Levy County teacher arrested
for alleged sex crime against student

Mugshot By LCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 23, 2026 at 8 p.m.
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    BRONSON – A 38-year-old man hired as a teacher by the Levy County School Board is in the Levy County Jail this evening (Thursday, April 23) after his arrest for two felonies this afternoon (Thursday, April 23).

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     Nicholas Allen Sapp, 38, of Ocala is awaiting first appearance and the setting of bond on the charges of lewd or lascivious behavior against a student by an authority figure, according to records. Sapp is probably going to be among the jail inmates making a first appearance via Zoom tomorrow morning.
     Florida Statute 800.101(2)(a) prohibits an “authority figure” (such as a school employee or volunteer who is 18 years and older) from soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct with a student, defined under F.S. 800.101.
     Violation of this statute is a second-degree felony, which can result in up to 15 years in prison, with student consent or age not being a valid defense
     The other felony Sapp is sitting in jail now for is for allegedly violating Florida Statute 934.215, using a two-way communications device (like a cellphone or computer) to facilitate or further a felony, where that crime is a third-degree felony. This charge carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
     The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) sent a press release at 3:30 p.m. today (Thursday, April 23) to announce the arrest of Sapp, a Williston Middle High School teacher “for an inappropriate relationship with a student.” Sapp was taken into custody earlier today by LCSO detectives, the LCSO said.
     Deputies responded to a report from a witness who disclosed details of the relationship to a parent. Detectives immediately began their investigation, locating the victim and conducting interviews. Evidence corroborating the relationship was seized by detectives, the LCSO said.
     This is an active and ongoing investigation, the LCSO said. Detectives have no knowledge of any additional victims now, the LCSO said. Any person who has information about this suspect in regard to this crime or related crimes is asked to contact LCSO Det. Ryan Sullivan at 352-486-5111 ext. 360. Detective Sullivan is the detective who booked Sapp into the Levy County Jail this afternoon, according to records
     The LCSO is working closely with the Levy County School Board as this investigation continues, the LCSO said. Sapp has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of this case, the LCSO said.

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State attorney advises
government agencies to release
public records as the law demands

Levy County Commission Chairman Tim Hodge reaches down from the dais to welcome Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer to the auditorium on April 21. Commission Vice Chairman Charlie Kennedy is seen at the right in the photo. The entire Levy County Commission heard the presentation.

Story, Photos and Video
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 23, 2026 at 7 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer provided insight to people responsible for public records – advising them to provide the public records, as the law requires, when they are asked to do so.
     Kramer provided a one-hour session for anyone who wanted to watch and listen at 1 p.m. on April 21 in the Levy County Government Center’s Auditorium.
     The top prosecutor of criminal offenses for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, which includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties, said there are two ways a person can become a defendant when they violate Florida Statute 119. They can be sued in civil court, or if they can commit a level high enough to merit prosecution from intentionally refusing to provide public records.
     As of April 21, so far in his first term as the state attorney for this circuit, Kramer has not prosecuted anyone for violating Florida Statute 119. 
     Fomer Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney William Cervone successfully prosecuted some Fanning Springs City Council Members, though, when they were caught conducting government business outside the view of the public. That offense is a different part of Florida’s Sunshine Laws, or the state statutes created to keep Florida’s government “in the sunshine.”
     Laws regulating public meetings by boards, commissions, councils and the like are from Florida Statute 286. Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law was enacted in 1967. It requires that all meetings of any state, county, or municipal board or commission be open to the public, that reasonable notice is provided, and that minutes are taken, as outlined in Section 286.011, Florida Statutes.


Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer opens his one-hour presentation with this eight-minute monolog. He mentioned that as he took office, he and State Attorney’s Office Executive Director Rebecca Shinholser toured the counties of the circuit. He decided on way to help all of the government interest in the circuit would be to provide insight into how to avoid lawsuits or criminal charges by properly providing public records. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKjEQxV3W3Q

     Meanwhile, back on the specific Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, it was first established in 1909.
     It was enacted to ensure that state, county and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. It establishes that records created by public officers in the line of duty belong to the public office, not the individual, and should be preserved.
     In 1992, the right to access public records was strengthened by being added to the Florida Constitution (Article I, Section 24), guaranteeing the right to inspect and copy public records.
     Every year, this law is updated to coincide with technological advances, as well as to add exclusions created by the Florida Legislature and signed into the amended law by the governor – for various reasons. Among the most sweeping exclusion imposed most recently is one to protect crime victims’ rights, although some state law enforcement agencies clearly use this beyond where the legislative intent placed it.


Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer explains the law requiring public records to be visible to the public.


Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer speaks with Levy County Code Enforcement Department Director Dave Banton about how the Florida Legislature can change laws to allow anonymous reporting of suspected code violations; however, communications such as texts and email regarding any agency business are public records. Kramer told Banton that he may need to have the Florida Association of Code Enforcement to keep urging state lawmakers. The Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, approaches the state leader with its requests -- which are sometimes approved.


Rebecca Shinholser, an assistant state attorney and the executive director for the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, is seen with Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer when the two attorneys agreed to a photo opportunity for the multiple award-winning daily news website.

     Kramer brought Rebecca Shinholser, an assistant state attorney and the executive director for the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, with him. Kramer held this post when he served with former State Attorney Cervone.
     State Attorney Kramer’s messages in this session were to help people who are custodians of public records to reduce the odds of them causing a lawsuit, which would be expensive to an agency – and hence to the taxpayers. If a government agency is ruled to have denied the public access to public records, then the government agency must pay the fees of the attorney or attorneys who prevail on behalf of the public records requestor in the civil action.
     A person convicted of violating Florida Statute 119 (Public Records Law) generally faces a maximum penalty of a non-criminal infraction, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500. While violations are typically civil, a person convicted of intentional, and repeated withholding or destruction of records can face broader, separate criminal charges (such as official misconduct).
     Kramer let listeners know the presentation was not meant to cover every aspect of the law, but instead to help people know generally what the law requires.
     Public records are all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other materials, regardless of physical form or transmission, made or received in connection with official agency business. Any material used to perpetuate, communicate, or formalize knowledge related to official agency business is subject to inspection and copying by the public.
     Kramer said live verbal communications are not public records. Conversations on a telephone are not public records, unless the telephone call is recorded, and then it is a public record that requires the recorded phone call to be stored, maintained and able to be inspected until the time comes when it can be disposed of in the manner allowed by law.
    As for tape recording of phone calls, Florida is an “all-party consent” state, making it illegal under Florida Statute 934.03 to record phone calls or private conversations without the consent of every participant. Violations can be prosecuted as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, in addition to potential civil lawsuits for damages.
     Audience members at the presentation on April 21 should have grasped the concept that the typical expensive cost from violating the public records law is having to pay attorney fees after they failed to comply with the law. 
     Before taking office as the state attorney for this circuit in 2021, Kramer was the executive director of that office.
     He is proud to say the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office was never sued for violating the Public Records Law when he was the executive director of that office or since he was elected as the state attorney.
     Getting sued for allegedly violating Florida Statute 119 is not a good use of the state’s resources, a judicial circuit’s resources, a water management district’s resources, a county’s resources, or any municipality’s resources, Kramer said.
     The public records do not belong to the government agency that has possession of them, Kramer said. Public records belong to the people – the public, the citizens of the state of Florida.
     As public servants, government workers create public records when they are needed, and the employees store, maintain, and distribute them, as well as to dispose of them in the manner provided by law, he said. They are the stewards of the records – not the owners.
     Kramer said workers should embrace this job of providing public records to the public, and to the press, rather than to resist it, or to be angry about it.
     Of the 130-plus employees in his office, Kramer said, the Florida Legislature funds zero positions for the duties related to public records. Yes, the state government creates unfunded mandates for many agencies.
     When his office charges the actual cost to provide public records, it accepts payment. Those payments are not returned to the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for the salaries, equipment or materials used to create public records. Instead, that money goes back to the state of Florida, Kramer said.
     Therefore, it is a complete loss when the State Attorney’s Office collects funds from public records requests. In regard to the Levy County Commission, when it charges for public records, the money goes back into the general fund.
     The State Attorney’s Office under his leadership has four employees whose job is to deal with public records requests. One of those four employees has public records duties as a singular job.
     Kramer strongly recommends public employees avoid co-mingling personal communications with agency business. For instance, an email between departments about sewer issues should not include a note from the sender to the recipient about if they want to go to lunch.
     When a person requests a copy of the email, the need to redact “the lunch comment” makes it difficult because there is no statutory exclusion specifically allowing for an employee’s bad judgment in adding personal notes in official correspondence.
     Kramer said some young lawyers in the office fail to remember not to use a personal cell phone for official business. When they do, it can create a situation where the employee must relinquish their phone for it to be reviewed completely to sort agency business messages from non-business personal messages, texts and the like.
     When do draft minutes of meetings become public records?
     Kramer said if the person creating the minutes is not working with anyone else and they are not sharing their work with anyone, then it has not become a public record. When the person passes the document to another person to review, then that draft set of minutes becomes a public record, he said.
     How fast must public records request be fulfilled?
     State law does not set a specific time limit (like 24 hours or 10 days) for complying with a public records request. Instead, the law requires that requests be acknowledged and fulfilled within a “reasonable” time, allowing only for the time necessary to locate and redact exempt information. Kramer said there is a “good faith” requirement.
     The Court will consider how long it takes for a clerk or records custodian to locate the record being sought, Kramer said. The Court will consider how long it takes for a review of statutory exemptions that allow an agency not to provide certain records.
     One excuse that a Court will not abide, Kramer said, is for an agency to claim it does not have staff to provide public records to a requesting party.
     Any attempt to intentionally frustrate a public records request will result in the Court taking action that the agency will not relish.
     When an agency is sued, that is when the staff and supervisors see if they maintained a record of the actions they took to meet a request for public records in a reasonable time.
     The first mistake some people make when they sue an agency is to skip the requirement to first give the agency five days of notice to comply with the law before the suit begins.
     A requestor can file pro se, representing themselves, or they can hire an attorney.
     This is a serious civil circuit court matter, and it will jump ahead of some other civil actions on the docket.
     In these cases, the government agency has the burden of proof to show it did not violate the law, Kramer said.
     In these cases, Kramer added, there is a simple judgement as to whether the lawsuit was wrong or right. There is no excuse that the agency staff members did not know better. The agency will just pay the attorney’s fees of the requestor who sued the agency for its failure to meet the requirement of the law if the requestor wins the lawsuit. As Kramer noted, Florida law is highly favorable to plaintiffs, allowing for attorney fees and costs if a violation is found, even if unintentional in regard to alleged public records violations.
     To download the entire 2025 Florida Government-In-The-Sunshine Manual as a PDF, click HERE. It includes many points in regard to both the public meetings aspect and the public records aspect of Florida Sunshine Laws.

