Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Employees, Volunteers Honored at 2024 Third and Fourth Awards Ceremony

By-Line: Joseph Bober, FCSO

Employees who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to save strangers solved lengthy investigations resulting in arrests, and worked tirelessly during hurricanes are among those who were honored during the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s 2024 Third and Fourth Quarter Awards Ceremony held on January 9, 2025, at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Operations Center.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly awarded several Life-Saving Awards to employees for their roles in saving the lives of others. Sheriff Staly also awarded the Merit Award, Unit Citations, Certificates of Commendation and Appreciation, and other awards to employees and volunteers as part of the ceremony.

“Please join me in thanking all of these dedicated employees and volunteers who truly went above and beyond the call of duty,” said Sheriff Staly. “I am honored to lead this incredible team made up of so many who serve every day to protect the citizens of Flagler County.”

Six employees received Employee of the Month recognition, while 16 others were recognized for reaching years of service milestones from five to 30 years.

In addition, Sheriff Staly presented an award to a 7-year-old boy who demonstrated calmness and bravery when dealing with first responders on multiple occasions after his great-grandmother and mother experienced medical emergencies.

Below is a summary of each award winner and why they received an award.

MERIT AWARD – Deputy Rob Myers

On July 9, 2024, Deputy Rob Myers responded to a call where a 22-year-old female had barricaded herself in her bedroom with a kitchen knife, threatening to kill herself. Deputy Myers made verbal contact with the female, who refused to exit the bedroom while making threats to harm herself. After hearing sounds of possible distress, Deputy Myers forced entry into the bedroom to find the female in a kneeling position with a large kitchen knife blade pressing into her stomach. Deputy Myers again attempted to talk the female into dropping the knife. Again, she refused, raising the knife in an overhanded position with the blade facing outwards demanding he leave her alone. Deputy Myers backed away, at which time the female turned the knife back towards herself. Deputy Myers then approached the female and successfully wrestled the knife away from her without injury to her or himself. Deputy Myers’s quick and precise actions resolved this incident without injury to any persons involved.

LIFE SAVING AWARD – Communications Supervisor Josie Gammon

On July 16, 2024, Communications Supervisor Josie Gammon answered a 9-1-1 call from a mother advising that her 15-year-old son was experiencing kidney failure and was not breathing. Gammon provided CPR instructions, which were followed by a male who was also on the scene. After a few compressions, the callers told Josie that the juvenile started breathing again, but his mouth was full of foam. Gammon continued with pre-arrival instructions and instructed the callers to roll the child to ensure that he wouldn’t choke. Gammon remained on the line to help monitor the juvenile’s breathing until units arrived on the scene. The juvenile was transported to the hospital by emergency medical services.

LIFE-SAVING AWARD – Deputy First Class Bryan Carter; Deputies Jonathan Schmidt, Christopher Murphy

On August 13, 2024, deputies responded to the Interstate 95 overpass on Palm Coast Parkway due to an adult male standing on the outside of the protective barrier threatening to jump off the bridge into traffic. While I-95 and Palm Coast Parkway were shut down, deputies were able to build a rapport with the male which calmed him down. The male agreed to come off the bridge but stated he was too tired to climb back around and would need assistance. Palm Coast Fire Department Tower Truck 24 was called to assist. Deputies Jonathan Schmidt and Christopher Murphy held onto the male through the fence until the truck arrived. Once the truck arrived, Deputy First Class Bryan Carter went up in the tower bucket to retrieve him. Approximately one hour after the call was dispatched, the male was safely on the ground and taken into custody.

LIFE-SAVING AWARD – Corporal J Gibson Smith, Deputy Nicholas Huzior, Communications Specialist First Class Danielle Brown

On September 10, 2024, a citizen called 9-1-1 after his girlfriend suddenly stopped breathing. Communications Specialist First Class Danielle Brown quickly instructed the caller that CPR needed to be started and guided him through the proper pre-arrival instructions for the duration of the call until deputies arrived on the scene. Once Deputy Nicholas Huzior and Corporal J Gibson Smith arrived, they took over the CPR compressions for several minutes until EMS arrived. The patient was able to regain spontaneous circulation and was transported to the hospital for further care.

LIFE-SAVING AWARD – Communications Specialist Whitney Zuazua

On August 19, 2024, Communications Specialist Whitney Zuazua took a 9-1-1 call from a male reporting that his friend collapsed while playing tennis and was not breathing. Zuazua reassured the caller that the ambulance was on the way but advised that CPR needed to be started immediately. Zuazua walked the caller through multiple rounds of CPR until units arrived on the scene to take over. Before the patient was transported, EMS advised that the patient had regained breathing, and he was transported to the hospital. Because of Zuazua’s quick response, the male is alive today.

