewart and Captain Mark W. Joost shared a vision of preparing the concerned citizens of Madison County for violent encounters. Our deputies are extremely proactive, but statistics show that the average armed confrontation last approximately 2.5 seconds and a total of 2.8 rounds are expended between both sides. A deputy could be on your front porch during one of these confrontations and still not be close enough to intervene. The sheriff’s office wants to assist concerned law abiding citizens in being prepared however they feel most comfortable. This vision became a reality when the sheriff’s office recently acquired the North Florida Community College Police Academy firing range in Cherry Lake.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has been offering concealed carry weapons classes since April of this year. During this time, 45 students from Florida and Georgia have received training to obtain their Florida Concealed Carry Weapons permit. These students ranged in age from 18 to 70 years old. The National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) First Steps Pistol course is the foundation for the sheriff’s office concealed carry class. In addition, information is provided to ensure that each student is aware of what they can expect to take place before, during and after violent confrontations and how they, as individuals, can best prepare for these dynamics. This instruction is not the typical two-hour gun show concealed carry course. It is very important that you make a personal decision concerning what you are wanting to accomplish through the course you select. According to Captain Joost, there are basically three types of concealed carry courses. The first type is for those who just want to become barely legal. This may be fine if surviving an armed confrontation isn’t really a concern or a priority for you. The second type of course may enable you to barely survive. The third type of course offers you a WINNING foundation for you to keep building upon. This is the type of course we are offering through the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Our personal goal is to help you establish a foundation so that you WIN and not just merely survive. This class far exceeds the requirements to apply for the State of Florida Concealed Weapons Carry Permit for residents and non-residents. Your Florida Concealed Weapons Carry permit is honored in 36 states. These classes are taught by N.R.A. multi-discipline law enforcement firearms instructors who are active S.W.A.T. team members and U.S. military veterans.
The N.R.A.’s “First Steps Pistol” course will be used as the foundation for 4 hours of classroom instruction prior to 1 to 4 hours of firing range time. The time in the classroom and on the firing range will be based on each students needs and desire. A knowledge of firearms is not assumed or required. Everything is explained fully so that the student feels completely comfortable. Our instructors take the time to make sure that each student understands what they can, and cannot, do to be prepared.

　
COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:

1) Handgun cartridges and components.
2) Handgun knowledge and safe firearm handling.
A) Semi-automatic pistol knowledge.
B) Revolver knowledge.
3) Fundamental firearm safety rules.
4) Handgun tactics and techniques.
5) Ammunition malfunctions.
6) Live fire shooting safety and proficiency.
7) Handgun maintenance and cleaning.
8) Holster selection and concealment techniques.
9) Outline of laws pertaining to Florida Con-cealed Carry to include:
A) Safety and responsibility by law of firearms around children.
B) Restricted carry areas.
C) Weapons laws.
D) Shoot/don’t shoot scenarios and use of force justification.
E) Escalation of force.
F) Interaction with law enforcement.
10) Less lethal options.

