May 7, 2008

     A skin condition and an eye problem may help law enforcement find the man who robbed a local convenience store over the weekend.

     The man, who is described as black and in his late 20s, about 5’ 2” tall, walked into the convenience store at Interstate 10 and US Highway 441 Saturday afternoon,  brandished an open pocket knife and took money from the cash register drawer.

     He was last seen running into the woods south of the store.  He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and light-colored pants.  The store clerks told deputies the man kept his face covered and one of his hands appeared to have a skin condition that causes scabbing or scarring.  Clerks also told deputies one of the man’s eyes appeared to be discolored. No one was injured.

      Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call the Crime Stoppers of Columbia County, Inc. at 754-7099.

     The Crime Stoppers program, which invites people to provide anonymous information about a crime to law enforcement and receive a monetary reward has come to Columbia County.  This is the first crime that is asking people to call the newly developed Columbia County chapter of the well-known program.

      “This is a proven program that has been around for years and has helped solve countless crimes,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “I am pleased to be able to help establish this program in our county.”

       This robbery is a good case to kick-start the program, said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “The perpetrator in this case has some distinct skin conditions on his hands and an eye condition, both which make him stand out.”

     Crime Stoppers of Columbia County, Inc. has a board of directors and while the telephone is housed at the Sheriff’s Office, it is a separate and individual corporation. Sheriff’s Office Sgt. David Greene is the chairman for the inaugural year.  

     “Sgt. Greene heads up our Crime Prevention Unit and it made good sense to have him serve as Chairman during this first year while we established the program,” said Sheriff Gootee. “We have a great board of community leaders and I believe we will have  great success.”

     The program works to defeat common factors that prevent people from getting involved.  “By providing a program that allows a person to provide useful information, remain totally anonymous and receive a cash reward is certainly motivation for people to make the call,” said Sheriff Gootee. “I believe human nature is to do the right thing but many times fear or apathy keeps folks from doing what their heart tells them to do.  This program gives them the motivation to do the right thing.”

     If you have any information that might be useful to detectives in solving this or any other crime in Columbia County, please call 386-754-7099.  You may be eligible to receive a monetary reward.

Funds provided by Office of the Attorney General, Crime Stoppers Trust Fund.

May 6, 2008

     In an effort to improve the delivery of inmate services at the Columbia County Jail, a new way to allow family and friends to deposit money into canteen accounts for current inmates has been established.

     The program, called Cybersuite, allows timely, accurate and manageable deposits into inmate accounts using the Internet, the telephone or in person.

     “We believe this program will be more efficient for everyone from the inmates and their family and friends to our staff,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee.

     The new program was introduced Monday.  Prior to that, an inmate family member or friend had to mail a cashier’s check or a money order to the Jail.  Jail staff had to ensure the money was deposited into the inmate’s account and then keep records and audits of the transactions.

    With the new system, deposits can be made using the Internet or the telephone using a VISA or Master Card credit or debit card.  Deposits can also be made in the lobby of the Jail into an automated machine.

     While the very basic necessities are provided by the Jail, inmates may need/want special items that can be purchased through the canteen. Money can be deposited into an inmate account and the inmate can assess the system to purchase items while incarcerated in the Columbia County Jail. 

May 2, 2008

     A fourth person was arrested as a result of Wednesday’s investigation into several Columbia County luxury homes concealing elaborate marijuana grow operations.

     Michael Gonzales, 35, walked into the Lake City Police Department about 3 pm Thursday after his home in the Oak Haven subdivision was raided and more than 200 marijuana plants were seized late Wednesday.

     When Gonzales turned himself in, he told officers he was growing marijuana and that he knew the other three people arrested at two other Columbia County homes.

     The investigations in Columbia County were part of a state-wide drug initiative that involved 48 counties across Florida.  The project identified 150 homes that had indoor grow operations and more than 9,000 marijuana plants- valued at more than $41 million - were confiscated. Counting Gonzales’ arrest on Thursday, at least 136 people were arrested during the operation.

     The operations locally were conducted by the Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force which is made up of representative from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

     In Columbia County, marijuana plants with an estimated street value of more than $500,000 were seized and three people arrested Wednesday. 

     Columbia County is seeing a trend of indoor grow operations and law enforcement investigation indicate many of the growers are moving north from the southern counties like Dade and Brevard.  Indoor grown marijuana can be as much as 10 times more potent than the marijuana harvested in the 1970’s and 1980’s. 

     Gonzales was charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  He was booked into the Columbia County Jail and was being held without bond pending the DEA’s investigation.

Michael Gonzalez

May 1, 2008

     A simple knock on a door in southern Columbia County and a question of the man who answered began a whirlwind operation Wednesday night that ended with three arrested and three high-priced homes raided of more than 500 marijuana plants.