LIFE-SAVING AWARD – Deputies Lauren Liptak, Aaron Clay, Necole Marsan

On September 20, 2024, Deputy Lauren Liptak was traveling southbound on Belle Terre Parkway when she observed a car swerving in between lanes before abruptly running off the roadway and coming to a stop. Deputy Liptak positioned herself behind the vehicle and observed the driver with his head slouched back in the driver’s seat. When she approached the vehicle, she observed the driver’s eyes beginning to roll back, leading her to believe he was overdosing. She administered a dose of naloxone, and he began waking up but was still unresponsive. Deputies Aaron Clay and Nicole Marsan arrived on the scene and removed the driver from the vehicle. Deputy Marsan administered CPR and Deputy Clay administered a second dose of naloxone, at which point he slowly began to respond. Flagler County Fire Rescue then arrived and transported him to a hospital.

LIFE-SAVING AWARD – Sergeant Gabe Fuentes, Deputy Mark Rexford

On November 7, 2024, Sergeant Gabe Fuentes conducted a traffic stop in Bunnell after observing a vehicle driving erratically. When Sergeant Fuentes approached the vehicle, he observed the driver was unresponsive and appeared to be suffering from an unknown medical episode. The vehicle was still mobile at the time, so Deputy Mark Rexford utilized his agency-issued Shatterballs to break a window to gain entry to the vehicle and get the driver medical attention. Sergeant Fuentes and Deputy Rexford were able to remove the driver from the vehicle and get her medical treatment. Due to Sergeant Fuentes’s and Deputy Rexford’s fast actions, they were able to demobilize the vehicle and get the driver critical medical attention, ultimately saving her life.

LIFE-SAVING AWARD – Sergeant Paul DeSousa

On November 26, 2024, Sergeant Paul DeSousa was vacationing with his family at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, when he became aware that a 4-to-5-year-old juvenile was not breathing. The parents of the juvenile believed the child was choking and were attempting the Heimlich maneuver. Sergeant DeSousa identified the need for trained medical aid and therefore took over. He evaluated the juvenile and determined that he was not choking but was having another unknown medical issue. Sergeant DeSousa began CPR and continued until EMS arrived. The child began breathing again under Sergeant DeSousa’s care and there is no doubt his actions saved the child’s life.

UNIT CITATION – Detective First Class Diego Morales; Deputy First Class Philip Kotowski; Deputies Aaron Beausoleil, Anthony Bifano

On July 22, 2024, deputies responded to a vehicle burglary where multiple items were stolen from the open bed of a pickup truck. Video surveillance and a witness provided information that identified a suspect and suspect vehicle. Later that day, through investigative means, deputies were alerted to the location of the suspect vehicle. Deputy First Class Philip Kotowski and Deputy Aaron Beausoleil located the occupied suspect vehicle and contacted its occupants. Deputy First Class Kotowski obtained a post-Miranda confession to the criminal offenses. Two suspects were arrested in the burglary incident, as well as possession of narcotics. Detective First Class Diego Morales assisted with follow-up in the investigation, locating the pawned stolen items and assisting the victim with the recovery process.

UNIT CITATION – Commander Joe Barile; Sergeants George Hristakopoulos, Shane Meehan, Agustin Rodriguez, Daniel Weaver; Corporals Bryan Denker, Chris Santoianni; Master Detectives Darrell Butler, James Crosbie, Daniel LaVerne, Daniel Malta; Master Deputy Marcus Dawson; Detectives First Class Kathryn Gordon, Adam Gossett, Mark Moy, Omar Ocampo; Detectives Laura Broomfield, Joseph Costello, Austin Dalrymple, Sierra Held, Sarah Scalia, Shannon Smith, Jordan St. John; Deputies Chris Alecrim, Aaron Beausoleil, Adam Bergman, John Landi, Lauren Liptak, Kyle Manka, Hayleigh Prentiss, Olivia Schrager, Robin Towns; Communications Specialist First Class Tina Eddy; Communications Specialist Lindsey Stanford; Crime Scene Investigators Savannah MacLellan, Gabriella Massa; Digital Forensics Analyst Ebony Watson; Real Time Crime Center Analysts Taylor Cousin, Victoria Hanlin

In November 2023, Sheriff Staly tasked the Agency with putting together a sting operation targeting child predators. The purpose of the operation, called Operation Heartbreaker 2, was to identify and arrest adults who prey on juveniles for sex and human trafficking.