Our instructors, work violent crimes and deal with predators on a daily basis. We want to share with you the knowledge on how to prepare for, and win, a violent confrontation mentally, physically and spiritually. We are offering a sound foundation that you will hopefully build upon with us as we offer more advanced handgun classes in the future. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will also be offering future classes for rifle, shotgun, less lethal options, intermediate weapons and unarmed self defense.
The cost of the concealed carry weapons class is $85.00. This includes a booklet, concealed carry weapons application packet including fingerprint card, firing range fees, ammunition, targets, professional instruction, personalized firing range time and course certificates. Fees will be used to pay instructors, pay for supplies, range maintenance and upgrades. Due to the small class sizes and instructor to student ratio, it is required that a non-refundable $50.00 deposit be received at the time of your registration. The balance will be due on the day of the class. There is a reduced rate for each additional member of a group. 45, 9mm, 40 and 38 ammunition will be provided for the practical portion of the class. Students who would like to participate in further training should bring additional ammunition. Firearms may be available for use if you do not have one.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office firing range is also now open on a limited basis for private citizen use. Captain Joost volunteers time on the firing range two weekends per month to assist interested citizens. The cost for use of the firing range is $7.50 per Saturday or $100.00 per year. This fee goes into a fund through the clerks office and is used for insurance, firing range maintenance and improvements. Captain Joost and other officers who may be present ensure safety and provide free instruction when requested. Captain Joost states that, after over 22 years of working violent crimes, his goal is to assist law abiding citizens so that they are prepared for, and not intimidated by, violent predators.
Captain Joost and Deputy Tracy W. Dowdy have taken the initiative to achieve N.R.A. certifications as Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Defense Inside The Home and Personal Defense Outside The Home instructors. The primary instructor is Captain Joost, who is a 10 year U.S. Army veteran as an Airborne Ranger with the 1st Ranger Battalion, Honor Graduate of the U.S.M.C.’s 8 week Scout Sniper school and a scout sniper instructor. He has over 22 years of law enforcement experience and is a law enforcement firearms, defensive tactics, TASER and less lethal options instructor. Captain Joost is the Madison County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. commander and he has prevailed in numerous deadly force encounters. If you are interested in the concealed carry weapons classes, other firearms and personal defense training or use of the firing range, you can contact Captain Joost at 850 519-0947.
Psalm 91:5
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

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Deputy Receives Recognition For Work

October 10, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Microsoft Word - MCSO - Employee Recognition-10-10-2011.doc

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Machine Guns Fired – Five Arrested On Weapons Charges

August 11, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Brian Hallman

Brian Hallman

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that during the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 7, at 1:49 a.m., numerous 911 calls were received, reporting a large crowd gathering at 5806 NE Colin Kelly Drive (Divine Events) and multiple gunshots being fired from assault weapons. All available Sheriff’s Office units immediately responded and further requested mutual aid assistance was given from the City of Madison Police Department.

While responding units were en route to the scene, additional information was received regarding a description of the vehicle and the occupants responsible for the shooting who had fled the scene. City police officers and Sheriff’s Office deputies located the vehicle (dark maroon Chevrolet Impala or Malibu) traveling on South Duval Street approaching US 90. A felony traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and each occupant ordered from the vehicle.

Alexis Choice

Loronya Haynes was the driver of the vehicle and was secured in handcuffs without incident. A search incident to his arrest resulted in the discovery of less than 20 grams of marijuana and MDMA (Ecstasy). The passengers, Rueben Graham (back seat), Melissa Wilkins and Alexis Choice were further removed from the vehicle and arrested without incident. Officers located an “SKS” style .223 caliber assault rifle on the back seat and a 45 caliber auto “Mack-Ten” assault weapon on the front floor board. Both weapons were in plain view from the exterior of the vehicle and loaded with the safety in the fire position. A continued investigation into the incident discovered spent shell casings at the scene matching the ammo loaded in the weapons. A fifth suspect was positively identified as Brian Hallman, who was also wanted for shooting a firearm at the scene and warrants for his arrest were obtained and he was arrested and charged on Monday, Aug. 8, without incident.

Loronya Haynes

Sheriff Stewart commends his deputies and the city police officers involved in this excellent police work and the removing of these types of firearms and the people that choose to participate in such criminal activity from the communities in Madison County.

Arrested and Charged are the following:

1. Loronya Haynes, 31, Of Madison.

Discharging Machine Gun F.S. 790.16, Discharging Firearm From Vehicle F.S. 790.15(2), Possession Of Marijuana – 20 Grams F.S. 893.13(6)(B), Possession Of Mdma (Ecstasy) F.S. 893.13(6)(A), Driving While License Suspended F.S. 322.34(2) Florida Uniform Citation #9012-Fls, Driving While License Expired F.S. 322.03(5) Florida Uniform Citation #9013-Fls, Possession Of Firearm By Convicted Felon F.S. 790.23, Possession Of A Firearm During Commission Of A Felony F.S. 790.07, And Open Alcohol Container (Driver) F.S. 316.1936(2) Citation #9016-Fls.