Chiefland Fire Rescue battles blazes
Other agencies add to the effort

A firefighter works to extinguish a fire on April 18 in unincorporated Levy County.
Photo Provided By Chiefland Fire Rescue

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 23, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – On Saturday (April 18), Chiefland Fire Rescue (CFR), along with Cedar Key Fire Rescue (CKFR), the Florida Forest Service - Waccasassa Forestry Center (DOF), and the Levy County Department of Public Safety (aka Levy County Fire Rescue {LCFR}) responded to the area of Levy County Road 347 and Southwest Buck Trail to extinguish an outside fire, according to records.
     The 20-plus acres, located at Southwest Gators Walk and Quail Road, which is in an area generally between Tiger Island and Upper Dan May Creek, was quickly contained with fire lines and backburns, preventing nearby structures from damage, according to a report from CFR Firefighter-EMT Luke Stockman. 
     This part of unincorporated Levy County is in the Fowler’s Bluff district, according to records.


Another picture of the active part of the fire is shown here.
Photo Provided By Chiefland Fire Rescue

     Firefighters from the Florida Forest Service returned to the scene on April 19 to monitor the fire, according to records, and the fire had remained 100 percent contained.
     The units on the scene were CFR Engine 71, with Firefighter-EMT Luke Stockman; CFR Truck 71, with CFR Firefighter-Paramedic Paul McCarthy; CFR Fire 71, with CFR Chief Dwayne King; CFR Squad 71 (manned by two volunteers-Lt. Kevin Davis and Donna Davis); CKFR Tanker 75-2, CKFR Brush 75, LCFR Battalion 1; and a number of DOF bulldozers.
     The CFR was dispatched at 3:39 p.m. on April 18 and was immediately enroute, according to records. It arrived at 4:05 p.m. and cleared the fire at 8:23 p.m., according to records.
     The cause of the fire was unable to be determined, according to records.
     In part of the detailed report by CFR Firefighter-EMT Stockman, he noted “Dozer operator advised his engine compartment had a fire, he had used extinguishers to put it out.”
     CFR Firefighter-Paramedic McCarthy pulled the booster line from CF Fire 71 and overhauled the engine compartment, Stockman noted in his report. Stockman relayed to dispatch that both of the first two DOF bulldozer operators were okay and had been accounted for, he noted in his report.
     In firefighting terminology, “overhaul” (also called fire overhaul) is the systematic search for hidden fires, smoldering embers, or hot spots after the main body of the fire has been extinguished. It is one of the last steps before declaring a scene as being safe to leave.
     DOF sent more bulldozers to assist in the attack against the fire, according to records. There were no injuries or structure damage noted in the report.

