September 28, 2020

TALLAHASSEE, Fla— Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Jr. is one of ten appointed by the Governor to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).

Governor Ron DeSantis made the official announcement Friday, along with the names of nine other appointments to the CJSTC.

The appointees include Michael Adkinson, Jr., Melanie Bevan, Gary Calhoun, Jacqueline Harrison, Darla Portman, Carol Casimir, Michael Allen, Jermaine Lawson, Charles McIntosh and Richard Murphy.

Together, these men and women will be tasked with drafting, maintaining, and reviewing the training standards for law enforcement and correctional officers.

Sheriff Adkinson has previously served as DeFuniak Springs Police Chief and as a Tallahassee Police Department officer. Adkinson also sits on the National Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University and a criminal justice master’s degree from St. Leo University.

So, what exactly is the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission?

The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission is part of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Its responsibilities include:

• Establish uniform minimum standards for the employment and training of full-time, part-time, and auxiliary law enforcement, and correctional and correctional probation officers.
• Establish and maintain officer training programs, curricula requirements, and certification of training schools and training school instructors.
• Certify officers who complete a Florida Basic Recruit Training Program, or who are diversely qualified through experience and training, and who meet minimum employment standards.
• Review and administer appropriate administrative sanctions in instances when an officer, a training school instructor or a training school is found in violation of Florida Statutes and Commission standards.
• Promulgate rules and procedures to administer the requirements of Chapter 943.085 – 943.257, F.S.
• Conduct studies of compensation, education, and training for the correctional, correctional probation, and law enforcement disciplines.
• Maintain a central repository of records of all certified officers.
• Conduct quarterly meetings to discuss issues and approve rules that relate to officer standards and training.
• Develop, maintain, and administer the State Officer Certification Examination for criminal justice officers.

“I’m honored, humbled, and ready to serve,” said Sheriff Adkinson.

The post GOVERNOR DESANTIS APPOINTS WALTON COUNTY SHERIFF MICHAEL ADKINSON TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSION first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 24, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Walton County residents can now get important information to emergency responders faster in the event of an emergency.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is now certified as RapidSOS Ready!

So, what does this mean for those who live and visit Walton County?

911 dispatchers rely on your ability to clearly articulate critical information such as pre-existing health information in an emergency. RapidSOS has created the world’s first emergency response data platform that securely links life-saving data from connected devices or profiles to 911 and first responders in an emergency.

Now individuals can be RapidSOS Ready by creating an Emergency Health Profile at no cost to them. By doing so, they provide first responders with the critical information they need to care for you in a medical emergency.

This information can only be accessed during a 911 call or text initiated from your specific phone number.

During these uncertain times, taking this important step can help provide the peace of mind of knowing that in an emergency you and your loved ones have the most effective response possible.

“Minutes count when our dispatchers make decisions to protect our callers and first responders,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “RapidSOS can help save lives as they deal with today’s unprecedented challenges.”

How does it work?

• Create a FREE Emergency Health Profile by visiting https://www.emergencyprofile.org.
• In an emergency, dial 911.
• Your Emergency Health Profile is automatically sent to 911 through RapidSOS.

It’s that easy!

For more information visit https://www.emergencyprofile.org/.

The post WCSO PARTNERS WITH RAPIDSOS TO BETTER SERVE 9-1-1 CALLERS first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

September 30, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A man wanted for murder out of Richland County, Illinois has been captured in DeFuniak Springs.

Several law enforcement agencies in Illinois have been searching for Rick A. Meador, 18, of Olney, Illinois following a shooting on September 6^th.

Illinois State Police were called to assist Olney Police Department with a homicide investigation where a 19-year-old was found with multiple gunshot wounds and transported to a local hospital. The victim later died from his injuries.

Three days later, Illinois authorities arrested Tara N. Haws, 33, of Olney, in connection with the murder.

A warrant for first-degree murder was issued by the office of Richland County State’s Attorney Charles Bradley Vaughn for Meader.

This week, the U.S. Marshals Florida /Caribbean Fugitive Task Force tracked Meader to Bass Haven Road in DeFuniak Springs.

Meader was located and placed under arrest by the Marshals assisted by Walton County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to the Walton County Jail without incident.

