Brenton Cowart, 32.

June 23, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— The man responsible for the fatal February traffic crash on Highway 98 in Walton County has turned himself in on felony charges.

Tuesday, June 22^nd Lawrence Breton Cowart, 32, of Panama City Beach was booked into the Walton County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.

Cowart was driving his white four-door Porsche more than 20 miles over the posted speed limit when he slammed into the back of a Chevrolet S-10 truck killing the 59-year-old driver from Ohio.

The crash happened on U.S Highway 98 in “the stretch” in Walton County west of Watersound Parkway on February 12^th just before 2 am. The road was shut down for several hours as Florida Highway Patrol conducted the traffic homicide investigation.

According to FHP Cowart was under the influence of alcohol and prescription medication the night of the crash.

Cowart was released on a $25,000 bond and is awaiting trial.

“We are glad there is some justice for the family of the deceased,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Delivering news like this is one of the hardest things about this job. We appreciate Florida Highway Patrol’s thorough investigation into this case.”

June 29, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, FL — Walton County Fire Rescue is now the first fire rescue organization to earn EMS accreditation in the Florida Panhandle.

On June 29, 2021, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue Division was awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).

Accreditation is awarded to an emergency services agency upon demonstration of commitment to excellence by living up to a body of standards deemed essential to the safety and health of the public as well as having exemplified best professional practices.

Accreditation has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism across public safety agencies.

For Walton County Fire Rescue it’s been nearly two years in the making. The five-step CAAS process begins with self-assessment followed by application submission which was done in October 2020.

Next, members of CAAS conduct a remote site review of the application, which was done virtually on June 17^th and 18^th. During this step, reviewers interview staff members and gather the information needed to verify service needs are being met by the agency.

During this process, Walton County Fire Rescue was evaluated based on 113 grading points. These points include how EMS tracks and secures supplies, how patient care is monitored, how patient care review drives the training program, response times, mutual aid agreements, disaster coordination, and community education.

The actual determination of accreditation was determined by a panel of commissioners representing health care, law, and business who recognized Walton County Fire Rescue EMS met, and in some cases, exceeded nationally accepted high standards for patient care in the ambulance industry.

“This accreditation is a tribute to the hard-working men and women of Walton County Fire Rescue and their passion for service to the community,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We are thrilled to be the first Fire Rescue run EMS service in Northwest Florida to receive accreditation and one of nine in the entire state of Florida. In addition, we are the only rural EMS service to achieve this recognition.”

“Earning our accreditation is a demonstration of our commitment to excellence and the exceptional talent of staff to provide world-class out-of-hospital patient care to the sick and injured,” said Walton County Fire Rescue Chief Tracey Vause. “The Walton County Fire Rescue family is the best at what they do and this is the highest recognition to honor that.”

July 2, 2021

MIRAMAR BEACH, FL— A vacationing family is mourning the loss of a husband and father after a Texas man was pulled from the Gulf of Mexico Friday.

At 12:43 pm, July 2, 2021, Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a water rescue on the beach just west of The Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill.

The 55-year-old man was pulled from the water and CPR was initiated by off-duty doctors and nurses at the scene. First responders arrived within minutes and continued CPR. The victim was transported by Okaloosa EMS to Destin ER where he was pronounced deceased.

Single red flags were flying on Walton County beaches when this incident occurred.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

July 2, 2021

HOLMES COUNTY, FL— One man is in custody following a multi-county pursuit that ended in Holmes County.

At approximately 1 pm Friday an off-duty Washington County deputy notified Walton County Sheriff’s Office he had observed Tony Ray Dorsey in Walton County driving westbound on Cowford Road.

Dorsey had an active order for bond revocation on original charges of aggravated battery on LEO, fleeing and eluding, as well as other charges.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies intercepted Dorsey on Highway 81 near Rockhill Road.

A traffic stop was attempted but Dorsey fled north on Highway 81. As the pursuit entered Holmes County on Highway 81, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office was able to spike the suspect vehicle and flatten multiple tires.

Dorsey continued to flee, so a PIT maneuver was used to end the pursuit at Highway 90 near Maple Street. The suspect was safely taken into custody and transported to Holmes County Jail.

Following the pursuit, Holmes County Sheriff’s office located narcotics inside the vehicle.

Dorsey faces charges of fleeing and eluding and reckless driving by Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is handling the bond revocation and narcotic charges.

July 9, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A traffic stop for erratic driving leads to the arrest of a DeFuniak Springs man for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Thursday evening a Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled over a vehicle driving erratically on Highway 90 near Girl Scout Road. The driver told deputies had been shot at a home on Wee Acres in DeFuniak Springs. During the same timeframe, a 911 call came into dispatch reporting a shooting at the same location.

