TWO ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND FIREARM
On May 4, 2008 a Deputy with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office stopped a white Ford pickup being driven by Crystal Starr Green (W/F 23 yoa), of Abbeville, AL on State Road 2 for speeding. A computer check revealed the passenger Michael Todd Green (W/M 25 yoa), of Abbeville, AL had an active warrant out of Pinellas County, FL. Mr. Green was arrested on the warrant and the vehicle was searched incident to arrest. The Deputy located a large plastic bag containing approximately one pound of marijuana in the back seat area. A 12 gauge shotgun was located during the search as well. Both subjects were arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana (+20 grams) and possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony.
SUPECT SOUGHT IN HIGH SPEED CHASE
On April 23, 2008 a Holmes County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a motorcycle in the Esto area for traffic infractions. The Deputy activated his emergency lights and siren and the motorcycle refused to stop. The chase continued down rural dirt roads in Holmes County and entered into Geneva County, Alabama.
The suspect who was identified by the Deputy as Toris Brant Barnes (W/M 38 yoa) drove through a fence and entered some planted pines and continued through some pastures off of County Road 4 in Geneva County. The motorcycle was later located in a creek and Barnes had fled on foot. The Holmes Correctional K-9 Unit responded and tracked the suspect for several hours and was unable to locate him.
Barnes is no stranger to law enforcement and is facing charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, willful and wanton reckless driving, attaching tag not assigned and driving on a suspended license. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Barnes is urged to call Crime stoppers at 866-689-TIPS (8477).
Sheriff Dennis Lee would like to thank the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office and the Hartford Police Department for their response and help in trying to locate Barnes.
ARREST MADE IN EARLY MORNING BUSINESS BURGLARIES
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office responded to two burglaries early yesterday morning (April 17th) at two locally owned businesses in the Northwest section of the county. The Motley Mall located in the New Hope Community and the Dixie Dandy located in the Pine Log Community was both burglarized in the early morning hours. An Investigator on the scene received a tip concerning a suspicious vehicle in the area that led to the identification of a suspect in the crimes. The suspect and his vehicle were later located just across the Alabama State Line in Geneva County. Further investigation led to the arrest of Richard William Bove Jr. (W/M 45 yoa) of Westville. Bove has been charged with two counts of burglary and tampering with evidence, all felony offenses. Bove is currently in the Geneva County Jail awaiting transport back to Holmes County. Sheriff Dennis Lee stated, “The quick response of Investigators and their attention to detail at the scene allowed evidence to be recovered that led to the confession of the suspect. This brought these two cases to a successful closure. I would also like to thank the Geneva Police Department for all of their assistance in this investigation.”
CHARGES FILED IN LEWD/LASCIVIOUS INVESTIGATION
Charges have been filed in a sexual abuse investigation that began earlier this week. The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the allegations after a complaint was filed with the Graceville Police Department. The investigation was turned over to the Sheriff’s Office after learning that the alleged acts occurred in Holmes County. A warrant was obtained for one felony count of lewd or lascivious battery against Jessie Alton Barnes (W/M 35 yoa). In addition, Barnes was booked into the Holmes County Jail earlier this week on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Barnes turned himself in this afternoon (April 18th) at the Holmes County Jail. Barnes has a total bond of $40,000.00 on both charges.
HIGH SPEED CHASE LEADS TO ADDITIONAL CHARGES
On April 11,2008 a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office Investigator attempted to stop a 2001 Ford F-150 for traffic infractions. When the Investigator turned on his emergency lights and siren the vehicle refused to stop and began to accelerate. The chase continued at speeds in excess of 90 mph down rural dirt roads in Holmes County. The suspect driving the vehicle was identified by the investigator as being James Darron Smith (W/M 40 yoa) of Westville. The chase ended when the suspect pulled into a field and fled on foot. The Holmes Correctional K-9 Unit tracked the suspect for several hours. However, were not able to locate him. Smith who is currently out on bond for unrelated drug offenses is facing charges of aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude, willful and wanton reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license.
TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO CULTIVATION CHARGES
An April 8th traffic stop by an investigator with the Holmes County Sheriff's Office has led to two arrests for cultivation. The investigator obtained consent of the driver, Raymond Luebano, and passenger, Thomas Luebano, to search the 2008 Chrysler.
Drug paraphernalia was found in the front pants' pocket of the passenger, Thomas, who told the investigators he had it because he was going to smoke some marijuana he had at this brother's home, where he had been staying.