2. Graham, Reuben Lee Jr., 20, Of Madison

Melissa Wilkins

Discharging Machine Gun F.S. 790.16, Discharging Firearm From Vehicle F.S. 790.15(2), Open Alcohol Container (Passenger) F.S. 316.1936(2) (Florida Uniform Citation #9015-Fls).

3. Wilkins, Melissa Lashae, 27, Of Madison

Discharging Machine Gun F.S. 790.16, Discharging Firearm From Vehicle F.S. 790.15(2), Allowing Unauthorized Person To Drive F.S. 322.36 (Florida Uniform Citation #9011-Fls), Open Alcohol Container (Passenger) F.S. 316.1936(2) Florida Uniform Citation # 9014-Fls).

4. Choice, Alexis Dionne, 24, Of Madison Florida.

Discharging Machine Gun F.S. 790.16, Discharging Firearm From Vehicle F.S. 790.15(2) Open Alcohol Container (Passenger) F.S. 316.1936(2) (Florida Uniform Citation #9017-Fls).

5. Hallman, Brian Antonio, 28

Discharging Firearm From Vehicle F.S. 790.15(2), Possession Of Firearm By Felon F.S. 790.23(1)(A), Violation Of Probation (Circuit) F.S. 948.06.

Rueben Graham

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Dispatchers To Move From Jail To EMS Building

July 26, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The communications center and dispatchers for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office will soon be moved to the old Robinson Ford building. Madison County Emergency Management Services (EMS) is currently at that location.
Sheriff Ben Stewart said that Will Rutherford is working as the primary contractor to get the dispatchers put in at the EMS building. He has sub-contractors working under him.
Stewart said that construction could have begun as early as Monday, July 25.

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County Commission Expands Weekend Ambulance Service

July 7, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off
Lisa Jordan and Juan Botino are pleased with the Commission’s approval to expand Madison County’s Weekend Ambulance coverage.

Lisa Jordan and Juan Botino are pleased with the Commission’s approval to expand Madison County’s Weekend Ambulance coverage.

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.

When it rains, it pours in the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.  Not that this has been a problem lately with the extended drought, but the building that houses the Madison County Sheriff’s Office “has some pretty serious leaks,” said County Coordinator Allen Cherry.

Cherry presented the Madison County Commission with two options for the roof:  the first, repairing the roof, would cost an estimated $1500-$2000; the second, replacing the roof altogether, would run about $15,000 to $20,000.
In making a case for the a new roof, Cherry cited the age and condition of the current one, adding that, “it has already been repaired and repaired and repaired.”

The Commission voted unanimously in favor of the new roof.  The next step will be going through the building department to draw up specifications for the re-roofing project and putting it out for bids.
Another measure that got unanimous approval was an additional weekend ambulance crew.  The cost and coverage of the additional crew was to come from usage fees from the current level of ambulance service.

“The weekends are our busiest times,” said Madison County EMS Director Juan Botino, who appeared before the Board with EMS worker Lisa Jordan to seek approval for the action.  The additional crew would expand ambulance coverage to 17 hours on Friday, 24 hours on Saturday, and 19 hours on Sunday.  The third crew would consist of part time EMS workers, and so would not cost the county anything as far as additional benefits packages.  “The ideal would be a third crew operating 24/7,” said Botino.  “But this is a start.”

Another item related to emergency vehicles was the deteriorated condition of NE Papaya Street and NE Pentas Street.  The dirt roads are basically “pig trails” as described by Road Department Supervisor Red Henderson, with washout problems and overgrown bushes on either side encroaching the roadway and threatening to choke it off.  Such conditions pose significant difficulty for ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles that need to reach the subdivision served by the roads, a group of about 15-20 houses.

However, the roads are private, and using public money to maintain them, even to make them minimally passable for emergency vehicles, would be problematic.  There are a number of subdivisions in the county that predate the current ordinances regarding the maintenance of private roadways, and “if we do for one, we’ll have to do it for another,” Commission Chair Renetta Parrish pointed out.

The county has several such subdivisions that predate current ordinance concerning the maintenance of private roads.  County Attorney Tom Reeves advised the Commission to create a standard policy and come up with a list of criteria that could apply to all similar situations in the county before going ahead with the measure for Papaya and Pentas.

Thus, the measure for the two roads failed 4/1, but the commission agreed to re-agenda the item of Pentas and Papaya for the next meeting, when they could discuss the bigger problem of private subdivision roads throughout the county and what policies and criteria could be put in pace for dealing with them.

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Phase Two Of Drug Round-Up Continues With Arrest

July 6, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
MCSO - Drug Arrest-07-06-2011

MCSO – Drug Arrest-07-06-2011

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Another Arrested in Drug Sweep

July 5, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

On Tuesday, July 5, Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart confirmed that rumors on the street were true regarding Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies arresting Doug Smith of Madison as part of Phase II of a drug sweep. Smith was booked on five separate charges, involving possession of methamphetamine and sell of methamphetamine. A press release will be issued on Wednesday, July 6.

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Sheriff’s Office Does Drug Round-up PDFs and Photos

July 1, 2011 Church, Front Page Comments Off
MCSO - Drug Arrest-07-01-2011

MCSO – Drug Arrest-07-01-2011

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Sheriff’s Office Issues Warnings About Solicitations from Fraternal Order of Police

June 30, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has received several complaints this week regarding telephone solicitations. The Majority of these complaints have been concerning calls from the Fraternal Order of Police, better known as FOP. As Sheriff of Madison County I wanted to advise our citizens that the Sheriff’s Office has not and will not authorize telephone solicitations from any organization. These most recent complaints included FOP solicitors advising that they purchase equipment for the Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police Department as well as help local children. The FOP does not assist the Sheriff’s Office or Police Department with anything nor does it help local children.
Most importantly, as Sheriff I will continue to advise our citizens to never never never give any credit card, bank account information, or personal information to anyone that calls you on the telephone. If you are interested in obtaining information from a caller then ask them to send you information in the mail. The only time that I would advise you to give any information over the phone is when you have initiated the call and you know for sure who you are speaking with.
Finally, fraud and identification theft are the fastest growing crimes in America, telephone solicitations are major players in these crimes. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office supports the Florida Sheriff’s Boy’s Ranch and The Florida Sheriff’s Association. Solicitations from these organizations will only be received in the mail and they will have my signature on them. Any other solicitations that name the Madison County Sheriff’s Office are not authorized.

Ben Stewart – Sheriff of Madison County

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Man Busted For Half A Pound Of Marijuana

May 31, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
guthrie

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Tuesday morning May 24, 2011 at 5:15 am Investigators of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 that resulted in the arrest of Christopher Ben Guthrie, DOB: 02/05/1989 of Miami, FL.
During the stop Investigators observed signs of criminal activity and conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and the contents within. Investigators located over a half of pound of marijuana packaged for sell along with $1,411.00 in currency concealed in the same location and manor as the marijuana.
Guthrie was arrested without incident and charged with Possession of marijuana more than 20 grams with intent to sell and Possession of drug paraphernalia. The marijuana, currency and equipment used to package the marijuana was seized.

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Sheriff’s Office Postpones Golf Tournament

April 11, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page, Sports Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County Sheriff’s office golf tournament for the Florida Youth Ranches has been postponed until further notice.
Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that David Ballenger, who coordinates the event, is not able to do the tournament at this time due to health problems.
Watch The Madison County Carrier and The Madison County Carrier, as well as check www.greenepublishing.com for further details.

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Task Force Arrests Two On Crack Cocaine Charges

February 28, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force has conducted investigations over the past several months concerning the sell and possession of controlled substances.
On Thursday the 24 day of February 2011, Anthony “Tony” West, of Madison Florida was arrested for six (6) counts of the sale of crack cocaine and one (1) within 1000 feet of a church.
Also on Thursday the 24th day of February 2011, Nathaniel Pride, of Madison Florida was arrested for one (1) count of sale of crack cocaine, one (1) count of possession of crack cocaine and one (1) count of possession of marijuana also within 1000 feet of a church.
The Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force reports that as a result of the recent investigations there are additional arrest pending.

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