July 8, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Results have returned for inmates tested for COVID-19 at the Walton County Jail.

Today, jail administrators received the first round of test results for 58 inmates. Those results revealed 38 positive cases and 20 negative results.

Of those 38 positive cases, 19 are Walton County inmates, 18 are Escambia County housed inmates, and one is a Holmes County inmate.

At this time, 38 test results are still pending results from the Florida Department of Health.

This morning, based on previous health conditions and symptoms exhibited at the jail, the Chief Health Officer made the decision to have one inmate transported to a local hospital.

“We have set our plan in motion to isolate and contain the spread inside our facility,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “This protocol has been vetted to maintain the care and control of inmates while also protecting our staff.”

On Thursday, July 2^nd, a male inmate was identified as having a temperature higher than the alert threshold (100.4°F) set in place by WCSO’s Incident Action Plan. This prompted immediate temperature testing of the entire inmate population.

Since that time, each inmate exhibiting symptoms has been monitored by medical staff and movement has been restricted inside the jail. All inmates have been issued protective face coverings and staff are taking additional precautions while working in affected housing areas.

“Now that we have results, we will continue our mission to care for each inmate based on his or her health needs while making sure our staff continues to have adequate personal protection equipment,” said Adkinson.

Thursday, Walton County Sheriff’s Office will be setting up a hotline for inmate families to call for information.

“We anticipated and prepared for this scenario,” said Sheriff Adkinson. “Now we are executing that plan.”

July 10, 2020

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla—An information line is now available for families who’s loved ones are currently incarcerated at the Walton County Jail.

The information line is for general questions regarding the current state of the jail following the announcement of COVID-19 cases amongst inmates.

From 8 am – 5 pm families can call (850)-951-7001, which will serve as a dedicated line for questions.

“We hope this will help those eager for information put their mind as ease,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Our mission remains to maintain the care, custody, and control of inmates in a professional manner.”

In addition to the information line, a second round of test results have come back from Florida Department of Health.

The first round of test results reported Wednesday revealed 38 positive cases and 20 negative results. These latest results indicate 20 additional positive tests and one negative test.

Of the 20 positive tests, eight are Walton County inmates and 12 are Escambia County inmates.

“We are pleased to report that as of this morning NO inmates have temperatures above the alert threshold (100.3°F) in our affected pods,” said Sheriff Adkinson. “This is great news as we continue to monitor the health of inmates and staff.”

Another 10 results are still pending at this time. The total number of inmates tested so far is 89.

July 14, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A DeFuniak Springs teenager left his home in June and now Walton County Sheriff’s Office and his family are asking the public’s help to locate him.

Michael Bradley Congo, 16, has been missing from his home on Rock Hill Road in DeFuniak Springs since June 23, 2020. He left without any clothing, money, or a vehicle. He is known to frequent the Freeport area – more specifically Black Creek.

Congo is described as a white male with dark brown hair and brown eyes. His hair is naturally curly and he typically has some type of facial hair. He is about 5’8” and weighs about 140 lbs. He has several tattoos on his chest and arms.

Michael is avoiding family and law enforcement due to an active warrant for drug possession. Michael’s family is concerned about his welfare due to his drug use.

July 16, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— The first female class to participate in the welding program at the Walton County Jail has graduated.

The three women, Shauna Gilbert, Jessica Williams, and Michelle Grindstaff, were awarded their certificates in a ceremony Wednesday outside the confines on the facility where they were first passed the torch.

The program, a partnership with Northwest Florida State College, has seen nine graduating classes from the six-week course. Before now, graduating inmates consisted of only men.

“The opportunities in this field are endless,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Once released, there is no limit to what you ladies can accomplish.”

All three have overcome tremendous obstacles to complete the course.

Williams, whose mother passed away while she was incarcerated, said learning to weld taught her how to push through hard times and persevere.

“All of us became friends and encouraged and helped each other,” said Williams.

“We challenged one another,” said Grindstaff, who plans to use her welding skillset once she is released. “If one of us was stronger at a certain method, we would try to give each other tips to help each other along.”

“We were a lot like family out here,” said Gilbert. “This is all we had. We got to a point where we looked forward to it even though it was challenging.”

The group also earned the title of Certified Welders after passing the American Welding Society test.

Upon their release, Northwest Florida State College Director of Professional and Workforce Training has offered the graduates an opportunity to apply their certificate towards 400 contact hours required for the flux core welding course if they choose to attend the college in Niceville.