The information led investigators to 2641 Skinny Lane where several marijuana plants were found growing in pots in the backyard. Raymond tried to destroy the plants and was immediately detained.
Both men were arrested and transported to Holmes County Jail.
Thomas Luebano, 28, from Miami, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and cultivation of marijuana. Raymond Luebano, 24, from Ponce de Leon, was charged with cultivation of marijuana and destruction of evidence.
SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO MULTIPLE ARRESTS
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Department and Bonifay Police Department executed a search warrant late yesterday evening (March 27th) at a residence on Tracy Street in Bonifay. The search warrant was obtained after an undercover Sheriff’s Department investigation revealed that marijuana was being sold out of the residence. As a result of the search warrant, several ounces of marijuana have been seized and charges have been filed against three adults and two juveniles. The following adult suspects were placed under arrest and transported to the Holmes County Jail:
Jason A. VanAvery (W/M 21 YOA) of Bonifay has been charged with possession of marijuana (+20 grams) with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Brian Lee Vitale (W/M 34 YOA) of Bonifay has been charged with possession of marijuana (+20 grams) with intent to distribute, attempted sale of a controlled substance (marijuana), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bridgette N. Rose (W/F 18 YOA) of Bonifay has been charged with possession of marijuana (-20 grams).
The two juveniles charged in connection with the search warrant will be charged with possession of marijuana (-20 grams).
ARREST MADE IN BURGLARY OF A STRUCTURE
On March 24, 2008 the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department responded to a burglary and grand theft complaint at a residence on Adolph Whitaker Road. Several pieces of property were reported stolen from the landowner, who had been out of town for several weeks. Further investigation led to the arrest of Michael Glenn Hudson (W/M 45 YOA) of Bonifay. Hudson was arrested later that evening and has been charged with burglary of a structure, grand theft and dealing in stolen property. Additional suspects have been identified in this case and further charges are pending.
TRAFFIC STOPS LEADS TO METHAMPHETAMINE LAB
On February 10, 2008, an Investigator with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department stopped a green Mercury Cougar that was being driven by Buddy Bowland Powell (W/M 24 yoa). The Investigator was aware that Powell did not have a valid driver’s license from an earlier case in which Powell was arrested. As a result of a search incident to this arrest, the Investigator noted several pieces of evidence that indicated Powell and his passenger were in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine. Further investigation led to the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine lab located in an motor home parked at 2947 Highway 90, just West of the Bonifay City Limits. A total of three arrests were made as a result of the traffic stop and consensual search. Buddy Powell, William Henry Steverson (W/M 29 yoa) and Nicole R. Merluzzi (W/F 25 yoa) were all booked into the Holmes County Jail on charges of manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), manufacture of drug paraphernalia, possession of listed chemicals and possession of a short barreled shotgun. In addition, Powell faces charges of driving while license suspended/revoked, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Powell had just received probation for a misdemeanor offense in January and now faces a violation as well.
STOLEN ATVs RECOVERED
On February 11, 2008 a stolen 2006 Honda Rancher ATV was recovered behind a residence in Jackson County. The ATV had been reported stolen from a residence in Holmes County on February 1st. A suspect has been identified in this case and the investigation is continuing. This is the second incident in the last two months of stolen ATVs being recovered. Just last month, two ATVs stolen from Jackson County were located abandoned on Highway 81, near the Pine Log community. These two ATVs had been reported stolen in November 2007. Anyone with information on either of these cases or other illegal activity is asked to contact Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers of Holmes County can be reached at 866-689-8477 and Crimestoppers of Jackson County can be contacted at 850-526-5000.
ARREST MADE FOR GRAND THEFT
On February 11, 2008 the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department received a report concerning the theft of money from a local residence. Investigators responded and learned that the suspect had been working in the home through a local medical service provider. As a result of the investigation, the majority of the stolen monies were returned to the victim by the end of the day. Kristie Lynn Munne’ (W/F 33 yoa) was arrested for the offense and booked into the Holmes County Jail on a single count of grand theft.
BEWARE OF RECENT SCAM ACTIVITY
The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the citizens to be very cautious of who they release their personal information to. The Department has received several calls this week from senior citizens who have received calls “fishing” for information. The calls have ranged from persons claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to banking establishments. Thankfully, none of the complainants have become victims and were educated enough to not give out their information. Sheriff Dennis Lee stated, “I believe the old saying ‘knowledge is power’ to ring very true. I want the citizens to be aware of what is going on in their county and keep them informed to prevent them from becoming victims to crimes such as these.” Sheriff Lee also noted that the majority of these incidents originate overseas (Nigeria) and in Canada. Several recent cases have reached a “dead-end” due to the suspect(s) being located out of the country.