     As part of a state-wide drug initiative, members of the Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force knocked on the front door of the house at 3952 County Road 18 near Fort White and asked Yoel Gutierrez Sanchez, 34, if he was growing marijuana. He led law enforcement to a detached garage where 160 marijuana plants were growing in a controlled, hydroponic environment.  The plants ranged from 24 inches tall to between 5 and 6 feet tall. 

     Investigation at that home lead the Task Force to a house located at 452 NW Ambleside Drive in the Cobblestone Estate subdivision off Lake Jeffery Road. Growing throughout the residence were more than 100 large marijuana plants.  Bathrooms and bedrooms in the luxury home had been converted to support the hydroponic operation. Arrested at this home were Yinet Fernandez Abreu, 20 and Lorenzo Perez-Gonzalez, 32. 

     The third house was located in the Oak Haven subdivision, farther north on Lake Jeffery Road. A detached garage located behind the brick home had been modified and was supporting more than 150 plants.  The garage attached to the house was also converted and housed another 75 plants. 

     “These are extremely sophisticated and expensive operations to set up and run,” said Sheriff Gootee. “We have dismantled these types of operations before but never in such nice neighborhoods.”

     Due to the number of plants and established operations, the Drug Enforcement Administration was contacted and handled the investigation.

     “There were a significant number of plants for these individuals to be charged federally which carries a stricter sentence,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “The neighbors we encountered had no idea these elaborate operations were right next door.”

     Sanchez, Abrue and Perez-Gonzalez were each charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  They were booked into the Columbia County Jail and were being held without bond.  Investigators believe all of the operations are connected and may have been funded by the same individual.

     The Multijurisdictional Task Force is made up of representative from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the DEA.  The street value of the confiscated plants is more than $500,000.

     “This is yet another excellent example of the teamwork and cooperation of the member agencies of the Task Force in stemming the tide of illegal drugs in our community,” Lake City Police Chief Steven Burch said.    

       The Columbia County investigations lead authorities to a home in Union County where more than 100 plants were seized. 

Abreu                                                  Perez-Gonzalez                                               Sanchez

April 29, 2008

     A hit and run car crash lead troopers and deputies to an open house party late Saturday night in Fort White and lead to the arrest of one man and serious trouble for several underage drinkers. No one was injured in the crash.

     About midnight, Florida Highway Patrol troopers were investigating a crash at the intersection of CR 18 and Hawthorne Terrace that appeared to be a hit and run crash.  Investigation revealed the vehicle involved in the crash was located in the back yard at 494 SW Hawthorne Terrace. In addition to the vehicle, there were also several people under 21 and a keg of beer. 

     The driver, Christopher Clark Prescott, 22 of Fort White, was arrested by FHP and charged with leaving the scene of an accident, possession of a controlled substance and possession of narcotics equipment.  In addition, he was also charged by the Sheriff’s Office with contributing to the delinquency of a minor for providing a keg of beer. 

     Jeffery Kyle Hogg, 19, who lives at the home, will be charged with hosting an open house party.  The parents of several juvenile were notified and asked to come to the residence.

     “The mother of the young man hosting this party was out of town and I feel certain he will be dealt with quite appropriately when she returns home,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee.  “This is another near miss involving teens and alcohol and driving. We stay alert on shutting down underage drinking parties – regardless of the location or reason.”

Christopher Prescott

April 17, 2008

  Press Release From the Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement

  Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center arrested a Lake City man today after agents discovered he had traded more than 300 videos and images of child pornography online. Christopher Lee Kairat, 36, was charged with five counts of possession of videos displaying a sex performance by a child. He was booked into the Columbia County Jail.   

  Kairat became a suspect in March when agents with FDLE’s Computer Crime Center were able to trace images that had been shared online back to his computer. Additional charges may be filed pending a complete forensic review of Kairat’s computer.  

  Agents with FDLE’s Live Oak Field Office and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.  

  FDLE is an active member of the three Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces in Florida. There are 59 federally-funded task forces nationwide created solely to investigate Internet crimes against children that include the online sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

  Please visit the FDLE Computer Crime Center Web site to review tips for keeping your children safe online at: www.fdle.state.fl.us/FC3/

For Further Information Contact:

Heather Smith or Kristen Perezluha

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

Christopher Kairat

April 14, 2008

     Two Georgia men were arrested last week after Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies found 3 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the airbag compartments of a vehicle they were towing on a trailer.  

     Demetres Antrol Wright, 35, of Dublin, Georgia and Ross Preston Martin, 39, of Stockbridge, Georgia, were each charged with trafficking cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.  They were booked into the Columbia County Jail and remained there Monday.