“We’ve offered the skill,” said Adkinson. “But, they’ve earned it. It’s their job to use it.”

July 19, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— The search continues for a 34-year-old woman who went missing in the Gulf Sunday morning.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call shortly before noon regarding a diver who had not resurfaced approximately three miles due south of Grayton Beach.

The family had been offshore on a 26-foot Catamaran when the woman, identified as Marie Kaas of Madison, Alabama, entered the water in her dive gear.

Florida Fish and Wildlife, South Walton Fire District, and the U.S. Coast Guard all responded to aid in the search.

At this time, the Coast Guard is continuing the search by boat and aircraft. Walton County Sheriff’s Office has pulled our dive team from the water.

More information will be released once it’s available.

July 23, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— The thin blue line is mourning a loss of one of their own this morning after a Mississippi deputy drowned in the Gulf over the weekend.

Sunday evening, Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a water rescue on the beach at Sandestin Resort.

A 33-year-old was pulled from the water after saving his 10-year-old son who was in distress. The boy was able to make it back to shore, but the father was pulled back out into the water.

The victim, positively identified as William K. Nichols, was eventually pulled from the water and CPR was initiated. He was transported to Sacred Heart where he was pronounced deceased.

Nichols was a deputy sheriff for DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department who served the people of Mississippi. His last act of service was rescuing his own son.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathy to his family and our brothers and sisters in Desoto County. We are all grieving over losing one of our own.

July 27, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Snail mail is becoming a thing of the past at the Walton County Jail.

This week, Walton County Sheriff’s Office will transition to a digital version of all non-legal inmate mail. The new system is the result of a partnership with GTL, WCSO’s inmate video visitation provider, and comes at no cost to taxpayers.

According to Sheriff Michael Adkinson, this decision was made to further mitigate the introduction of contraband and increase efficiency.

“We have thwarted attempts to introduce liquid intoxicants, such as Suboxin (used to treat opiate addiction), synthetic cannabinoids (KS), and tobacco via traditional mail,” said Sheriff Adkinson. “By offering this service, we hope to provide an extra barrier for those seeking to sneak drugs or other contraband into a secure facility.”

Inmates will now use a digital platform to access scanned images of letters, photos, and drawings from their friends and family.  All mail and its contents will be reviewed and approved by security staff, prior to electronic delivery to the inmate.

Family and friends who wish to send letters will be sending them to a designated Post Office Box in North Carolina. The service provider will then sort and scan the mail for digital delivery.  All housing units are equipped with wall-mounted kiosks and tablet devices to allow inmates to access their letter images, including a scan of the envelope.

“Protecting our employees and enhancing security are the two issues that led to this decision,” said Adkinson. “But, it’s also our fiscal responsibility to save dollars in the form of staff man-hours to process and search mail.”

All mail and pictures are saved in the GTL system`s server, so when inmates are released have access to all of it. Inmates will continue to send out paper mail, but cannot receive it. The only paper mail inmates will receive will be legal mail. Any legal mail inadvertently received by the mail center will be forward to the jail for processing.

For more information about GTL’s corrections industry technology solutions visit www.gtl.net/

PAXTON, Fla — Walton County Fire Rescue will celebrate the addition of two new apparatuses to its fleet of emergency vehicles this week.

At 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020, Walton County Fire Rescue will introduce two new four-wheel-drive ambulances with a traditional wet-down and push-in ceremony. During the event, fire rescue personnel will hose down and push the two new vehicles into Station 1, located at 113 Webster Lane in Paxton.

The public is invited to attend this outdoor event, however, we encourage everyone in attendance to practice social distancing. For those who would like to watch the ceremony virtually, Walton County Fire Rescue will be recording the push-in ceremony live on Facebook and Instagram.

One of the ambulances will be placed into service at Station 1 in Paxton, and the second apparatus will be housed at the WCFR EMS station in Mossy Head.

“Protecting the homes, businesses, and citizens of Walton County is our top priority,” says Fire Chief Russell Beaty. “That’s why it is vital that our first responders are provided with the best equipment and training. The citizens of Paxton and Mossy Head can be proud that these resources will be serving them for many years to come.”

Wet-down and push-in ceremonies at fire stations date back to the 1800s when hand-drawn hose carts and horse-drawn steam engines required a hands-on approach to push the apparatus back into the firehouse when returning from a call.

Walton County Fire Rescue is committed to providing the utmost care to the residents of Walton County by continually investing in life-saving training and equipment.

Mossy Head, FL — Walton County firefighters knocked down a house fire in Mossy Head late this afternoon.

Just before 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Walton County Fire Rescue, DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, and Liberty Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a home on Cottage Hill Drive in reference to a structure fire. First responders arrived on scene to find flames and smoke coming from the inside of a single wide mobile home. Fortunately, the residents of the home made it out safely. However, first responders were told there were still family pets trapped inside.

Firefighters quickly began battling the blaze and were able to get the fire until control within minutes. Unfortunately, after fire rescue crews performed a search of the burned structure, two dogs were found deceased inside the family’s home.

The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical issue inside the residence and does not appear to be suspicious in nature. American Red Cross was contacted to provide aid to the residents of the damaged home.

July 30, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla—A Wewahithcka man walked into a car dealership in Okaloosa County and left in a Porsche after paying with a check printed from his home computer.

Casey William Kelley, 42, arrested Wednesday for grand theft of a motor vehicle and uttering a false banknote after it was reported to Walton County Sheriff’s Office, he attempted to purchase Rolex watches with a bad check.

During the investigation, it was determined Kelley had purchased a Porsche 911 Turbo from a Porsche dealership in Destin by using a fraudulent check written for $139,203.05 on Monday, July 27^th.  The Porsche was reported stolen to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

The next day, Kelley presented a check in the amount of $61,521 dollars to the jeweler in Miramar Beach attempting to purchase three Rolex watches. However, the jeweler kept the watches until they could determine if the check would cash. Thursday, they reported to WCSO the check was a fake.

When arrested Wednesday afternoon, Kelley told investigators he printed out the cashier’s checks from his home computer and did not get the cashier’s check from his bank.

Kelley was transported and booked into the Walton County Jail without incident.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation in the investigation.

August 3, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A deputy makes an arrest of a wanted fugitive by way of jet ski Friday afternoon after a short foot pursuit.

On July 31, 2020, Walton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Shore Drive in Miramar Beach following an anonymous tip that Clyde Merrill Hunter had been staying there for more than a week. While on the scene, deputies recovered numerous stolen tools outside the residence and inside the back bedroom where he was staying. Additionally, vessel registrations to two stolen wave runners out of Okaloosa County was found in a bag under Hunter’s clothes.

Hunter was spotted fleeing the area by deputies who tracked him to Cessna Park on County Highway 393 riding one of the stolen wave runners. He got off the wave runner and made it onto the boat ramp when he was approached by deputies. Hunter was given numerous verbal commands to “stop” as deputies repeatedly announced themselves as the “Sheriff’s Office”.

Hunter fled on foot and attempted to flee in the water by swimming away. He was taken into custody a short time later after a deputy jumped on the jet-ski and guided him back to land.

Found in the bag on the stolen jet-ski, deputies located burglary tools which include bolt cutters, a hammer, a drill, a screwdriver, a drill bit, a pry tool, a pick tool used for ignitions, and a wrench.

Hunter, who had an active felony warrant from Walton County for grand theft auto, was just released on July 23^rd after recently being charged with several vehicle burglaries, armed and unarmed, theft of a firearm, and theft of several motor vehicles.

After he was released on bond, it appears Hunter continued his criminal behavior while on felony probation for his previous charges of grand theft.

Following his latest criminal spree, Hunter is charged with grand theft auto, violation of felony probation, possession of burglary tools, obstruction, burglary, and grand theft.

August 15th, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla—Operation Blue Bird will be in full effect Monday as Walton County Sheriff’s Office works to keep students safe as they head back to the class.

Walton County District Schools are welcoming children back to class Monday, August 17th. The Blue Bird operation will run from August 17th to August 28th and will focus on school zone and bus safety.

The plan calls for a deputy to be assigned at random to run radar/traffic enforcement at school zones across Walton County. The DeFuniak Springs Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol will be assisting WCSO in this area of the operation.

In addition to school zone traffic enforcement, WCSO will be assigning unmarked vehicles to follow the school buses along their routes and be on the lookout for any traffic violations.

Message boards will also be placed at different locations throughout the county to make sure everyone is aware of the start of school.

“There are a lot of challenges for these kids as they head back to the classroom,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Getting there safely shouldn’t be one of them.

“Our children are our most valuable asset in the community, and we remain committed to doing whatever it takes to protect them.”

August 17, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A dispute over a generator turns violent Sunday in DeFuniak Springs and now four people face charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Just before 5 o’clock, the victim called Walton County Sheriff’s Office reporting four people forcibly made their way inside his home. The suspects then pistol-whipped and struck him several times. During the struggle, one of the intruders fired off a round from a pistol.

All four subjects then fled the area in a gold Cadillac sedan, taking no property from the home. The victim told investigators the confrontation was regarding ownership and payment for a generator.

Investigators located and collected a .22 caliber shell casing in the front yard near the victim’s front door and photographed tire and shoe imprints in the yard outside the home.

Seth Robbins, 23, was located at 48 W. Orange Blossom.  Investigators located a loaded .22 caliber Kel-Tec under the couch where Robbins was sleeping. Robbins was taken into custody.

Jennifer Spaid, 41, was located at 84 E. Tulip Avenue. She was taken into custody and was found in possession of methamphetamine.

Taylor Anderson, 27, was taken into custody at 22 E. Violet. Anderson’s vehicle, a gold in color Cadillac, was located, impounded and towed to WCSO’s evidence lot.

David Wray Jr., 28, was located and arrested at 279 W. Cypress Ave.

All four subjects have been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, burglary of an occupied dwelling with a firearm, criminal mischief under $300. Spaid was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine.

All were given a $50,000 bond and remain in custody at the time of this release.

August 27, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— An undercover child exploitation investigation leads to the arrest of a Mississippi man.

Gabriel Luna Jr., 33, of Tylertown initiated contact with who he believed to be a juvenile in a children’s chat room. Luna, who initially lied about his age to try and develop a relationship with the undercover officer, stated he was 14 years old.

On August 20, Gabriel Luna Jr. was arrested by the Walthall County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi. Charges include soliciting a minor for unlawful sexual conduct, sending harmful material to a minor and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Unit would like to thank our partners at Walthall County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

It’s imperative for parents to continue to monitor their children’s activity online. It is critical to prevent them from being victimized.

The post UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION BY WCSO SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT LEADS TO ARREST OF MISSISSIPPI MAN first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 1, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A car burglar caught mid-act was arrested and booked after he was tracked by K-9 Teams in Freeport Monday night.

Deputies were called to a vehicle burglary in progress on Redfish Road around 10 pm. The victim told deputies he arrived at the residence and noticed a black male sitting in his brother’s vehicle. The suspect was confronted and fled the scene but left his phone in the vehicle.

The victim chased the suspect and was able to give deputies a very detailed description.

Walton Correctional Institution K-9 team was contacted and responded to the scene. In addition, a reverse 911 call was made to the surrounding area to alert residents.

After a search of the area the suspect, Christian Jahmal Freeman, 35, of DeFuniak Springs was located and arrested for vehicle burglary.

The post CAR BURGLAR TRACKED BY WALTON CI K9 ARRESTED IN FREEPORT first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 8, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A man is arrested after intentionally backing his vehicle into a deputy’s patrol car Tuesday morning.

Early September 8^th, Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a verbal argument at the Waffle House in Freeport.

When they arrived, the suspect Brandon Messer, 29, saw deputies pulling in and walked over to his vehicle. One of the responding deputies noticed Messer getting into his car and parked his patrol vehicle behind it to prevent him from leaving.

Messer then intentionally backed into the deputy’s patrol vehicle with his car. When deputies tried to detain him, he actively resisted and was given a drive stun. During the struggle, Messer struck another deputy’s hand and knocked the taser away from him.

Messer was eventually placed under arrest for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and DUI.

As of the time of this release, he is still awaiting first appearance.

The post FREEPORT MAN ARRESTED FOR AGGRAVATED BATTERY ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND DUI first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 11, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Two separate undercover narcotics investigations lead to the arrest of two DeFuniak Springs men.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics Unit announces the arrest of the following individuals.

Xavier Britavius Baker, 42, was arrested at his residence located at 230 Goodwin Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL on September 9^th.

Baker is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and the use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. He was given a $50,000 bond.

Christopher Tyler Miller, 37, was arrested at his residence located at 749 Lincoln Ave DeFuniak Springs, Florida on September 9^th.

Miller is charged with the sale of methamphetamine and the use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. He was given a $15,000 bond.

Both are still incarcerated at the Walton County Jail at the time of this release.