DEPUTIES FIND DRUGS WHILE SERVING ARREST WARRANT
On January 5, 2008 a Deputy went to a residence in Esto in order to arrest Isreal Xavier Garibay (H/M 28 YOA) for an outstanding warrant. While at the residence, the alert Deputy observed marijuana and powder cocaine lying inside the residence. A further search was conducted and more cocaine and marijuana were located. Garibay was also charged with possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana -20 grams along with the outstanding warrant.
METH LAB FOUND AND DRUG ARRESTS MADE
On January 4, 2008 Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Officers with the Bonifay Police Department traveled to Hatcher Drive to investigate information received by the Bonifay Police Department of a possible methamphetamine lab. Probable cause was found to obtain a search warrant for the residence. A search of the property was conducted and a methamphetamine lab was discovered inside the residence. Several items used to manufacture methamphetamine were found along with a small amount of methamphetamine itself. Gala Mitchell Andrews (W/F 44 YOA) of Bonifay was arrested and charged with manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of listed chemicals. Buddy Bowland Powell (W/M 24 YOA) of Palatka, Florida was also arrested and charged with possession of marijuana –20 grams. Andrews was the owner of the residence and was currently out on bond and awaiting trial for a previous arrest for selling prescription medication.
TWO CHARGED IN ARMED BURGLARY
On December 30, 2007 an armed burglary was reported at a residence on Tram Road, near Ponce de Leon. This past week, information led Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office to Panama City Beach where two white males: Robert Michael Dick (17 YOA) and John Nathan File (18 YOA) were residing. Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the residence of John Nathan File located on Sunnyside Lane and recovered four handguns taken during the armed burglary. Investigators also recovered two shotguns and a large duffel bag containing ammunition. John File was placed under arrest by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office pending extradition to Holmes County on armed burglary charges. Robert Michael Dick has also been charged with armed burglary. Dick is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice on offenses that occurred last month in Walton County and Bay County. It appears that at least one of the stolen firearms was used in a Walton County shooting incident that led to Dick’s arrest last month. A search of Dick’s home at the time of his initial arrest led to the recovery of several of the stolen firearms that were not known to be stolen at the time. Sheriff Dennis Lee stated, “This is a good example of law enforcement working together. Sheriff McKeithen and his Deputies are to be commended for the work they performed in assisting us in solving this crime.” This investigation is continuing and more charges could be filed.
PETIT THEFT LEADS TO VIOLATION FOR PROBATIONER
On January 3, 2008 the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office responded to Highway 181 North of Westville in reference to the theft of a package. A UPS package containing a jacket valued at $100.00 had been stolen from the complainant. The package had been left at the end of the driveway in a black plastic can used to protect packages from the elements. The Deputy located a boot impression near the plastic can with a unique diamond shaped pattern and obtained photos of the pattern. In performing a follow-up investigation, the Deputy traveled to the next-door neighbor to inquire about anyone witnessing the theft. The Deputy found the same boot impression in the neighbor’s dirt driveway with tracks going to and from the mailbox. However, no one was at home. Further investigation by Investigators led to the arrest of Gregory Wayne Brownell (W/M 40 YOA). Brownell was on state probation for a grand theft charge in 2006. Brownell gave verbal permission to search his residence and a pair of boots with the matching pattern was located. Brownell later admitted to the theft and he was placed under arrest for trespass after warning, theft, and violation of probation. The stolen jacket was located, photographed and returned to the victim.
STING NETS TWO FOR SELLING MARIJUANA
Two men were arrested on December 18, 2007 by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department along with the assistance of the Bonifay Police Department.
Investigators arrested James Curtis Everett (B/M 34 YOA) of Chipley and Antonio Tisdale (B/M 31 YOA)of Bonifay and charged them with Sale of Controlled Substance (Marijuana). Also located and seized during the investigation was over $900 in U.S. Currency.
FUGITIVE APPREHENDED
On December 17, 2007 the Holmes County Sheriffs Office Special Investigations Division located and arrested James H. Arnold (W/M 36 YOA) of Graceville. Arnold has an active violation of probation warrant out of Holmes County. Arnold was on probation for trafficking in methamphetamine and has been evading law enforcement for several months; however was found at a residence located in north east Holmes County near the Jackson County line. Arnold was also found to be in possession of a Schedule II narcotic as well as a fully loaded .22 cal handgun.