Williston man
gets fed time for gun charge
Information Provided By United States Attorney’s Office
Northern District of Florida
Published April 22, 2026 at 9 a.m.
     GAINESVILLE -- Michael Theondra Mozell Jr., 32, of Williston, was sentenced to 46 months (3.8 years) in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.     “With this successful prosecution, another dangerous criminal will be kept off our streets,” United States Attorney Heekin said.
     During a traffic stop in Gainesville, a .25 caliber pistol, five grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were seized from the defendant’s vehicle. Mozell is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition as a result of his prior felony convictions for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, and possession of cocaine.  
     “This case is a testament to the skilled, proactive work of our deputies and the strong partnership we share with the U.S. Department of Justice,” Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott said. “Through coordinated efforts, a repeat violent felon who once again chose to illegally possess a firearm has been held accountable and removed from our streets. This outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to public safety and ensuring that those who pose a continued threat to our community face meaningful consequences.”
     The case involved a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the others. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal federal criminal litigators.

Convicted killer executed
Fifth man put to death
by the state in Florida in 2026

Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communications Jordan Kirkland and the reporter from The Associated Press, who was the only other media representative other than John S. Koch to witness Chadwick Willacy’s execution Tuesday night (April 21), listens to the prepared press statement of the results.

Story and Photo By John S. Koch of Independent News Service
HardisonInk.com Correspondent © April 21, 2026 at 11:30 p.m. 
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     STARKE (INS) - Chadwick Willacy, was executed Tuesday night (April 21) for robbing, beating, and setting fire to Marlys Mae Sather, a Brevard County woman, in 1990.
     One jury found Willacy guilty, and two others sentenced him to death with votes of 9 to 3 and 11 to 1. Willacy spent 36 years on Florida’s Death Row, appealing his sentence in state and federal courts.
     He continued to claim his innocence, argued that his execution was cruel and unusual punishment, and said the state withheld evidence by not providing requested public records about Florida’s execution methods.
     In his final words, Willacy again said he was innocent and hoped his death would bring peace to the victim’s family, but added, “But this is not right,” referring to his execution.
     Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communications Jordan Kirkland said the execution at Florida State Prison went without incident. Another execution is scheduled for April 30 for James Ernest Hitchcock, who was convicted of the 1976 rape and murder of his 13-year-old niece in Orange County.
     Willacy was the fifth man to be executed by the state government in Florida so far in 2026. 

Levy County extends burn ban to April 28
Information Provided
By Tacia Guthrie, Administrative Assistant II
Levy County Board of County Commissioners
Published April 21, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.
     BRONSON -- The Levy County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency due to worsening drought conditions and an increased risk of wildfire. 
     The action was first approved April 8 by resolution. County officials report that prolonged dry weather, drought indicators, and forecasted winds have created conditions where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly, threatening lives, homes, infrastructure and natural resources.
     On April 21, county officials announced the ban is now extended at least until April 28.
What the Burn Ban Means
     The following activities are prohibited throughout Levy County:
     • Burning of yard debris, trash, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, land-clearing fires, and cooking fires.
     • Any outdoor activity that creates flames or sparks, including fireworks and sparklers.
Allowed Activities (Exemptions)
     The resolution provides limited exceptions, including:
     • Cooking within an enclosed gas or charcoal grill, used according to manufacturer instructions and attended at all times by a responsible adult.
     • Agricultural, silvicultural, or land-clearing burns authorized by a valid state permit and supported by appropriate personnel and equipment.
     • Properly permitted public fireworks displays conducted by a municipality or the county with fire protection in place.
     • Emergency flares used on navigable waters.
     • Authorized firefighter training.
Enforcement
     Violating the burn ban is a second-degree misdemeanor under Florida law. In addition, anyone responsible for an illegal burn may be billed for the cost of emergency response and fire suppression. Levy County Fire Rescue will respond to suspected violations as quickly as possible and take immediate action to control or extinguish any fire.
Duration
     The local state of emergency and burn ban will remain in place for seven days unless lifted sooner, and may be extended in seven-day increments if hazardous conditions continue.  County leaders urge residents to use extreme caution, avoid activities that could spark a fire, and report concerns promptly.

