Sheriff’s Report
FRIDAY, DEC. 9
• Deputy Ernesto Trujillo responded to the area of 159 Landfill Rd. In reference to an excavator on fire. Upon arrival Deputy Trujillo made contact with the Head of Wakulla Road & Bridge, Mike King, who said the Caterpillar Excavator was a total loss. King advised the estimated value of the machine was over $300,000. Wakulla Fire & EMS advised there was no foul play suspected.
• During a traffic stop conducted for tag attached not assigned, Gabriel Tilley and Dylan Gil were allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, and other narcotic equipment. Both subjects were arrested and transported to WCSO Jail without incident. Deputy Dylan Causseaux investigated.
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
• Brian Milam reported the theft of one of his game cameras. The camera sent a last photo to his phone as it was being taken. A possible suspect has been identified. This case has been sent to detectives for further investigation. Deputy Arturo Cordoba investigated.
• A manager of Winn Dixie reported a theft from the store. Deputies responded to the area attempting to locate a male subject who ran from the store with unpaid merchandise. The subject reportedly fled with approximately $60 in steaks. This case has been sent to detectives for further investigation. Deputy Rudolph Hinson investigated.
MONDAY, DEC. 12
• Lt Gibby Gibson responded to Stuart Cove reference a stolen tag. Contact was made with John Towles, who said he received multiple unpaid traffic tolls in New York City. Towles stated the tag went missing in 2018 during Hurricane Michael. John was provided a stolen tag form. The tag was placed into FCIC/NCIC as stolen.
• Deputy Heather Will responded to Koch Street reference a theft. Contact was made with Cathy Pemberton, who said someone had stolen the 75-gallon fresh and grey water tank off of her RV. The water tank is valued at $375. A possible suspect has been identified in this case.
• Deputy Anthony Paul responded to a vehicle fire at Beechwood and Maple Dr. The vehicle, a 1997 Jeep Cherokee, was deemed to be a total loss. No foul play is suspected in the case.
TUESDAY, DEC. 13
• Deputy Michelle Stripling responded to Walden Road in reference to a theft of a cell phone. Upon arrival Barbra Walden advised she had left her cell phone in her car while she was not at home. Walden said when she got home her cell phone was missing. Walden was able to identify two possible suspects.
THURSDAY, DEC. 15
• Deputy Kory Smith responded to Bettywood Circle in reference to a possible structure fire. Upon arrival Deputy Smith made contact with Margaret Cope, who said the hot water heater on her camper caught on fire. Cope advised she was able to extinguish the fire with a water hose. Wakulla Fire & EMS arrived on scene and advised there were no signs of foul play.
• Deputy Kory Smith responded to Rail Lane in reference to a possible disturbance. Upon arrival Deputy Smith made contact with Julie Merritt, who said some subjects pulled up in the yard and started throwing things and yelling. Upon further investigation one of the subjects, Chrystal Lapine, was found to have active warrants out Georgia. Lapine was taken into custody and transported to the Wakulla County Jail.
• Lila Porter reported being the victim of a fraud. She was contacted by a male who identified himself as Jose, working for DirectTV. Porter provided Jose with her credit card number after being advised she would receive $25 off her next bill. Shortly after the call was disconnected Porter began receiving similar calls. Porter advised she realized she had been scammed. Porter made contact with her credit card company, and she was advised at the time of this report no charges have been made against her credit card. The card was locked and a new card will be sent to Porter. Deputy Dustin Matthews investigated.
Remember to always report suspicious or illegal activity at 850-745-7100, or call 911 for emergencies.