Deputies responded to the Wee Acres address and made contact with the suspect, Steven Wutke, 63.

It was later learned Wutke shot the victim in the hand during an argument where both parties had been drinking. The victim then left the home with permission from Wutke to use the vehicle to seek medical attention.

In cooperation with the State Attorney’s Office following an investigation lasting throughout the night, a warrant was issued for Wutke who has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

July 13, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A juvenile has been arrested for shooting a BB gun from a moving vehicle in Santa Rosa Beach.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports Monday of a black truck driving along 30a shooting pedestrians at random with a BB gun.

Deputies responded to Quincy Circle yesterday afternoon in reference to a 17-year-old with an injury to the arm.

Throughout the evening, a person of interest was developed and an arrest was made early Tuesday morning.

The suspect who is 16 years of age is currently being charged with battery and improper exhibition of a firearm. Both of these charges are misdemeanors which is why the name is not being released at this time.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is also aware of a 15-year-old victim who suffered a significant injury to his eye and was transported to Sacred Heart in Pensacola. He was ultimately transferred to Gainesville to undergo surgery.

Our office has been in communication with the teenager’s parents and has been receiving updates on his condition. A connection between this incident and our suspect is being investigated at this time.

Once the investigation is completed, WCSO expects more charges to be filed as it relates to that injury. This investigation is still being carried out to find out who, if anyone, was also involved in the incidents.

We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue to thoroughly look into this case.

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla— The suspect in a brutal homicide has been charged with murder after a woman is found dead at a home in Walton County.

Deputies responded to a home on Troon Drive in Sandestin early Tuesday morning following a 911 call. When deputies arrived, they discovered a deceased female with numerous stab wounds.

The suspect, Storm Royal Thayer, 24, was immediately detained.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office investigators alongside the State Attorney’s Office processed the scene and conducted interviews.

Following their investigation, Thayer has been charged with second-degree murder.

Thayer has a lengthy criminal history to include burglary, grand theft, aggravated battery, and child abuse. He was released from prison in March after serving time for the child abuse charges.

For Immediate Release
July 19, 2021

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Walton County Sheriff’s is proud to announce the graduation of Sergeant John Cheek from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Florida Leadership Academy.

Sergeant Cheek is among 39 first-line supervisors to attend the course at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Training Center. These graduates serve in leadership roles representing 27 criminal justice agencies throughout the state.

Attendees met for four week-long sessions at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Sanford, Florida. They learned skills necessary to support the needs of their agencies and their communities as they prepare for future challenges.

The goal of the Florida Leadership Academy is to prepare first-line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals and to examine the various components necessary to being an efficient leader.

Sergeant John Cheek was sworn in with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on July 17th, 2002. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of West Florida in 2002. Sergeant Cheek has received numerous letters of commendation and has worked in several aspects of the agency including patrol and criminal investigations.

“We’re thrilled with Sergeant Cheek’s achievement in graduating from Florida Leadership Academy,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “At Walton County Sheriff’s Office, we believe in providing the best training for our leaders and commend Sergeant Cheek for honoring that commitment.”

The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, housed within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and affiliated with the State University System, was established in 1990 by the Florida Legislature to address the need for an innovative and multi-faceted approach to education and training of criminal justice professionals.

July 20, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A man charged by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for accessory to murder after the fact is also facing weapons charges in Walton County.

On July 10^th, Johnny Ray Kirk shot and killed an 80-year-old man at a park in Crestview located in Okaloosa County. Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office prompted a manhunt for Kirk which carried over into Walton County.

The following day, the vehicle belonging to the victim of the Okaloosa homicide was located off of Linda Lane in DeFuniak Springs by members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force and members of WCSO.

Intelligence was gathered that several individuals including Michael Lawson, 24, of DeFuniak Springs assisted Kirk after the incident by giving him a ride out of Walton County. Information collected also indicated that Lawson had a sawed-off shotgun in his possession before leaving town with Kirk.

The night of July 11^th, Escambia County located a vehicle with Kirk, Lawson and others inside. After a shootout with deputies, John Kirk was fatally wounded, and Lawson took off on foot. Lawson was located the following day and arrested by ECSO.

On the morning of July 13^th deputies with Walton County Sheriff’s Office located the shotgun that Lawson tossed out of the car before leaving town.

Lawson is facing charges of displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and possession of a short-barreled shotgun.  He is currently incarcerated at the Okaloosa County Jail.