Also located with Meader, was an endangered juvenile missing out of Illinois. She has been transported to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

The U.S. Marshals Florida /Caribbean Fugitive Task Force Officers helping facilitate today’s arrest are from the following agencies Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, Panama City Police Department, Panama City Beach Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

The post ILLINOIS MURDER SUSPECT CAPTURED IN WALTON COUNTY first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

October 1, 2020

VILLA TASSO, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Walton County Code Compliance Department to take the trash out of Villa Tasso.

For the next 90 days starting October 1^st Code Compliance will be under a special magistrate to help clean up abandoned vehicles, dilapidated structures, and trash in the Villa Tasso community.

“We’re here to help the situation and to assist anyone who may be suffering from financial hardship,” said Lieutenant Paula Pendleton, the District 2 Commander.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office has met with concerned residents in the area and has been actively tagging vehicles parked or disabled in the county right-of-way to be towed.

“It’s a concept called Broken Window,” said Pendleton. “Hopefully, when people start seeing their neighbors cleaning up, they will want to do the same.”

On September 24^th, more than 30 residents and homeowners from Villa Tasso attended a community meeting held by WCSO and Code Enforcement to spread the word on the new initiative.

“They’re all excited about it and glad it’s happening,” said Tony Cornman, director for Walton County Code Compliance Department. “We’re going to help to get it cleaned up.”

Code Compliance is currently working on more than 30 cases in Villa Tasso.

“It’s a team effort and we want to make people proud to live here again,” said Pendleton.

The post WCSO PARTNERS WITH CODE COMPLIANCE TO CLEAN UP VILLA TASSO first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

October 6, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Walton County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher has been fired and arrested following an investigation into embezzlement at a DeFuniak Springs church.

The finance committee at Friendship Baptist Church confronted Roger McLaney II, 47, on September 15^th after finding discrepancies in the church’s bank account.

An Investigation revealed McLaney embezzled more than $100,000 from Friendship Baptist Church while serving as the church’s treasurer since 2016.

In addition to bank transfers, it was also discovered cash offerings were also taken.

“We want the public to know, being a member of this agency does not make you above the law,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “If nothing else, it should manifest a deeper passion for punishing those that break it. We will continue to be transparent to those we serve who entrust us with the safety of this community. We assure you that our dedication to this mission is stronger than ever.”

Roger Colbert McLaney II, is charged with organized fraud over $50,000, a first-degree felony, and was subsequently fired from his position as a communications officer at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

McLaney was arrested at his home Monday and taken to the Walton County Jail without incident.

The post WCSO DISPATCHER FIRED, CHARGED, ARRESTED FOR FRAUD first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

October 8, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— An undercover narcotics investigation leads to the arrest of a Cantonment man for a drug commonly known as “One Comma Four”.

The investigation led by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Vice/ Narcotics Unit resulted in the arrest of Steven Jared Roth, 32, for the Sale of 1,4-Butanediol (BD).

The 1, 4-Butanediol is used to make floor strip, paint thinner, and other industrial products.

BD is also used as a recreational drug known by some users as “One Comma Four”, “Liquid Fantasy”, “One Four Bee”, “Water”, “Scoop” or “One Four B-D-O”. When mixed with other drugs, misuse of 1, 4-Butanediol has resulted in addiction and death.

In addition to the drug charges, Roth was also charged with unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

Roth is currently in the Washington County Jail after he was arrested in Lynn Haven. He faces charges in Washington County and a hold has been placed on him for extradition to our county once he has served his time.

The post UNDERCOVER NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION LEADS TO THE ARREST OF CANTONMENT MAN first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

October 15, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Miramar Beach man is charged with 116 counts of child porn.

On August 24th the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, assisted by Homeland Security, conducted a search warrant at 21 Walton Way Miramar Beach.

The warrant was issued after investigators gathered information someone within the residence was searching for and possessing images of child exploitation. During the search warrant, numerous items were seized and later evaluated for their digital content.

Through the initial investigation and with on-scene digital forensic examinations 72-year-old resident Philip Turner was identified as a suspect.

A warrant was then issued for Turner for 116 counts of possession, control, and viewing child exploitation images. Philip Turner was issued a $25,000 bond at first appearance.