Also arrested was Billy Dreblow (W/M 23 YOA) of Bonifay. Dreblow has outstanding warrants out of Washington County and was also charged with accessory after the fact.
DRUG ARRESTS MADE
On December 3, 2007 Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department along with the Bonifay Police Department arrested an individual identified as Robert Matthew Larry (W/M 20 YOA) of Bonifay and charged Mr. Larry with cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana -20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia. This occurred after investigators received information that Mr. Larry was growing marijuana in a shed located his back yard at his residence located on Kansas Avenue in Bonifay. Investigators discovered a green military container that had been converted to a small indoor grow operation. Also located inside of the residence was a small amount of marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia.
Also on December 3, 2007 Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department arrested an individual identified as Shane Preston Gowins (W/M 20 YOA) of Bonifay and Rebecca Lynn Duplesis (W/F 23 YOA) also of Bonifay charging them with possession of marijuana over 20 grams with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. This occurred after a search of their residence located on Dereese Dr. revealed approximately one quarter of a pound of marijuana along with a set of scales, packaging materials, and assorted drug paraphernalia. Children and Families assisted in the investigation and placed the two small children in the residence with a relative.
DRUG WARRANT ROUND UP
November 15, 2007
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office recently made several drug-related arrests concerning the sale of controlled substances in Holmes County. There has been an ongoing undercover operation by Holmes County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for approximately a year, targeting individuals selling drugs in Holmes County. During the undercover operation approximately 50 individuals have been arrested. These latest arrests are a part of that undercover operation and more arrests are anticipated in the near future. Those who were arrested are:
Robert William Fusco (W/M 26 YOA) from Westville was charged with Sale of Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Debra Lynn Carter (W/F 45 YOA) from Westville was charged with Principle to Sale of Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Jason Allen Haines (W/M 25 YOA) from Chipley was charged with Attempted Sale of Controlled Substance (Crack Cocaine)
Jimmy Ray Richie (W/M 42 YOA) from Westville was charged with Sale of Controlled Substance (Xanax), Sale of Controlled Substance (Loratab), and Possession of
Prescription Medication with intent to distribute
Johnathin Wayne Curry (W/M 18 YOA) from Bonifay was charged with Possession of Marijuana -20 grams and No Valid Drivers License.
All subjects were booked into the Holmes County Jail.
METH LAB FOUND
On November 5, 2007 Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department and Agents with Florida Department of Law Enforcement went to 1975 Whitehead Road to investigate information of a possible clandestine meth lab. A search of the property was conducted and investigators discovered a meth lab in a shed on the property. Several grams of methamphetamine oil were located along with items used to manufacture methamphetamine. Tonny Martin Whitehead (W/M 44 YOA) was arrested and charged with manufacture of methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, and possession of listed chemicals. Betty Baxley McCallister (W/F 42 YOA) was also arrested and charged with possession of marijuana -20 grams, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff Lee states “that anyone with any type of drug activity is urged to call Crimestoppers at 1-866-689-TIPS (8477) or the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office at 850-547-4421 you can remain anonymous.”
SUBJECT IN CHASE COMMITS SUICIDE
On the evening of October 21, 2007 a Michigan man led Holmes County Deputies on a 15-mile chase from Holmes County into Washington County, reaching speeds up to about 70 miles an hour. The chase ended around 7:00 p.m. Sunday off Highway 79 near the intersection of Highway 279 north of Vernon. Over the course of the chase, deputies laid down spike strips to stop the vehicle. When the car stopped and they approached, the man took out a handgun and shot himself. The deceased is a 71 year-old white male who spent time in the Florida Panhandle and Michigan. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
METHAMPHETAMINE LAB BUSTED
On October 12, 2007 Larry Todd Pryor (W/M 41 YOA) of Westville was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) after investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department located a methamphetamine lab at his residence North of the Prosperity Community. Investigators collected several hundred grams of suspected methamphetamine oil from the residence along with the chemicals and associated paraphernalia used to manufacture methamphetamine. Pryor’s bond was set at $50,000.