July 21, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Two Walton County men are facing charges for sexual acts against children trusted in their care after separate investigations by Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Ian Smith, 19, is charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a 12-year-old victim and one count of lewd and lascivious molestation. Charges stem from a mother who contacted WCSO after she discovered written entries in her daughter’s journal regarding the abuse. Investigators discovered the abuse started when Smith was asked to look after the victim and spanned several months.

Jacob Ramirez, 32, faces capital charges after an investigation found he had been molesting three separate victims between the ages of seven and 12. He is charged with three felony counts of sexual battery of a person less than 12 years old.

Both men received a $1 million bond at first appearance.

“This is part of our relentless pursuit of charging sexual predators who prey on children and getting them out of our community and behind bars,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend sincere thanks to Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center for their assistance during both investigations.

Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, announces that on July 27, 2021, Glenda Hamilton was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Kelvin Wells to thirty years in State prison, twenty-five years of which must be served as a mandatory minimum prison sentence pursuant to Florida’s 10-20-Life law.

On April 15, 2021, a Walton County jury found the Defendant guilty of one count of Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm with a Firearm with Discharge of a Firearm and one count of Criminal Mischief.

The trial and subsequent sentence were the result of an incident that occurred on October 16, 2019. During the incident, the Defendant shattered one victim’s vehicle’s windshield and shot another victim three times in the leg. After shooting that victim, the Defendant stood over him, pointed the gun at his head, and demanded he beg for his life. The shooting victim suffered a fractured femur, underwent surgery to have a rod placed in his leg, and now has multiple permanent scars.

At the Sentencing Hearing, Assistant State Attorney Matthew Richardson argued that the Defendant’s violent actions and her criminal history showed she is a danger to the public and that significant incarceration was warranted.

The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Matthew Richardson prosecuted this case. For further information, please contact him at 850-892-8080.

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August 2, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Two juveniles are now facing felony charges following an incident involving a BB gun shot from a moving vehicle.

On July 12th Walton County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of a black truck driving along 30a with a passenger shooting pedestrians at random with a BB gun.

In one instance, deputies responded to Quincy Circle in reference to a 17-year-old with an injury to the arm.

A person of interest was developed through witnesses and an arrest was made early the following morning in reference to the 17-year-old victim.

The suspect, Jayden Schlegel, a 16-year-old Walton County resident, was charged with battery and improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon. Both of these charges are misdemeanors, which is why his name was not previously released.

In addition to the first victim, Walton County Sheriff’s Office was also made aware of a 15-year-old victim who suffered a significant injury to his eye and was transported to Sacred Heart in Pensacola. He was ultimately transferred to Gainesville to undergo surgery.

After a lengthy investigation, WCSO Criminal Investigation Bureau was able to tie Schlegel and 17-year-old Luke Drexler to this incident.

Schlegel now faces felony charges of aggravated battery and firing a missile into an occupied vehicle.

Luke Drexler, 17, who was found to be the driver of the vehicle, faces felony charges of principle to aggravated battery and principle to firing a missile into an occupied vehicle.

August 4, 2021

As Walton County continues to see an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the health and safety of our inmate population continues to be a priority for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

The following are the protocols currently in effect at the Walton County Jail.

• The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has begun rapid testing inmates located in impacted housing areas.
• Movement has been minimized. Only movement authorized is necessary jail functions such as booking and kitchen duties and doctors appointments.
• Elective programs have been discontinued.
• Inmates have been provided two reusable masks for use during their incarceration.
• If multiple positives occur in a single housing POD, positive cases may remain in the affected POD.
• If inmates’ symptoms get increasingly more severe, inmates are then moved to the medical unit for observation.
• New intakes are currently isolated for five days to protect the current population from the spread.
• Weekenders have been suspended for a two-week time period. At the end of that two weeks, an extension will be evaluated.
• The Medical Director for the jail population and oversees the welfare of the inmates who are under constant medical observation by staff.
• Our emphasis continues to be on prevention and eliminating transmission through education, screening of all new intakes, isolation of suspected cases, and relentless cleaning and sanitation of high-touch areas.

As we await those results, the Jail Operations Division continues to adhere to the Sheriff’s Office response plan and protocols.

August 9, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla—As students in Walton County head back to school Walton County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on school zone and bus stop infractions.

Operation Blue Bird begins Tuesday, August 10^th, and takes place at the beginning and end of each school day for an undisclosed amount of time.

The goal of the operation is to address traffic concerns in different school zones and at bus stops around the county.

Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies and unmarked units will be aggressively enforcing traffic laws during this period and putting special attention on areas based on citizen complaints, bus driver complaints, and School Resource Deputy observations.

Deputies will be keeping an eye out for the following during Operation Blue Bird:

• Speeding in a school zone
• Texting while driving
• Passing on the Right/Shoulder
• Observed Seatbelt/Child seat violations
• Any other observable traffic infraction
• Passing School Bus with Stop Sign activated

“This operation is imperative to ensuring kids are safely making it to and from school and that everyone gets reminded to slow down on their commutes,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We’re asking everyone to be patient and keep the safety of our children in the forefront of your mind.”

Walton County, FL — A sexual predator fled from his Ponce de Leon address and now the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Ricky Lee Harrison, 55, is a registered sexual predator who absconded from his last known address on County Highway 3280. He is now wanted for three felony counts of failing to register.

Harrison is described as a white male with dark brown hair, standing 5’7, and weighing approximately 155 lbs. He has a tattoo of a spider and a spider web on his right arm.

Anyone with information on Harrison’s whereabouts 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 at (850) 863-TIPS. Submit a web tip at http://www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com/ or send a mobile tip using the P3 Tips Mobile Application or the Walton County Sheriff’s Office smartphone app. You could be eligible for a cash reward.

Walton County, FL — An absconded sexual predator who fled from his Ponce de Leon address has been located and arrested by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

On August 14, 2021, Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies located registered sexual predator, Ricky Lee Harrison, 55, at a residence in Mossy Head and was subsequently arrested.

Harrison is charged with three felony counts of failing to register, one count of obstruction without violence, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was issued a $15,000 bond and is still in custody at the time of this release.

August 25, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office has recovered a body from a shallow grave on a property in Crestview.

The joint investigation with Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office kept investigators and crime scene technicians out into the early morning hours Wednesday on Chapperal Street. Investigators believe the body to be an adult male.

In order to identify the remains, additional testing and an autopsy must be completed.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Klaus Kids K-9 Unit along with the Medical Examiner’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, and the forensic anthropology team from the University of West Florida.

More information will be released when it is available for the public.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Michael J. McClure, 43, of DeFuniak Springs, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on criminal offenses related to his activity on Kik Messenger, a mobile device application, announced Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. McClure will make his appearance in federal court in Pensacola on August 31, 2021, at 2:00 pm before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon.

The indictment alleges that McClure was part of an ongoing child exploitation enterprise to produce, distribute, receive, and possess child pornography. McClure is also charged with the production of child pornography as well as its distribution, receipt, and possession. McClure faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted.

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 case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against
Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jennifer H. Callahan. 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 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.

DeFuniak Springs, FL — Firefighters rush to battle a blaze that broke out at a dry cleaning business in DeFuniak Springs overnight.

Around 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 1^st, DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, Walton County Fire Rescue, and Argyle Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a commercial structure fire at Miracle Dry Cleaners on Highway 90 E in DeFuniak Springs. First responders arrived on scene to find flames and heavy smoke barreling from the commercial building.

Firefighters were able to keep the massive blaze from spreading to neighboring businesses using a defensive attack. Walton County Fire Rescue Tower 2 was used to rain down water to control the fire, allowing firefighters to make entry into the building and extinguish the flames.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene. The fire is currently under investigation.

WALTON COUNTY, FL— Two men are charged with homicide following the discovery of a body in a shallow grave in Crestview. The third is charged with accessory to the homicide.

On August 14^th Walton County Sheriff’s Office began working with Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office in a missing person’s case. The victim’s vehicle was located shortly after off of Kelly Place in Mossy Head behind a residence.

A search of the vehicle was conducted where investigators found large amounts of blood staining consistent with an injury that could not be survivable.

During the investigation that followed, two individuals were identified as persons of interest in the homicide; Shawn Bennett and Thomas Pride.

Evidence and witness statements corroborated both men planned to meet the victim at Kelly Place with the intent to kill and rob him.

On August 24^th investigators located the victim’s body in a shallow grave off of Chapperal Street in Crestview.

After an autopsy, it was determined the victim died from a single gunshot wound.

Thomas Pride was located and arrested Friday, August 27^th by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. He was extradited to Walton County Jail the following day and charged with an open count of murder.

Shawn Bennett was arrested by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated charges on August 20^th and is pending extradition to Walton County. Bennett is charged with an open count of murder and was served September 1^st at the Okaloosa County Jail.

Stephen Trexler was arrested Thursday September 2nd and will be charged by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as an accessory to the homicide for his involvement in the days following the killing.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, State Attorney’s Office, and the Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance.

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WCSO INVESTIGATORS EHXUME BODY FROM PROPERTY IN CRESTVIEW; INVESTIGATION ONGOING