Law Enforcement/Courts

On Feb. 2, Deputy Cole Wells observed a motorist fail to stop at a stop sign at Ashley Hall Road and County Line Road. The deputy followed the motorist and observed driving patterns that were consistent with an impaired driver. The driver refused to stop despite slowing down at several other locations. Eventually the driver stopped at Finner Road and N.N. Road and a passenger got out of the vehicle.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
editor@thewakullanews.net

A Crawfordville man was found guilty of sexual battery in a one-day trial last week and was immediately sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Willie Melton, AGE, claimed at his trial on Thursday, Feb. 2, that the sex with the woman was consensual – and that he had hooked up with the woman for sex a few times in the past in exchange for money and beer.

On Jan. 19, a concerned citizen picked up a pedestrian in Sopchoppy after the woman, who was struggling to maintain her balance, fell down near traffic on U.S. Highway 319. Deputy Cole Wells unsuccessfully attempted to find her a ride back to Franklin County after she attended a local funeral. But when nobody agreed to transport Marjorie Louise Boozer, 50, of Carrabelle she was charged with battery on a law officer. Boozer kicked and struck Deputy Wells while he attempted to transport her to Tallahassee. He transported her to jail instead.

On Jan. 12, a retail theft was reported at Wal-Mart  after a store loss prevention officer allegedly observed Timothy P. Work, 23, of Medina, Ohio, conceal food under his clothing as well as in a backpack. The suspect was detained at the exit and was found to have $65 worth of Wal-Mart property on his person. The items included food, a tent and the backpack and the suspect was arrested for retail theft. Deputy Mike Crum investigated.
In other activity reported by the sheriff’s office this week: