Law Enforcement/Courts

Special to The News

Wakulla Sheriff Charlie Creel recognized four members of his staff and three members of the public for their contributions to making Wakulla County a better place to live.
The annual Law Appreciation Day was held Thursday, May 9 with a luncheon at the Wakulla Shrine Club where Sheriff Creel presented the awards.

ROB GIDDENS IS LAW OFFICER OF THE YEAR

On May 6, Detective Matt Helms recovered a firearm stolen from Wakulla County in 1993. A special agent for the U.S. Secret Service revealed that a search warrant was executed at a Tallahassee residence on March 8, 2013 and the firearm was recovered.
Once the firearm was recovered a computer background check revealed that the .44 caliber revolver was stolen from the Triangle Pawn Shop in Crawfordville and Otho Leroy Lyles on Feb. 15, 1993. The individual who was in possession of the Lyles weapon prior to the execution of the search warrant was found to be deceased.

On April 21, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigated a hunting accident that occurred in Wakulla County. Stephen Porter of Sopchoppy was mistaken for a turkey by fellow hunter James Harrell. Harrell shot Porter in the head and neck area. Porter was reported in stable condition at a Tallahassee hospital and the FWC investigation continues.
In other activity reported by the sheriff’s office this week:

APRIL 18

Special to The News

Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 29-year-old Crawfordville man Thursday, April 11 in connection with a felony narcotics violation following a traffic stop on Woodville Highway, according to Sheriff Charlie Creel.
Shane Alan Shappard was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of narcotics equipment after deputies spotted him driving a motor vehicle at 70 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.