The post UNDERCOVER VICE NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION NETS TWO ON METH CHARGES first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 17, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— An inmate who walked off a work crew in DeFuniak Springs has been captured with the help of Walton Correctional K-9 Teams.

This morning Clyde Hunter, 32, absconded from a work crew cleaning up storm debris at the little league park at 469 South 25^th Street at 10:05 am.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office immediately called in the drone team and dispatched additional units to the area.

Hunter was captured with the help of K-9 “Gypsy”, a bloodhound, and law enforcement in the area of Darby Lane at 8:40 this evening. The K-9 Team tracked more than 10 hours and found Hunter just under 4.5 miles from where he disappeared from the work crew.

He was transported to the Walton County Jail without incident.

____________________________________________________________

ORIGINAL STORY

WCSO SEARCHING FOR ABSCONDED INMATE FROM WORK CREW

September 17, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— An inmate has walked off from a work crew in DeFuniak Springs and Walton County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies are gathering assets to get him back into custody.

This morning Clyde Hunter, 32, walked away from work crew cleaning up storm debris at the little league park at 469 South 25^th Street in DeFuniak Springs at 10:05 am.

Hunter is described as a white male with dark hair, 5’9, 180 lbs.

Walton Correctional K-9 teams are on scene. But it’s believed Hunter was possibly picked up by a girlfriend or other acquaintance.

If any area resident spots Hunter, please call (850)-892-8111 or dial 911.

The post UPDATE: K9 “GYPSY” GETS HER MAN; CLYDE HUNTER IN CUSTODY first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 21, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is up for reaccreditation and now assessors are inviting the public to comment on the agency’s performance.

A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will examine all aspects of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services beginning on October 27, 2020.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has to comply with approximately 250 standards in order to receive accredited status.

Many of the standards are critical to life, health and safety issues.

As part of the assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team.  A copy of the standards manual is available through the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer in DeFuniak Springs at (850) 951-4759.

For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the Walton County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write:

CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302, or email flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is Sarah Gainey.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies,” said Gainey. “The assessors will review written materials; interview individuals; and conduct virtual inspections of offices and other areas where compliance can be witnessed.”

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then determine if the agency is to receive accredited status. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office accreditation is valid for three years.

“Verification by the team that Walton County Sheriff’s Office meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation,” said Sheriff Adkinson. “This is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.”

The post ACCREDITATION TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT WALTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 22, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Defuniak Springs woman and her boyfriend are arrested after torture and abuse are discovered following a child’s death.

On the evening of June 6^th, Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 1400 block of Highway 183 S following a 911 call regarding an 8-year-old boy who was unresponsive.

The child was transported but was later pronounced dead.

After the child’s death, an investigation was launched into the cause and the well-being of a 7-year-old girl also living inside the home.

The mother of the children, Sierra Cawthon was living with a live-in boyfriend Robert Kennedy Williams, Jr. Williams is not the father of either of the children.

On the evening of the child’s death, Williams left before deputies arrived. It was later found Williams was avoiding arrest on charges of violation of parole.

On June 7^th Williams was located and arrested for the outstanding warrant.

Following the death of her son, Cawthon’s 7-year-old daughter was removed from her custody.

An investigation would reveal both children sustained injuries consistent with physical abuse and torture at the hand of Williams.

In addition, despite his discomfort and symptoms on multiple occasions, Cawthon did not seek medical attention for a cardiac condition her son was diagnosed with at birth. In the last five years, neither child had been to a doctor, received immunizations, or seen a dentist despite having access to free medical care.

Medical findings from the 8-year-old child’s autopsy read, “Based on cardiac history, no recent medical care, and a systemic bacterial infection related to his cardiac condition, the child protection team findings for medical neglect are positive. It is clear had he received the necessary and timely medical intervention, he would most likely be alive today.”

“No child should suffer the way these two kids have suffered,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “These charges are the result of a relentless investigation into the truth and finding those responsible for that suffering.”

Cawthon has been charged with neglect on her 7-year-old daughter and two counts of neglect on her deceased son. She was given a $50,000 bond.

Williams is charged with child abuse on the girl and for aggravated child abuse on the male child. He was given a $50,000 bond.

Both Cawthon and Williams are currently are in Walton County Jail and have not been bonded out at the time of this release.

The post INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AFTER 8-YEAR-OLD’S DEATH; TWO ARRESTED FOR ABUSE AND NEGLECT first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.