The post MIRAMAR BEACH MAN CHARGED WITH 116 COUNTS OF CHILD PORN first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

October 22, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Freeport man has been charged with felony animal cruelty after multiple witnesses say he was repeatedly hitting and throwing his dog.

October 20^th deputies were called to the area of 1 Jefferson Street in Freeport after 9-1-1 calls about a man abusing a dog. When deputies arrived, they saw a tan dog running northbound near Jefferson Street.

The dog appeared to be scared and in pain.

A man, later identified by deputies as Jonah Kyle Brewer, was riding his bicycle chasing after the dog. When confronted, Brewer told deputies, “I don’t have time for you.”

When deputies explained to Brewer someone called to report him hitting his dog and he said “tell me who told you so I can beat him up.”

Deputies took statements from several witnesses who said they saw Brewer use his fist like a hammer to hit the dog in the face and then throw her into the air.

Brewer was charged with causing pain and suffering to a dog, a felony violation of Florida State Statute 828.12. He was arrested and transported to the Walton County Jail.

The dog, “Ella Gene”, was seized by Animal Control and is now being held for safekeeping at Walton County Animal Shelter.

The post FREEPORT MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL ABUSE AFTER MULTIPLE WITNESSES SAY HE PUNCHED, THREW DOG first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

November 2, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Walton County Animal Services has been selected as a beneficiary of the Community Bag Program for the month of November.

The Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program, which launched in February 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.

Walton County Animal Services was selected as the November beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Winn-Dixie located at 64 Poinciana Boulevard in Miramar Beach.

WCAS will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during November unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

“We are thrilled to be named a beneficiary,” said Patti Weingartner, Volunteer Coordinator at Walton County Animal Shelter. “This is a ‘Winn-win’ for both the animals and the environment.”

Learn more about additional ways to donate to Walton County Animal Services by visiting https://waltonso.org/donate-to-wcas/.

For more information on the Community Bag Program, visit seg.bags4mycause.com.

The post WCAS CELEBRATES SELECTION AS WINN-DIXIE COMMUNITY BAG PROGRAM BENEFICIARY first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

November 3, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Two Walton County men have been arrested in less than two weeks by Walton County Sheriff’s Office on charges of child pornography.

After receiving several Cyber Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit executed a search warrant on August 25^th at 93 Dune Lakes Circle, Terra Mar Apartments in Santa Rosa Beach.

During the execution of the search warrant information was obtained which identified Timothy Brunner, 29, as the suspect.

After completing numerous forensic evaluations of computers, tablets, and cell phones additional information was obtained to confirm Brunner possessed and uploaded child pornography with children as young as 6-9 years of age.

Brunner is charged with three counts of interstate transmission of child pornography, four counts of possession of child pornography, and the use of a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony. He was arrested on October 30^th and was given a $25,000 bond.

On November 3^rd, WCSO SVU along with members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security

Investigations, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement executed a search warrant on two separate apartments within the Heritage Apartment complex in DeFuniak Springs.

The search warrant was the result of four Cyber Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

During the search warrant, numerous images of child pornography were located on a cell phone in one of the apartments. Through digital forensic evaluations on the scene, Robert Ammons was identified as the individual using the cell phone during the time child exploitation material was downloaded.

Ammons is charged with 50 or more counts of possession and distribution of child pornography. He was transported and booked into the Walton County Jail and is awaiting first appearance.

The Special Victims Unit continues to partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend those who seek to exploit our children. We want to remind parents and guardians to build working relationships with their children to help prevent child sexual exploitation.

The post WCSO SPECIAL VICTIM’S UNIT NETS TWO ON CHILD PORN CHARGES first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla –A total of 15 defendants have been indicted on federal drug-trafficking charges and an additional 29 co-conspirators face state drug-trafficking charges as a result of a multi-agency effort to bring down an organized drug trafficking operation in North Florida. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr., and Mike Dubet, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Jacksonville District Office, made the announcement at a press conference today in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

In May 2019, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the DEA Panama City Resident Office Task Force began investigating James Young and Shelley Johnson, a couple operating a methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) in Walton County, Florida.

Intelligence obtained during the investigation revealed Young routinely acquired multi-pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine and multi-ounce quantities of heroin and fentanyl from sources in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Young and Johnson distributed these controlled substances to other drug dealers and users in and around Walton County, Florida using Johnson’s waterfront residence in Freeport, Florida.