Gilchrist County Fire Rescue Performs

A dash camera in a 2016 GMC Terrain SLE captures Johann Sebastian Bach’s (March 31, 1685 -July 28, 1750) Violin Concerto No. 2, a renowned three-movement Baroque concerto for solo violin, strings and continuo. The SUV driver, in the middle of vehicles facing north on U.S. Highway 129 (Main Street) in Trenton on April 20, a bit after 5 p.m., sees and hears a Gilchrist County Fire Rescue engine approaching from behind him. The fire engine passes the stopped vehicles by going into the empty lane for oncoming traffic, and turns to the east on State Road 26 (Wade Avenue) on the way to help people. Click on PHOTO to see and hear video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison © April 20, 2026 at 11:15 p.m.
All Rights Reserved

Smoke carries from neighboring counties
Dixie County starts burn ban

The graphic above is clipped from a screen shot of a weather alert. It is from MSN Weather. Microsoft MSN Weather is a weather service and application provided by Microsoft that delivers current weather conditions, forecasts, and related information for any location worldwide. Another good site for weather information via the Internet is WeatherBug (https://www.weatherbug.com/), which has a link just below the banner at the top of the Home Page of HardisonInk.com. The colors on the map above show the Tri-County Area is in an extreme fire hazard zone at this time (Monday, April 20, at 2 p.m.)

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.
* Updated April 20, 2026 at 11:30 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – The Levy County Sheriff’s Office noted on a social media platform Sunday night (April 18) at about 8 p.m. that the 9-1-1 dispatch center was receiving an inordinate amount of calls about smoke in Levy County.
     Concerned callers may have been wondering if they should start preparing to evacuate and the like.
     “Additional reports of heavy smoke are being received from other areas of the county. Levy County Emergency crews have no reports of active fires in Levy County. This smoke appears to be blowing in from surrounding counties. 
     “Heavy smoke in Bronson: Initial reports are the heavy smoke in the Bronson area is being produced by a fire in Alachua County. Emergency Crews are actively searching for any additional sources originating from unreported fires in Levy County. None have been located at this current time. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to stay inside.”
     Another note, not on a social media site but listed in an email to astronomers who were enjoying a picnic and swap meet in Chiefland this weekend, including some astronomer who were camping in tents, noted “There is a smoke and fire weather watch in place for north central Florida. If you are in a tent in Chiefland, I recommend leaving as the smoke can be unhealthy. Stay inside. In Gainesville, the air is currently unsafe to breath.”
Many Counties Have Burn Bans
     Levy County is currently still under a burn ban until April 21, when it may be extended for another seven days. Counties declare a local state of emergency and start a burn ban, which is reviewed and may be extended for seven days at a time.
     Alachua County currently has a mandatory countywide burn ban in effect, through April 24. The ban prohibits all unauthorized open burning, including campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning yard or household trash, burning construction or organic debris, and igniting fireworks.
    Gilchrist County, like Alachua County, has a burn ban in effect until April 24 currently; however, there is a likelihood that is may be extended for another seven days after that.
    Marion County starts its burn ban effective at 5 p.m. today (Monday, April 20).
    Lafayette and Columbia counties also have burn bans currently.
    * Dixie County started a seven-day burn ban today (Monday, April 20).

Suspects Jailed April 13, 2026 through April 19, 2026
Published April 20, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Suspects Jailed April 13, 2026 through April 19, 2026
Published April 20, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Suspects Jailed April 13, 2026 through April 19, 2026
Published April 20, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

LCSO and FHP catch couple who fled
Dangerous felon apprehended
Teen released to family members

Photo By LCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 10, 2026 at 11 a.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) with help from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) caught two suspected felons after a car chase that was ended by the FHP performing a PIT maneuver west of the Town of Otter Creek, according to information in an LCSO press release sent Friday Morning (April 10).     On April 8, at 2:24 a.m., LCSO Cpl. Dean MacIntyre observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign at Northeast 94th Terrace and 66th Lane, the LCSO said. MacIntyre turned in behind the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, and the driver fled in the sedan, the LCSO said.
     The vehicle went toward Bronson, ultimately turning onto State Road 24 going westbound toward Otter Creek, the LCSO said. The pursuit continued to the intersection of U.S. Highway 19 where this driver, without any regard for the safety of any other, made no attempt to stop at the stop sign and blinking red light, the LCSO said.
     The FHP joined into this pursuit and a trooper performed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) west of Otter Creek disabling the vehicle and ending the chase, the LCSO said. The occupants were ordered out of the car.
     To see and hear the 24-second FHP dashcam video of the PIT, click HERE.
      The driver was identified as Angela N. Birkholz, 42, of Port Charlotte. She told deputies she fled from law enforcement because she knew her driver’s license was not valid. She was placed under arrest, the LCSO said.
     The front seat passenger gave deputies a false name. The investigation determined he is Travis W. Merrell, 33, of Arcadia. Merrell is wanted by law enforcement in Charlotte County for multiple violent felony offenses, which may be why he attempted to conceal his identity. He, too, was arrested, the LCSO said.
     A 15-year-old was a rear seat passenger. The juvenile was taken into protective custody and later picked up by a family member, the LCSO said.
     Deputies found Merrell was in possession of methamphetamine that he attempted to destroy after the car was stopped by the FHP PIT maneuver. Merrell was charged with providing a false name to law enforcement as well as possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest by obstruction and tampering with evidence. His bond total is set at $150,000.
Birkholz was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, driving while license suspended or revoked and child neglect. Her bond was set at $110,000.
     Merrell was also booked for the outstanding Charlotte County warrants and are as follows:
     ● Aggravated assault with a firearm, bond $50,000;
     ● Discharging a firearm from a vehicle, bond $100,000;
     ● Shooting at/into and occupied vessel or conveyance, bond $100,000; and
     ● Possession of firearm by a convicted felon, bond $100,00o.
     “Thank you to the Florida Highway Patrol for their assistance in helping bring this dangerous criminal into custody,” Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum said. “This type of cooperative work is the essence of law enforcement’s commitment to the safety of our community. This was great work by our deputies and this trooper, who by the grace of God, were not injured performing this dangerous work.”

Levy County Sheriff's Office
to take over animal control
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 9, 2026 at 8 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – As part of a marathon length meeting of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday (April 7), a significant change came to fruition.
     The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is taking over animal control from what used to be done by Levy County Animal Services (LCAS).
     As part of this agreement with the County Commission, Sheriff Bobby McCallum is accepting LCAS employees who want to transfer to work with the LCSO, which will be operating out of the same refurbished location, in animal control. Those employees will need to pass a screening process as any new LCSO employee must pass. Other employees from LCAS will be provided with employment opportunities at other posts, County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper said.
     County Commission staff recommended approval of transfer of Animal Control to the sheriff, with an anticipated effective May 1.
     The change in operations will result in an increase during the Fiscal Year 2026 in appropriations to the Sheriff by $650,000.
     The $650,000 would be transferred from capital projects. The balance of the LCAS operating budget would be transferred on or before July 31.
     As noted, all current LCAS employees will have the option to apply to work for the sheriff or be transferred to another position with the Couty Commission, subject to the availability of such positions.
     All vehicles assigned to LCAS will be transferred to the LCSO pursuant to the interlocal agreement and the county’s procedures for surplus property. 
     Sheriff McCallum said he started speaking with the county about his office taking care, custody and control of animal services in Levy County back when Commissioner Mills was the chair, and he continued discussing it with Commission Chair Hodge.
     On April 7, he said he is ready to move forward with the recommendations noted by County Commission staff.
     The sheriff has inspected the facility, met with the staff, including veterinary staff there, he said.
     The LCSO is involved with law enforcement, detention, 9-1-1, and it handled more than 1,280 animal complaints in 2o25 (more than 100 animal complaint cases a month). Sheriff McCallum said LCAS has improved over the years. He plans to run a humane shelter that will be for the benefit of the people and the animals of Levy County, McCallum said.
     The sheriff said the LCSO is an accredited law enforcement agency. There is a lengthy process before an employee becomes part of the LCSO. Therefore, any LCAS employee who wants to join the LCSO will need to go through the same process as any other possible LCSO employee.
     Sheriff McCallum said he is not asking for more money at this meeting, and that the proposed fiscal element would be acceptable.
     The sheriff said there will be a need for more cameras, new locks on the doors, and more fences for security. Building construction, repair and maintenance for the structures there will be under the County Commission’s budget, the sheriff said.
      Horses, cows and other large livestock are already under the LCSO, and that will continue, McCallum said.     
     After McCallum’s opening speech, Chairman Hodge thanked the sheriff.
     All of the other commissioners commented about the issue as well.
     Some members of the public provided their comments.
     County Clerk Matt Brooks asked about the transfer of funds in certain areas, including from contingency reserves, and details related to the budget – payrolls and benefits for employees.
     May 1 is the date for the change of this operation. Brooks urged the county manager, the County Commission budget officer, and the LCSO finance staff to work closely with the Levy County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office to ensure funds are recorded and transferred judiciously.
     On a motion by Mills, seconded by Kennedy, staff have been directed to create an ordinance to provide for the LCSO to take over the duties of the LCAS, effective May 1. That passed by a 5-0 vote.
     