     Deputy Cecil Brownfield initially stopped Martin, who was driving a 2003 Ford Expedition towing a 1999 Pontiac van, for an expired tag and inoperable tail light on the trailer.  When Deputy Brownfield approached the Ford, he observed what appeared to be marijuana residue on Wright’s shirt. 

     Due to the presence of marijuana, a probable cause search was conducted on the Ford and while the search was taking place, Wright offered the keys to the van for a search of it.

     Search of the van revealed several indicators of a false compartment.  One was discovered where the passenger airbag was initially packed. More than 2 kilos were found in one compartment and another half kilo was found in a second compartment.  The street value of the cocaine is at least $300,000.

     “We are seeing more and more innovative ways to transport drugs across state lines and up and down our streets and highways,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “Our deputies work hard to stay trained and up to date on the latest trends and this capture shows how important that training is.”

     Wright and Martin remained in the Columbia County Jail without bond Monday.

Ross Preston Martin                                                                   Demetres Antron Wright

April 14, 2008

A Louisiana man arrested for disorderly intoxication died from an apparent suicide in a holding cell at the Columbia County Jail Sunday evening. 

Richard Joseph Plaisance, 47, was booked into the Jail about 2:30 pm after he was arrested by the Lake City Police Department at the local bus station.  Police officers received their first complaint on him at about 9 am Sunday morning. 

Mr. Plaisance was being held in a booking area holding cell due to his intoxicated condition.  At 5 pm, detention deputies observed him up and walking around in the cell.  At 5:40 pm when a routine inmate count was conducted, detention deputies found Mr. Plaisance hanging in the cell. Preliminary investigation revealed he had hung himself with a piece of clothing. 

When he was found, detention deputies immediately began CPR and used an AED unit but were unsuccessful.  Emergency personal were called and pronounced Mr. Plaisance deceased.   

"We have requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conduct the investigation as is a routine procedure when the Sheriff's Office is part of the equation,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee.  "It appears that all the Jail rules were followed and my detention deputies did just as they were trained.  Unfortunately their efforts were not successful." 

The body was transported to the Medical Examiner’s office in Jacksonville for an autopsy.

April 10, 2008

  U.S. MARSHALS APPREHEND ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT MURDER SUSPECT

Atlanta, GA – On April 8, 2008, Investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) working with the Atlanta Police Department and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida located Samuel Jackson Bell.  He was arrested after a brief vehicle pursuit with sheriff’s deputies in Lake City, Florida.    Bell is the prime suspect in the murder of Cathy Denune.  Denune, age 44, was shot and killed this past weekend at an apartment complex at 1000 Collier Road in Northeast Atlanta.  Acting on information provided by Atlanta Police, USMS SERFTF Investigators placed Bell southbound in a vehicle on Interstate 75 in North Florida. They immediately contacted Florida authorities and put them on alert.  Within minutes, Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies spotted Bell and initiated a stop of his vehicle.

 The charges against Bell stem from a shooting that occurred this past weekend at an apartment complex in Northeast Atlanta.  It is believed that Samuel Bell had a personal relationship with Denune and that a disagreement led to the shooting.  The Atlanta Police Department had identified Bell as a suspect and contacted SERFTF Investigators after learning that Bell had a recent warrant issued for his arrest on a parole violation.  During the course of the investigation, USMS SERFTF Investigators learned Bell was traveling in a dark colored 2008 Dodge Magnum and was southbound on Interstate 75 just south the Georgia border.  Investigators immediately began contacting various law enforcement agencies in the North Florida area and provided them with a description of Bell, his charges and his vehicle information.  

At approximately 3:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon, a Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the Dodge Magnum south of Lake City and attempted to stop the vehicle.  The driver refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued reaching speeds in excess of 125 mph.  After approximately 10 miles, the vehicle exited the interstate at State Road 47 and was involved in a traffic crash with a civilian vehicle.  The suspect vehicle attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by a Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy utilizing a controlled pit stop.  The civilian vehicle, the suspect vehicle and one Columbia County patrol car was damaged in the pursuit.  There were approximately 8 to 10 law enforcement vehicles involved in the pursuit.  No one was injured. 

Columbia County authorities took Bell and the driver of the vehicle into custody.   A weapon and various drugs were also located in the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle, Oscar Lee Joy, Jr., was arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and charged with possession of 20 grams of marijuana, trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in a controlled substance and resisting law enforcement officers without violence.  The sheriff’s office also charged Bell with trafficking in cocaine while armed, trafficking in methamphetamine while armed, aggravated fleeing and eluding and culpable negligence.   Atlanta Police Investigators traveled to Florida soon after the arrest and have now charged Bell with murder and aggravated assault.  Both Bell and Joy are in jail in Columbia County and they have been refused a bond on the Florida charges.

Columbia County Sheriff Bill Gootee said it best when speaking of this capture.  He stated “the proven relationship between law enforcement agencies across county and even state lines was the key to this successful apprehension”.  More information about the pursuit and arrest can be found at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office website at www.columbiasheriff.com.

        The U.S. Marshal’s Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) is a team comprised of law enforcement officers from the United States Marshals Service, as well as, 27 other local, state and federal agencies.  The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest the region’s most violent offenders.  Since the inception of the task force in September of 2003, the U.S. Marshals SERFTF has closed over 12, 500 felony warrants.  Annually, U.S. Marshals locate and arrest more fugitives than all other federal law enforcement agencies combined. 

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

April 9, 2008

Samuel Jackson Bell, IV

DOB  12/9/1952

1000 Collier Street, Apt. A2

Atlanta, Ga

Charged by Columbia County with:

·         possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana

·         trafficking cocaine(armed)

·         trafficking methamphetamine (armed)

·         possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

·         possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony

·         Aggravated fleeing and eluding

·         Driving with suspected/revoked drivers license

·         Reckless driving

·         Culpable negligence

·         Possession of controlled substance

Georgia charges include:

·         Parole violation – theft by receiving stolen property

·         Parole violation – possession of cocaine

·         Hold for homicide investigation

Oscar Lee Joy, Jr.

DOB: 11/8/1976

938 Flamingo Drive

Austel, GA

Charged by Columbia County with:

·         Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana

·         Trafficking cocaine

·         Trafficking methamphetamine

·         Possession of a controlled substance

·         Resisting arrest without violence

For additional information on this case, please contact

Inspector Katrina Crouse

US Marshal’s Service

404-520-1843

April 8, 2008

    Two Georgia murder suspects were arrested by Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies after a pursuit along Interstate 75 Tuesday afternoon.

     Sheriff’s Deputy Cecil Brownfield received a call from law enforcement authorities in Lowndes County, Georgia about 3 pm Tuesday afternoon that the murder suspects were headed south on I-75. 

      The suspect vehicle, a 2008 model Dodge Magnum, was spotted north of Lake City by Deputy Brownfield.  When Deputy Brownfield activated his emergency equipment, the driver refused to stop and reached speeds in excess of 125 mph. The suspect vehicle exited the interstate at State Road 47, struck a pickup and attempted to drive through the median when it was stopped by Cpl. Keith Jackson. No one was injured.

     “The proven relationship between law enforcement agencies across county and even state lines was the key to this successful apprehension,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee.  “Authorities in Lowndes County had worked with Deputy Brownfield and contacted him directly.”

     “Deputy Brownfield utilized his training and years of experience to handle the suspect vehicle once he spotted it and worked with Cpl. Keith Jackson to get a dangerous driver and murder suspect off of the road and into custody,” said Sheriff Gootee. “It was a very good ending to a potentially deadly situation.”

     The suspects were being held Tuesday evening for Georgia authorities.  They face multiple local charges that include drug and traffic violations. 

click photos for larger view

April 7, 2008

   A search warrant served after a joint investigation between the Multijurisdictional Task Force and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office netted two arrests of what authorities are calling “significant” local drug dealers.

     Arrested during the search last week were Keith Lamar Jones, 29 and Keith Murray, 34, both who lived at the home located at 252 NW Cimmaron Way.

     The search warrant was issued after Hamilton County authorities notified members of the Task Force about the probability of a man wanted on felony drug charges in Hamilton County living in Columbia County.

    Once inside the home, members of the Task Force located and seized the following drugs with a street value of more than $25,000.

·        455 grams of powder cocaine

·        246 grams of marijuana

·        27 grams of crack cocaine

·        2 grams of ecstasy

Also seized were

·        $8,110 in cash

·        Scales

·        Plastic baggies

·        Guns

     “These men were known not only in Hamilton County, but locally as significant drug dealers and supplies to local users,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “I believe the arrest of these two men will at least slow the immediate supply of cocaine in our area.”

     Sheriff Gootee added that the fight against drug is on-going and while the arrests are positive in the battle, law enforcement will not slow its campaign on the local availability of cocaine and marijuana.

     “This is a good arrest and we are pleased with the results, but our Task Force will remain vigilant in its efforts to continue these kinds of arrests,” said Sheriff Gootee.

     Jones was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacturing cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest without violence.

     Murray was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, trafficking cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.      Jones and Murray were being held in the Columbia County Jail without bond on Thursday.   