A variety of investigative techniques were utilized by investigators to identify the full scope of Johnson and Young’s activities. These techniques included extensive physical surveillance, numerous purchases totaling more than 500 grams methamphetamine by a DEA undercover agent, and four federal wire intercepts of telephones used by Johnson, Young, and one of Johnson’s local sources of supply for heroin, methamphetamine, and diverted pharmaceutical pills.

On May 6, 2020, the wire intercepts lead investigators to information that Young and Johnson were returning to the Walton County area from Atlanta with a shipment of methamphetamine.

The DEA and WCSO coordinated a traffic stop of Young and Johnson shortly after they returned to Walton County, Florida. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of $25,049.00 in

U.S. Currency, approximately three pounds of crystal methamphetamine, and over 500 grams of suspected GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate). Following this traffic stop, WCSO and DEA Task Force investigators executed search warrants at three different locations associated with Young, Johnson, and one of their DTO distributors, where more evidence of drug trafficking was discovered and seized, along with four firearms.

In June and October of 2020, a federal grand jury at the U.S. District Court in Pensacola, Florida, returned indictments charging Johnson, Young, and 13 co-conspirators with conspiracy to possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute. Johnson and Young were also charged with possessing firearms as convicted felons. A copy of the indictment with more information about the defendants and the charges against them can be found here.

State drug charges have been obtained in the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida in Walton County against 29 additional individuals in this investigation.

To date, this investigation and other accompanying investigations have resulted in the seizure of the following:

· Nearly 20 pounds of crystal methamphetamine

· 672 grams of heroin

· 162 grams of carfentanil

· 32 grams of suspected fentanyl

· 533 grams of suspected GHB

· 5 motor vehicles valued at approximately $91,515.00

· Freeport waterfront property valued at $1.3 million

· $27,572.00 U.S. Currency

· Four firearms

The indictment and arrests resulted from an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a joint federal, state, and local cooperative. The OCDETF approach to combating drug trafficking is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt and dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize its assets.

These cases resulted from investigations by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Panama City Police Department, the Springfield Police Department, the Lynn Haven Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the DeFuniak Springs Police Department. The federal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aine Ahmed.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

FEDERAL CHARGES

To date,  the Operation Mr. and Mrs. Clean investigation and other accompanying investigations have resulted in federal charges for the following individuals:

Shanna Edward (Fugitive)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Pure/Actual Methamphetamine and 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Heroin
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute more than 100 Grams of Carfentanil

Donald Black (In Custody / Atlanta)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Pure/Actual Methamphetamine and 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine

Shelley Johnson (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Pure/Actual Methamphetamine and 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
• Distribution of more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (six counts)
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Heroin
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute more than 100 Grams of Carfentanil
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Oxycodone
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Cocaine

James Young (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Pure/Actual Methamphetamine and 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine
• Distribution of more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (two counts)
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute more than 100 Grams of Carfentanil
• Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Heroin
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Oxycodone
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Cocaine

Marjorie Turner (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Pure/Actual Methamphetamine and 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine

William Clendenin (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or more of Heroin

Paul Clendenin (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or more of Heroin

Samantha O’Banion (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or more of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine

Christopher Bones (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or more of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent Heroin

Joseph Jackson (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or more of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine

David Atkinson (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or more of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine

Roy Hayes (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or more of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine

STATE CHARGES

To date, this investigation and other accompanying investigations have resulted in state charges for the following individuals:

Stephen Bishop (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine.
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Johnny Pruett. (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine.
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Joey Brown (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Larry Starkey (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Michael Bird (In Custody)

• Purchase of THC Concentrate
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Lane Free (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Stormy Bones (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Hillary Perk (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Oxycodone
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Jacob Diemer (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Michael Carter (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Jason Norris (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Jason Roberts (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Leonard Stanley (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Amber Calhoun (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Josh Bess (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Kelli Martin (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Stephen Grant (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Conspiracy to Sell Heroin
• Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Michelle Tyson (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Justin Tankersley (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Stephen Watson (In Custody)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Marissa Martin (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Conspiracy to Purchase Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Daisy Sherman (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Conspiracy to Purchase Oxycodone
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Austin Lee (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Edgar Lawyer (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Amanda Wade (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Oxycodone
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Frank Jordan (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Gerald Bonds (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Michael Kabaci (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Schedule II Oxycodone
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

Anthony Avizius (Wanted)

• Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin
• Use of two-Way Communication to Facilitate a Felony

The post 44 CHARGED FOLLOWING 18 MONTH INVESTIGATION INTO DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

 

Rex Bush

To date, Operation Mr. and Mrs. Clean and other accompanying investigations have resulted in state charges for the following individuals who are still wanted:

 

Edward Lawyer (no picture available)
Tony Avizius
Daisy Sherman (no picture available)
Gerald Bonds

Jonathan Morris

The post UPDATE ON OPERATION MR. CLEAN; SIX STILL SOUGHT first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

Samuel Fugate has been located and is safely back with his family.

_____________________________________

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for our community’s help in locating a missing teenager.

The post UPDATE: MISSING TEENAGER LOCATED first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

December 16, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A DeFuniak Springs man is charged with 2nd-degree murder after deputies respond to a 911 call Monday afternoon.

The caller, Cole Morgan Ward, told dispatchers he choked his fiancé to death.

Deputies arrived on the scene and detained Ward and confirmed his fiancé was deceased after attempting CPR and using an AED.

Ward was interviewed before being transported to the office for further questioning.  The SAO was contacted and responded to the scene.  A residential search warrant was drafted later Monday evening and approved for the residence.

During the course of the investigation, probable cause was obtained to charge Ward with 2nd-degree murder. An arrest warrant was drafted and signed by the judge.

Ward was subsequently arrested and booked into the county jail. He had first appearance Tuesday morning and was given a $50,000 bond.

.

The post ONE CHARGED FOLLOWING DEFUNIAK SPRINGS HOMICIDE first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

December 28, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Christmas morning a pastor made a surprising discovery – drugs left in the church’s parking lot.

The incident was called into the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at 7 am Friday, where the Pastor reported a gray/silver vehicle pull up to the church. He told dispatchers a male and female got out of the car and placed a box next to the building and left the area.

When he went to investigate the box, the pastor discovered a powder and crystal-like substance inside.

Deputies quickly located the vehicle nearby and conducted a traffic stop based on the information given by the witness.

Jeffrey Dillon McCain, 21, and Michelle Marie Hakenson, 37, were the occupants of the vehicle and immediately requested a lawyer.

A follow-up was conducted with the preacher who positively identified the vehicle and McCain and Hakenson as the suspects put the box at the church.

The white substance tested positive as methamphetamine and weighed approximately 39 grams.

The pair were arrested, the vehicle was towed to WCSO impound, and evidence was collected.

Hakenson and McCain are charged with trafficking in meth, distribution of meth at a place of worship, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were given a $100,000 bond.

The post COUPLE ARRESTED CHRISTMAS DAY FOR LEAVING A BOX OF DRUGS AT A CHURCH FOR PICK UP first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

December 29, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A man suspected of manufacturing child porn in his DeFuniak Springs home was taken into custody after coming face-to-face with law enforcement armed with a shotgun.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Unit executed a search warrant on December 16^th at 7105 Rock Hill Road following a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The suspect, Marty Scott Bass, 57, came to the door holding a shotgun during the initiation of the search warrant. When given multiple commands by WCSO SWAT team members, Bass put the weapon down and was quickly detained.

During the execution of the search warrant, Bass’s cellphone was located and forensically downloaded and evaluated.  Investigators learned the device contained 100 plus images of child pornography, some of which were produced by Bass of children 8 – 10 years of age.

In addition to the child porn found on Bass’s phone, a secret bunker was also located during the search warrant. The bunker’s entrance was disguised as a bench located in the shed adjacent to the home. When lifting the bench, a hole was located leading underground.

Bass was arrested and charged with 100 counts of possession of child pornography and 10 counts of the production of child pornography.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank FDLE, Homeland Security Investigations, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office who assisted in executing the search warrant.

The post ARMED SUSPECT TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, SECRET BUNKER LOCATED DURING SEARCH WARRANT FOR MAKING CHILD PORN first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 31, 2020

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 88-year-old from DeFuniak Springs.

On December 28, 2020, Sonny “Jack” Harrell was reported missing by his daughter.

Harrell’s daughter was contacted by a friend of Mr. Harrell’s who advised they had not seen Mr. Harrell since late November and a friend has been feeding the cats.

Mr. Harrell’s trailer, located on Bartlet Road, was padlocked from the outside and does not have electricity.

Typically, when it gets cold Mr. Harrell goes and stays with a friend for a few days.

He is described as a white male, 5’7 tall, 150 pounds with white hair and brown eyes.

If you have any information on Harrell’s whereabouts please contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850)-892-8111.

The post WCSO SEARCHING FOR MISSING DEFUNIAK SPRINGS MAN first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

January 4, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A vehicle fleeing a home invasion robbery T-bones a Walton County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant early Monday morning.

Just before 7:30 am, the WCSO Lieutenant was driving north on Highway 83 through the intersection of Highway 90 when he was hit by a GMC SUV.

After the SUV slammed into the driver’s side of the patrol vehicle, six individuals fled the vehicle on foot. Five were quickly apprehended while one more was later detained. The GMC came back as stolen out of Vero Beach, Florida.

The lieutenant was transported to an area hospital and Florida Highway Patrol was called in to investigate the crash and the stolen vehicle.

“We were fortunate we had a lot of deputies in the area on their way to training who were quickly able to get everyone in custody,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We are monitoring our employee’s status and appreciate the outpouring of support from the community.”

Shortly after the crash, it was discovered the individuals were involved in a home invasion where they forced their way into a home on Bruce Avenue and pepper-sprayed two children and hit another victim over the head with a bottle.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office has turned the suspects over to DeFuniak Springs Police Department who is continuing their investigation into the home invasion.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office will release more information when it becomes available.

The post WCSO LIEUTENANT T-BONED BY HOME INVASION SUSPECTS IN STOLEN VEHICLE first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A DeFuniak Springs shooting left one injured after more than a dozen shots were fired late Sunday evening.

The first 9-1-1 call came in at 8:07 pm when a caller reported hearing the sound of gunfire in the area of Fairfield Drive and U.S. Highway 90. When deputies arrived, they located a vehicle with bullet holes and a victim inside.

The patient was quickly transported by helicopter to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. The victim’s wounds are severe, but not life-threatening.

A witness at the scene reported the suspect vehicle sped off after firing more than 14 rounds at the car and headed east toward DeFuniak Springs. The witness stated the cars were headed west at the time of the shooting.  After the suspect vehicle stopped next to the victim’s car it went down and turned around firing shots as it headed back East on 90.

The witness was unable to determine the make and model of the shooter’s vehicle.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Technicians processed the scene into the early morning hours Monday collecting shell casings and bullet fragments stretching west down 90 from Owens Road to west of Fairfield (approximately 2/10 of a mile).

Anyone with information regarding this incident or anyone traveling in the area during the time of the shooting that remembers seeing a dark 4-door sedan is asked to call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850)-892-8111 or you can remain anonymous by calling Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers 850-863-TIPS (8477). You could be eligible for a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.

The post ONE INJURED, A DOZEN ROUNDS FIRED IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS SHOOTING; WCSO SEEKING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE first appeared on Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL.

PONCE DE LEON, Fla— A 911 call promptly dispatches first responders to a fatal residential fire in Ponce de Leon.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Fire Rescue, and Argyle Volunteer Fire Department were called to the home at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14 following a 911 call from a neighbor reporting a structure fire on Rock Hill Road. The caller stated he could see flames coming from a building next door, but he did not know if there was anyone inside. Deputies and firefighters arrived on scene within minutes to find flames and heavy smoke coming from a large metal building.

Firefighters quickly made entry into the home and began extinguishing the flames. With assistance from Argyle Volunteer Fire Department, Walton County Fire Rescue crews had the fire under control within 40 minutes, keeping the blaze from spreading into the woods nearby. One body was located in the burned structure.

The State Fire Marshall’s office responded to investigate the cause of the fire in conjunction with Walton County Sheriff’s Office investigators. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.

Next of kin has not yet been notified for the victim.