Murder suspect still in state hospital
Million-dollar bond
set for alleged illegal immigrant

The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Rober K. Groeb looks at case notes for one of the many cases he ruled on Wednesday (April 8).

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © April 9, 2026 at 9:15 a.m.
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     BRONSON – Kimberly Dawn Barba, 48, remains in Florida State Hospital -- a hospital and psychiatric hospital in Chattahoochee (Gadsen County).
     Barba is still ruled to be incompetent to participate in her own defense due to mental health problems, according to records.
     She remains accused of first-degree murder, as a result of her allegedly shooting to death a retired Levy County Extension 4-H educator. Barba was arrested March 14, 2024, as the suspected murderer of Brenda Sue Heberling (July 19, 1956-March 14, 2024), who was 67 when she was killed at her horse ranch in Levy County. Heberling was 67 years old when she was shot to death.
     Records at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office show Barba was released from the custody of the Levy County Jail on Dec. 18, 2025, when the State of Florida took custody of the suspected cold-blooded killer and placed her in Florida State Hospital.


This video shows the April 8 review hearing in the murder case against Kimberly Dawn Barba, where she is accused of murdering with premeditation and with a firearm, Brenda Sue Heberling (July 19, 1956-March 14, 2024. Click on PHOTO to see and hear video. This still photo is taken from video and shows Assistant State Attorney Daniel Rex Owen looking at cases he is prosecuting as the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Rober K. Groeb sets the next case review hearing for this first-degree murder case.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved


Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Arielle Screws and Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Daniel Owen are seen in Levy County Courtroom B on April 8 as they look at the many cases they will be dealing with that day, before the start of actions.


Levy County Deputy B. Ambrose is seen near a door where defendants who are coming from the jail enter the courtroom. Ambrose was joined by several other deputies in the courthouse that day as Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum provides security for everyone in the Courthouse. There were several felony criminal cases dealt with on April 9 in Levy County Courtroom B. This bailiff let people know to turn off their cell phones and that no food or drink was allowed in the courtroom. One person who was involved with a case early in the set of felony criminal cases that day failed to show proper decorum as he left the courtroom and walked down the hallway yelling about his displeasure with a bond not being reduced by the judge as much as he wanted for his son, a defendant charged with grand theft auto and dealing in stolen property.