     The Multijurisdictional Task Force is made up of members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Keith Jones                                                                                   Keith Murray

click for larger view

March 28, 2008

   The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is joining the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in unveiling a new and innovative way for Florida’s sexual offenders and predators to be tracked.

     Citizens can now register to receive – at no cost – email notification anytime a registered sexual offender/predator moves within a specified radius of any Columbia County address.  The subscriber can choose the radius.  The system will also allow a specific offender to be tracked by name.

     “It’s a shame we live in a society where we have to go to such great lengths to protect our children, but we will all do anything we can to provide that protection” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “By teaming up with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, we are able to bring you the latest and most accurate information on all of Florida’s registered sexual offenders and predators.”

     To subscribe to the free service, go to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office website at www.columbiasheriff.com.  Once there, click on the box entitled “Sexual Offender Email Notification”.  Once you click on the box and access the database, you will be asked to enter your email address and a password.  Once you’re logged on, the program will walk you through the steps.

     The notification system is free to subscriber and the Sheriff’s Office paid a minimal fee to link to our website.

   “I believe it is important to make this as easy for folks as we can and by linking to the Sheriff’s Office website, I believe it keeps it local and easy to use,” said Sheriff Gootee. “It’s another resource to help monitor registered offenders and predators and keep our children safe.”

     The system was introduced at a press conference in Tallahassee Thursday and as of Friday morning, more than 7000 people had signed up for the program.

March 19, 2008

   Members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office took time Tuesday evening to honor dedicated employees, outstanding deeds and the naming of the Law Enforcement Officer, the Detention Deputy, the Communications Officer and the Civilian Employee of 2007.

     Cpl. Keith Jackson was named the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for his positive attitude, calm demeanor, quiet expertise, careful knowledge and his outstanding willingness to help a fellow officer.

     Deputy Charlie Bailey was named the Detention Deputy of the Year for his attention to detail, diligence, professionalism and his ability to make those around him smile.

     Kathryn Jolley was name Communications Officer of the Year for her ability to remain steady, reliable and dedicated - even during challenging times and events. 

     Nancy Vining was named Non-Sworn (Civilian) Employee of the Year for her dedication, not only to her division but to the entire agency.  While Vining is officially the secretary for the Detective Division, she is often described as the glue that keeps the agency together.  She handles the vast amount of paperwork that crosses her desk as well as fields phone calls coming into her division and the main switchboard.  She takes the time to listen and then acts in a proactive manner.

     “I am extremely proud of all of my employees, but these have been chosen by their peers as outstanding,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “It remains terribly important that we take the time to honor not only our employees who are chosen by their peers for everyday duties, but also those who go above and beyond the call of duty to help others and this agency.  2007 was a wonderful year – a wonderfully challenging and a wonderfully successful and that is due largely in part to the folks we honored Tuesday.”

     Others honored include: 

Deputy Jeff Watson and Deputy Mike Parlatti were awarded the Medal of Distinction for their attempts to save the life of a man inside a burning house.   

Deputy Kenneth Neff was also awarded the Medal of Distinction for his outstanding awareness and bravery which aided in the arrest of an armed and dangerous criminal.   

Detective Jennifer Wolf, Lt. David Wingate and Capt. Jerry Jewett were awarded the Medal of Commendation for their work in dismantling a large and organized drug operation.  Lake City Police Sgt. Keith Heston and Officer Larry Shallar were also honored for their involvement in the case. 

Sgt. Michael Sweat, Cpl. Ryan Bunton, Cpl. Keith Jackson, Det. Mark Pentolino, Det. Debbie Svir, Deputy Cecil Brownfield and FDLE Special Agent April Glover all received Certificates of Commendation for their role in assisting with the long-term investigative tasks required in the above narcotics case.  

Deputy Kenneth Neff received a Certificate of Commendation for showing dedication and a sense of duty – even while off duty – in apprehending a hit and run suspect. 

Deputy Tracy Stephens received a Certificate of Commendation for her calm demeanor and exceptional performance while apprehending two burglary suspects. 

Deputy Robert Sands received a Certificate of Commendation for his exceptional performance in interrupting a burglary in progress and arresting two suspects. 

Deputy Tip Tyler, Deputy Kenneth Neff and Sgt. Chris Sharpe received a Certificate of Commendation for their outstanding performance while locating and apprehending a suspect and recovering $250,000 worth of stolen property. 

Kathryn Jolley received a Certificate of Commendation for going above and beyond her duties while off- duty, she observed what turned out to be an in-progress burglary.  Two suspects were arrested thanks to her attentiveness.  

Deputy Greg Fischer received a Certificate of Commendation for his alertness and professionalism in locating and apprehending two robbery suspects. 

Corporal Randy Dowling received a Certificate of Commendation for his demeanor and professionalism in locating and apprehending a robbery suspect. 

Sergeant Stacy Croft received a Certificate of Commendation for the calm and professional demeanor that he displays in leading his shift. 

Deputy Keith Spradley, Lt. Pete Spurlock, Sgt. Robert Holloway and Sgt. Stacy Croft received a Certificate of Commendation for their actions that protected the public and prevented the escape of a man who had moments before murdered his wife. 

Detective JT Williams received a Certificate of Commendation for his exceptional diligence and investigative skills that lead to the arrest of suspects in several local burglaries. 

Detective Sgt. Katina Dicks received a Certificate of Commendation for her dedication, diligence and efficiency towards successful prosecutions of complex child abuse investigations. 

Kelly Jolley received a Certificate of Appreciation for her diligence in assisting a disabled person during a crisis.  

Linda Bethea, Jennifer Edwards and Pam Foxx received a Certificate of Appreciation for their willingness to assist another agency in coping with the death of an officer; 

Cpl. Todd Green and Det. Joe Vargo received a Certificate of Appreciation for their determination and initiative in solving the theft of a large amount of fuel from a local business. 

Deputy Danny Brown received a Certificate of Appreciation for his determination and initiative in solving a rash of criminal mischief cases. 

Detention Deputy Eric Bean received a Certificate of Appreciation for his close attention to detail of a tattoo which led to the arrest of a robbery suspect. 

Paige Milligan, Jennifer Edwards and Sarah Wheeler received a Certificate of Appreciation for their compassion and unselfishness in helping a family in need at Christmas. 

Det. Debbie Svir, Paige Milligan, John Vigna and Laurie Windham received a Certificate of Appreciation for their outstanding dedication, diligence and efficiency which ensured the agency’s CAD system was functional.  

John Roberts, a member of the Sheriff’s Citizen Service Unit, was honored for his 1,283 hours of volunteer time in 2007. 

Though not an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, Forestry Law Enforcement Officer James “Jim” Ellis received a special award for his intuition and manner in which he handled a suspicious person camped illegally in the Osceola National Forest in northern Columbia County. That man was later identified and charged with at least one homicide in Georgia and is possibly linked to other murders.

click photo for larger image

March 13, 2008

      A Thursday morning accident claimed the life of a Columbia County man. Howard Register, 49, was clearing land off Horizon Drive about 11 am Thursday when the backhoe he was operating flipped over.

     “It appears that as the equipment began to flip, Mr. Register attempted to jump free, but instead was trapped underneath it,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “He died from the injuries sustained when the equipment landed on him.”

     The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident and an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

     “The death of Mr. Register will be investigated by our detectives, but there is nothing to indicate this is anything more than a terrible tragedy,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to this family.”

March 11, 2008

    Michael Philpot was returned to Columbia County Tuesday and booked into the Columbia County Jail, one week after he was arrested in Houston, Texas.  Philpot was arrested on a warrant for leaving the scene of a crash with death, leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury and violation of probation.

    The crash occurred on February 18, 2008 and fatally injured Pamela Pafford and critically injured her 7-year-old son.  Philpot evaded law enforcement until his arrest on March 4. 

     Sheriff Bill Gootee said it was good to have Philpot in local custody after a lengthy manhunt. “Our detectives and the Florida Highway Patrol worked long and hard on this case and now Mr. Philpot can face the criminal charges he is accused of,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. Philpot will go to first appearance Wednesday morning.

Michael Philpot

March 8, 2008

The following is the map of the area in Lake City that remain under a curfew from 7pm to 7 am Saturday and Sunday due to storm damage and dangerous conditions.  Without proper proof of residency, admittance may be denied.  Visitors and sight seers are encouraged at avoid the area so work crews, damage assessors and law enforcement can focus on their duties. 

map provided by www.mapquest.com

March 7, 2008

   March 7, 2008   9 pm

Lake City Storm Update

At about 9 pm Friday, county and city officials had surveyed about 75 percent of the damaged area in Lake City and Columbia County.  A county spokesman reported the following:

• 20 homes/residences had minor damage
• 21 homes/residence had major damage
• 19 homes/residences were totally destroyed
• The total residential damage is estimated at more than $2 million.

Six businesses suffered major damage and two local businesses were totally destroyed at an estimated cost of more than $1 million.

Emergency Medical Services transported five patients to a local hospital and there were another 11 patients treated for minor injuries at the hospital.

Initially, two deaths were blamed on the storm but the second fatality, was later determined not to be related to the storm, said Sheriff Bill Gootee.  The body has been transported to the medical examiner office where an autopsy will be performed to determine a cause of death.

