Wakulla County Sheriff's Office investigators and firefighters responded
to a Medart residential fire that created $35,000 worth of damage on
Tuesday, May 26, according to Sheriff David Harvey.

However, the fast action of the emergency officials saved the property
owner from much more extensive damage, according to investigators.
Jeffrey L. Webb of Medart, a renter at the home, contacted law enforcement
of the blaze and Deputy Mike Helms and Lt. Jimmy Sessor responded to
Emmett Whaley Road.

A shed had caught fire and was threatening the residential structure. The
shed fire spread to the back of the home despite efforts by Deputy Helms
to use a garden hose to keep the fire limited to the shed. Wakulla County
Firefighters put out the blaze a short time later.

Firefighters believe the fire started at a dryer with worn or faulty
wiring in the shed. The blaze has been ruled accidental. The homeowner is
Brad Harvey of Crawfordville.

In other activity reported by the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office during
the past week:

• On May 26, Phillip Lee Highsmith of Crawfordville reported a vehicle
burglary off Shadeville Road. Two vehicles at his business were
burglarized. Radio equipment was reported stolen. Sgt. John Zarate and Lt.
Pat Smith investigated.
• On May 26, Johnas B. Gray of Crawfordville reported a credit card fraud.
The victim reported 19 bogus charges on his credit card in Leon and
Gadsden counties with a total value of $871. Deputy Nick Petowsky
investigated.
• On May 26, Edward Alan Brock of Crawfordville reported a theft of an
iPod and iPod adapter from his vehicle. The property is valued at $475.
Sgt. John Zarate investigated.
• On May 27, Deana L. Oaks of Crawfordville reported a credit card fraud
as someone charged three purchases to her account. The value of the bogus
charges is $300. Lt. Ray Johnson investigated.
• On May 27, Sara L. Weaver of Crawfordville reported a criminal mischief.
A door light at the victim's home was damaged. It was valued at $100.
Deputy Ben Steinle investigated.
• On May 27, Edward Goodman of Sopchoppy reported a burglary and criminal
mischief at his home. Laundry detergent was poured on his porch. Deputy
Nick Boutwell investigated.
• On May 24, Silas K. Crum of the Wakulla County Road Department reported
a criminal mischief as someone damaged road signs at Whitlock Way in
Crawfordville. The signs were run over by a large truck. The three damaged
signs are valued at $150. Deputy Scott Powell investigated.
• On May 25 Charles G. Shockley of Tallahassee reported a boat theft in
Ochlockonee Bay. The jon boat was stolen from the victim's beach house.
The boat is valued at $1,000 and entered in the NCIC/FCIC computer. Deputy
Lorne Whaley investigated.
• On May 22, Michael E. Nalley of Crawfordville reported a criminal
mischief as two vehicles tires were slashed while he was at a local bar.
Damage was estimated at $158. A suspect was identified. Lt. Ray Johnson
investigated.
• On May 22, Brenda Hicks of Petty's BP in Crawfordville reported a gas
drive off. A suspect, who has been identified, drove off without paying
for $10 worth of gasoline. Deputy Lorne Whaley investigated.
• On May 22, Jessie H. Manning of Crawfordville reported a criminal
mischief as juveniles damaged a Talquin Electric utility light. Damage was
estimated at $50. The light was damaged by a BB gun. Deputy Lorne Whaley
investigated.
• On May 22, Nancy D. Speigner of Crawfordville reported a debit card
fraud as someone used the card at a Pizza Hut in the United Kingdom. The
charge was $42. Deputy Jeremy Johnston investigated.
• On May 28, a search was conducted at a jail inmate's quarters and
officials discovered powdered ink used for tattoos. Jonathan Storme
Dimore, 18, of Tallahassee was charged with introduction of contraband
into a detention facility. The suspect allegedly traded tattoos for
commissary services. Captain Steve Ganey investigated along with several
members of the corrections staff.
• On May 28, Kayla A. Davis of Crawfordville reported a fraud as an
Internet operation from which she was seeking a job, sent her a bogus
check in the amount of $2,382. The suspect asked the victim to wire some
of the check back to him. After doing so, she noticed a negative balance
in her bank account. Lt. Ray Johnson investigated.
• On May 28, William T. Gaupin of Crawfordville reported a theft of ice
and a large plastic tote used to haul ice from the marina at Shell Point.
The value of the stolen items was $30. Sgt. Eddie Wester invesitgated.
• On May 29, Jimmie L. Colvin of Crawfordville reported a theft of two
chainsaws, valued at $75. The items were taken from the victim's shed. Lt.
Jimmy Sessor investigated.
• On May 30, George H. Stripling of Panacea reported the theft of a
bicycle from his home. The bike is valued at $50. Deputy Ruel Raker
investigated.
• On May 30, Thadeus B. Jones of Crawfordville reported a theft as someone
stole a fishing reel and anchor, valued at $60. The property was taken
from a boat in his yard. Deputy Ruel Raker investigated.

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office received 700 calls for service
during the past week.

Note to our readers: The people who are reported as charged with crimes in
this column have not yet been to trial and are therefore innocent until
proven guilty.