GRAND JURY INDICTS MOTHER ON MURDER CHARGE
The Holmes County Grand Jury, on Thursday, issued an indictment charging Amanda Elaine Lewis of Esto, with first-degree felony murder and aggravated child abuse in the August 8, 2007 drowning death of her seven-year-old daughter, Adrianna Elaine Hutto. Lewis was arrested September 5, 2007 by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department for aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse.
TRAFFIC STOP REVEALS CRACK COCAINE
On October 6, 2007 Kent French (W/M 55 YOA) of Chipley was arrested for possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine) and possession of drug paraphernalia after a deputy stopped him and a search of his vehicle revealed crack cocaine and a smoking pipe commonly used to ingest the controlled substance. French’s bond was set at $12,500.
JUVENILE ARRESTED FOR SELLING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
In a separate incident a B/M (juvenile), Bonifay was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (Hydrocodone) after an undercover operation revealed the juvenile was selling large quantities of prescription Lortab. The juvenile was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Center in Panama City.
ARRESTS MADE FOR SALE OF CRACK COCAINE
Mekkos Davis (B/M 26 YOA) of Bonifay was arrested and charged with two counts of sale of a controlled substance (crack cocaine). His girlfriend, Heather Fleming (W/F DOB 21 YOA) was also arrested and charged with principle to sale of a controlled substance (crack cocaine). Davis was currently out on bond at the time of his arrest for a previous arrest for selling crack cocaine. These arrests come from an ongoing undercover operation by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department. Davis’ bond was set at $100,000 and Fleming’s bond was set at $20,000.
LOCAL MAN DIES IN EARLY MORNING FIRE
On September 30, 2007 just after 6:00 am the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a residential structure fire at 2255 Boat Ramp Road in the Gritney Community. Several volunteer fire departments including Gritney, Bonifay and Westville along with Holmes County EMS personnel responded to the fire with reports of possible entrapment. Once the fire was brought under control, Brian Randal Freeman (W/M 30 YOA) was located deceased inside the residence. The State Fire Marshal’s Office and14th Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene at the request of Sheriff’s Department Investigators. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by these agencies. However, foul play is not suspected at this time. Freeman had lived at the residence for the past few years.
SUBJECT ARRESTED FOR CULTIVATION
On September 29, 2007 Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department arrested Chris Oliver Lewis (W/M 33 YOA), for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana +20 grams, and violation of state probation. Also arrested was Sabrina Gail Brown, (W/F 20 YOA) for possession of marijuana -20 grams. This incident transpired while investigators were conducting surveillance on several marijuana plants and the investigators observed Mr. Lewis in the surveillance area. Mr. Lewis was taken into custody at his residence located on Clemmons Rd. and found to be in possession of marijuana seeds. A search warrant was subsequently executed on the residence and property of Mr. Lewis where approximately two pounds of harvested marijuana was located along with other items. Mr. Lewis was currently on state probation for possession of marijuana +20 grams and felon in possession of firearm. Sheriff Lee would like to thank the state probation and parole office for their assistance in this investigation.
CHARGES FILED IN RECENT BURGLARIES
Several burglaries have been solved this week in a joint investigation between the Sheriff’s Departments in Holmes and Geneva County. A total of five suspects are facing charges in burglaries and thefts that have occurred over the past five months in both jurisdictions. However, only two of the suspects are adults. The two adults have been identified as Justin Wade Hamilton (W/M 18 YOA) and Garrett Dewayne Pelham (W/M 18 YOA) both from the Poplar Springs Community of Holmes County. The other suspects cannot be identified due to their age. Approximately three thousand dollars worth of stolen property has been recovered in the investigation and returned to victims in both counties. All of the suspects are facing charges in Holmes County related to the burglary of a structure, grand theft, and criminal mischief. Some are facing multiple counts as a total of four burglaries were cleared in the investigation. Additional charges are pending in Geneva County on three of the five suspects.
TWO CHARGED IN STRONG-ARM ROBBERY
On the afternoon of September 18, 2007 the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department responded to a robbery complaint “J.C.’s Coyote Maw” located at the old Dixie Dandy store on State Road 81 north of Ponce de Leon. Further investigation led officers to a location off of Lake Victor Road, where one suspect was located along with money stolen from the business. The second suspect was located a short time later at a nearby residence. The suspects have been identified as William Junior Bryan (W/M 30 YOA) of Westville and Beau McCall (W/M 28 YOA) formerly from Geneva, AL. Both were transported to the Holmes County Jail for booking. McCall is charged with a single count of robbery and Bryan a single count of principle to robbery.
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