March 7, 2008

The following is a map of the area in Lake City that is under a curfew from 7pm Friday to 7 am Saturday due to storm damage and dangerous conditions.  Without proper proof of residency, admittance may be denied.

map provided by www.mapquest.com

March 6, 2008

    Michael Philpot has waived his extradition process and will be transported back to Florida via a private prisoner transport company. At this time, it is not known when he will return.

     Philpot was arrested Tuesday in Houston, Texas on a warrant for leaving the scene of a crash with death, leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury and violation of probation.

    The crash occurred on February 18, 2008 and fatally injured Pamela Pafford and critically injured her 7-year-old son.  Philpot evaded law enforcement until his arrest on March 4.

March 4, 2008

     HOUSTON, TEXAS - Michael Philpot, the Lake City man wanted for leaving the scene of a February 18th crash where Pamela Pafford was fatally injured and her 7-year-old son critically injured was arrested in Houston, Texas Tuesday afternoon.

     Philpot fled the scene of the crash on US 41 and disappeared into the nearby woods.  He remained the subject of a nation-wide manhunt until his capture Tuesday afternoon.

     “Through investigation and the sheer tenacity of my detectives, we were able to determine a cell phone purchased in Lake City was in the area of Houston and was calling a Houston-based telephone number,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “After more investigation and old-fashioned police work, we identified an address we believed he was at or near.”

     Detectives contacted the Houston Fugitive Apprehension Unit who found Philpot at a local motel about 2 pm, local time.

   “I understand he was leaving the room when the marked units arrived and he tried to elude officers, but was quickly captured,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “Mr. Philpot was arrested and will be booked into the Harris County Jail where he will await extradition back to Florida.”

      “My detectives have spent endless hours since the crash following up on leads, interviewing family and friends of Mr. Philpot and tracking him to many locations,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “Now that he is in custody, Mr. Philpot will answer to the crimes he is accused of committing.”

Michael Philpot

From February 18, 2008

     A Lake City woman was killed and her son critically injured in a car crash Monday afternoon that has suspicious circumstances. 

     Pamela Pafford, 33, and her seven-year-old son were traveling north on US Highway 41 near Winfield Road after 3 pm Monday when they were struck by a vehicle driving south on the same road.

     Initial investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol indicated a random head-on collision, but once both drivers were identified, it was determined they knew each other.

     The driver of the car that struck Pafford was identified as Michael T. Philpot, 25, who was released from the Florida Department of Corrections last May after serving a prison sentence for false imprisonment and aggravated assault of Pafford.

     Immediately after the crash, Philpot fled into the nearby woods.  Baker Corrections Institute and Fish and Game Commission tracking dogs were called to the scene and lead law enforcement to an area where they believed Philpot may have been picked up in a vehicle.

     Pafford and her son were airlifted to a Gainesville hospital where she was pronounced dead.  The boy’s condition was listed as critical late Monday.  Evidence at the scene showed Philpot may have been injured and he may be seeking medical care.

     “We are actively searching for Michael Philpot,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee.  “An arrest warrant has been issued for Philpot for leaving the scene of an accident with injury and anyone who has information on where he may be, is asked to call Detective JT Williams at 623-6746 or 752-3222.”

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February 28, 2008

     The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office received $236,075 today from money confiscated during a Columbia County traffic stop last June.  The money was presented by DEA Agent Randall Bohman.

     The investigation and seizure of the money began with a traffic stop by Columbia County Sheriff’s Cpl.  Keith Jackson on June 19, 2007.  Cpl. Jackson stopped Francisco Raul Ramirez, a resident of Big Foot, TX, for following too close while driving northbound on I-75.  Ramirez was driving a Ford pickup and was pulling a small trailer with Texas tags.  Cpl. Jackson cited Ramirez for the traffic infraction, then asked for and received consent to search. 

     Cpl. Jackson and Deputy Cecil Brownfield located a false compartment in the front of the trailer where they discovered seven packages totaling nearly $300,000. Deputies Jackson and Brownfield arrested Ramirez on state money laundering charges.  Ramirez admitted that he was transporting the money to Texas for marijuana. 

     Due to the large amount of money, the Drug Enforcement Administration was contacted and led the seizure process.  The $236,075 represents 80% of the total money seized.  The remaining 20% goes to the Department of Justice for administrative costs.

      “This money will go into our drug forfeiture fund and will be used for equipment, education and community awareness as it relates to drug and alcohol abuse, as well as  training and investigations,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “There are specific Department of Justice guidelines on how we can spend that money and we will adhere to those strict standards.”   

     Since January 2004, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $1.1 million through the Asset Sharing Program and to date, the agency has received $763,789 of that total amount. The remaining dollars should be received in the near future, Bohman said.