     On Wednesday morning (April 8), the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Rober K. Groeb ordered another review hearing to be conducted in Levy County regarding the competency of Barba to stand trial. This next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. The judge also granted Grant's request to "appear" in court via Zoom. 
     Barba’s defense attorney William John Grant of Grant Law Partners of Inverness (Citrus County), “appeared” in Courtroom B via Zoom from his office on that morning. Barba was not to be seen. Also on the Zoom meeting were Barba’s mother and father, who were in a conference room at Grant’s office – about 15 feet from where he was broadcasting.
     During the hearing, Judge Groeb asked attorney Grant, “Where are we at?”
     His client maintains her level of incompetency to be tried, Grant said. The hospital will continue Barba’s care, Grant said.
     Barba could regain an ability to be competent in six to 12 months, Grant said the hospital reported.
     Grant said he is grateful to the State of Florida to have received this report that he saw two days ago -- on April 6.
     Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Daniel Rex Owen is prosecuting this case.
     Before Judge Groeb was presiding over this case, the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge William E. Davis had this among those on his docket for 14 different court appearances in the Barba case.
Other Actions
     Among the many other criminal felony cases where Judge Groeb ruled on April 8, defendant Amar Lamar Barnwell, 35, of Gainesville sought a bond reduction from his $675,000 combined bail bond amount on the charges of selling cocaine, selling methamphetamine, using a two-way communication device to facilitate the commission of a felony, and possession of a structure of vehicle as a known place to sell drugs.
     Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Public Defender Emily A. Llerena sought to reduce the bond to $150,000.
     Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Owen spoke about an extensive criminal record for Barnwell, including completed state prison sentences.
     The judge recited facts in the record of this defendant and then said the $675,000 bond remains intact.
     Among the change of plea actions, a defendant heard what she may consider as good news.
     In regard to Amanda Maria Wilkerson, 44, of Bronson, the judge accepted her plea of “no contest” to the charge of passing a counterfeited bank bill, check, draft or note. Wilkerson had been booked into the Levy County Jail on March 18, according to records.
     The judge ruled that if Wilkerson completes a two-year probation sentence, then he will withhold an adjudication of guilt from Wilkerson. This means she would not have a felony conviction. If, however, she violates any condition of her two-year probation and is convicted of that, then the adjudication of guilt for this felony will be applied to her record.
     Among the conditions of probation are that she is banned from entering or being on the property of ALL Dollar General Stores, not just the one in Bronson. She must not drink any alcoholic beverages or use illegal drugs. She will be tested randomly to determine if she has used alcohol or other drugs. She must pay all court costs and costs for probation. She must be gainfully employed or prove to her probation officer that she has applied to at least a certain number of jobs every week until she becomes employed.
     Wilkerson's defense attorney Susan Ward needed to speak with Wilkerson because the plea-negotiated agreement the defendant thought was being offered was to be “trespassed” only from shopping in the Dollar General Store in Bronson.
     Judge Groeb explained that given the charge, he was imposing a two-year probationary sentence to not be allowed for Wilkerson to shop in any Dollar General Store – anywhere. If the defendant did not accept that condition, then this felony case would be put on the calendar for trial, the judge explained to the defendant.
     Wilkerson agreed to that condition as well as recognizing all of the terms of this plea-negotiated agreement. 
     A different defendant found a bail reduction hearing led to his bail being increased.
     One man who the state determined was in the United States illegally had his state charges delayed until that issue was resolved. The judge imposed a $1 million bail and said that bail cannot be paid for 30 days, meaning there is no bail for that defendant for 30 days.
     Another defendant had his bail reduced from $50,500 to $50,000, according to records and actions in the courtroom on Wednesday morning.
     Andrew James Campbell, 42, of the Town of Otter Creek is charged with possession of drugs, grand theft of a vehicle and dealing in stolen property.
     The defendant’s father spoke to the judge, and the man cried as he addressed the Court from a lectern in the courtroom. The father said he is dying, and while he does not fear death, he is torn by the grief of thinking he will not be able to visit with his son before his pending death arrives and his son is still in custody in the county jail or in the state prison system.
     Despite the judge reducing bail, the man’s father cussed loudly as he went through the exit door of the courtroom and walked down the hallway away from the courtroom. The man who proclaimed in court that he is dying, cursed loudly as he spoke about people in "coats and ties" in an extremely disrespectful manner.
     A bailiff exited the courtoom and approached the man down the hallway and spoke to him about his behavior. A visiting journalist who was in close proximity as those two men left the courtroom at the same time, going around a corner in the hallway and leaving the courtroom, essentially ignoring the man who reported his impending death as well as loudly expressing his dissatisfaction with the ruling regarding the reduction of his son’s bail amount.
     To see the March 14, 2024 story, photos and video from the story titled 3 women – 1 dead, 1 wounded, 1 arrested; Suspected killer identified (Updated); ShandsCair 1 launches from Fowler’s Bluff (Video), click HERE. 
     To see the March 18, 2024 story titled Murder victim identified as Brenda Heberling, click HERE.
     To see the Sept. 3, 2025 story, photos and video Court contends with competency conundrum; Murder suspect sees case continuing, click HERE.
     To see the Feb. 18, 2026 story, photos and video Murder suspect still hospitalized, click HERE.