Sheriff Bill Gootee accepts a check for $236,075 from DEA Agents Randall Bohman and Jeff Yllander as Sgt. Mike Sweat, Cpl. Keith Jackson and Deputy Cecil Brownfield look on.  The money was confiscated from a traffic stop conducted by Cpl. Keith Jackson and Deputy Cecil Brownfield last June on Interstate 75 in Columbia County.

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February 28, 2008

     An unlicensed tattoo business was shut down Thursday after School Resource Deputies learned from local students of the illegal operation.

     Warrants were requested for Robert Scott Urban, 39, and Gwen Urban, 29, charging each with tattooing without a license and tattooing a child without consent.  The couple, who live at 319 SE Avalon Avenue, operated the tattoo business out of their kitchen.  Investigation revealed they did not have the proper certifications, registrations or required sterilization equipment.

     The couple told investigators they had tattooed at least 30 students - and maybe more - who attend local middle and high schools and about half of those did not have parental consent.  Customers were charged between $20 and $40 per tattoo.

     “This couple placed an unnecessary risk on a lot of students with their illegal and unsanitary tattoo operation,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “This investigation started after several students at our middle schools showed up at school with bogus bandages used to cover the fresh tattoos.

     “It is against school policy to have a visible tattoo,” said Sheriff Gootee. “School Resource Deputy Jimmy Finnell and Sgt. Greg Horne really took the lead on this case and their efforts have put an illegal operation out of business.”

     The couple voluntarily turned over all their equipment to deputies.  In addition to the criminal charges, they also face code violations for operating a business without a license.

February 21, 2008

    Columbia County Sheriff’s Detectives continue Thursday to search for Michael Philpot as information from the community continues to pour in.

     Philpot, 25, is wanted for leaving the scene of a car crash with death and leaving the scene with serious injury.  It is believed he deliberately struck the car driven by Pamela Pafford Monday afternoon.  Pafford died from her injures and her 7-year-old son remained in serious condition Thursday in a Gainesville hospital.

     “We have received an unbelievable number of telephone calls from members of the community and we are actively following up on each piece of information we receive,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee. “This community is behind us in our search for Mr. Philpot.”

     While Philpot had not been apprehended Thursday morning, Sheriff Gootee said the information the agency continues to receive is a tremendous help.

     “Due to the active and ever-changing status of this investigation, we cannot give details of who we have interviewed or what information we have uncovered, but I can assure you, we are aggressively seeking Mr. Philpot.”

     Sheriff Gootee said he believes progress is being made and he encouraged people to continue to call regardless of how small or trivial the information may seem.

     “Sometimes the smallest bit of information is what we need to break a case,” said Sheriff Gootee. “I encourage anyone with any information to call Detective JT Williams at 752-3222 or 758-1095 and I would also remind anyone who is helping Mr. Philpot evade capture, you can be charged with any number of crimes.”

February 20, 2008

     The 22-year-old man wanted on charges of fighting dogs turned himself into Columbia County Sheriff’s detectives Wednesday.

      Alexander Farnsworth of 847 SW Applewood Glen in Fort White was booked into the Columbia County Jail on charges of fighting/baiting animals, cruelty to animals and tampering with a witness.  He was being held Wednesday on a $45,000 bond.

     Columbia County Sheriff’s Detectives served a search warrant on Farnsworth’s home on February 11 and though he was not home, seven dogs and the carcass of one dead dog were confiscated.  Evidence at the scene indicated Farnsworth was training the dogs to fight.  The seven dogs had new wounds or old scars to indicate they had been used for fighting.  Those dogs were turned over to the animal shelter.

     “The injuries on these dogs were far beyond inhumane,” said Sheriff Bill Gootee.  “This type of activity is senseless and more importantly, against the law and will not be tolerated in Columbia County.”

     The investigation was started when an eighth dog – who was seriously injured - escaped from its pen and was picked up in the area by the animal shelter. 

     “The injuries on the dog found wandering were consistent with injuries received from dog fighting,” said Sheriff Gootee. “Our detectives started their investigation and it lead to Mr. Farnsworth.”

Alexander Farnsworth

February 19, 2008

     Six people were arrested on drug charges Saturday night in a joint operation between the Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force and the Hamilton County Task Force.

     Members of these task force teams utilized a “reverse” narcotics operation at 133
SW Nassau Street in which the officers had drugs to sell.  Arrested and charged were the following people:

·         Rodric Theodore Harris, 39; charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of a concealed weapon (switchblade), possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, resisting a law enforcement officer with violence, use of a police scanner in the commission of a crime, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  He was booked into the Columbia County Jail and was being held without bond.