The Major Case Unit was ultimately assigned as the lead unit within the Agency to spearhead this operation. An operation of this magnitude requires many people and assets to plan and execute a successful event and as a result of their efforts, Operation Heartbreaker 2 netted 27 chats with people who knew they were speaking with minors ages 14 and under. Twelve suspects were identified, four were arrested, and two vehicles and over $11,000 were seized for forfeiture. All involved are to be commended for their extraordinary achievement in accomplishing this specific mission.

UNIT CITATION – Sergeant Agustin Rodriguez; Corporals Bryan Denker, and Mark Moy; Detective First Class Joseph O’Barr; RTCC Manager Nikki North; RTCC Analyst Victoria Hanlin

On May 14, 2024, the FCSO Communications Center received a bomb threat towards Buddy Taylor Middle School. Following that initial threat, 20 additional bomb or shooting threats were made toward Buddy Taylor and four other Flagler County schools between May 14 and May 22. The calls were placed to the FCSO Communications Center, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center, and the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center in Nebraska. In each call, the caller made claims that a bomb or bombs had been placed, threatened to commit a mass shooting, or stated that they had just shot a teacher, student, or multiple people.

Through investigative means, Detective First Class Joseph O’Barr and the Criminal Intelligence Unit uncovered the caller’s identity as an 11-year-old from Virginia. Working with the Henrico County Police Division, a search warrant was served at the residence. Detectives interviewed the suspect, as well as other members of his family. The suspect admitted to placing the calls threatening Flagler County schools, as well as a threat made to the Maryland State House. He stated he used methods he had learned online to circumvent law enforcement and hide his identity. He also stated that he devised the script he used for his calls and acted alone.

The FCSO Digital Forensics Unit conducted digital autopsies on electronics that were seized and located forensic evidence that corroborated the investigative techniques used to identify and locate the suspect. During the search, evidence was found that the suspect had made similar calls throughout Florida and other parts of the country.

On July 18, 2024, FCSO detectives obtained an “Order to Take Juvenile into Custody” and the suspect was arrested for 14 felony counts of False Report Concerning the Planting of a Bomb, 14 felony counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device, one felony count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, and 14 misdemeanor counts of Disrupting a School Function. All involved are to be commended for their extraordinary achievement in their accomplishments.

UNIT CITATION – Commander Robert Tarczewski; Corporal Billy Lowe; Master Deputy Kyle Gaddie; Deputy First Class Dominic Quintieri; Deputies Maxwell Dorsey, Robert Finn, Christian Harrison, Nicholas Huzior, Jonathan Kusek, Brayden Lohse, Vincent Mistretta, Jason Patel; Communications Specialist Lindsey Stanford

Master Deputy Kyle Gaddie attempted to conduct a traffic stop involving three pedestrians that he believed to be conducting a “hand-to-hand” narcotics transaction. As Master Deputy Gaddie approached the subjects, they began to walk away from him, ignoring his command to stop. When Deputy Huzior Nicholas activated his emergency lights, one subject stopped, while the two others ran into a nearby apartment.

The first subject advised Master Deputy Gaddie he did not know the other two subjects. Master Deputy Gaddie asked if he knew who lived at the address they ran into, and he advised it was his apartment, and nobody had permission to enter it. Deputies then established a perimeter around the residence.

After deputies received consent to enter the residence, they discovered that the front door was barricaded. Deputy Maxwell Dorsey responded with a large ram and entry was attempted through the back door, which was also barricaded. The subjects inside conversed with deputies and both were instructed to exit through the front door. Both subjects complied and were arrested for Burglary and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

While checking the residence, deputies located numerous small packages of cannabis, which were individually packaged for sale, located in between the cushions of a couch that had been used to barricade the front door. Another small baggie of an unknown substance, which was presumed to be fentanyl, was located on the floor of the residence.

UNIT CITATION – Sergeant George Hristakopoulos; Corporals Michael Breckwoldt, Bryan Denker; Master Detectives Darrell Butler, James Crosbie, Daniel LaVerne; Detectives First Class Kathryn Gordon, Adam Gossett, Joseph O’Barr, Omar Ocampo; Detectives Lauren Broomfield, Stacy Kusek

In June 2023, the FCSO Major Case Unit launched an investigation into a suspect following multiple allegations of sex offenses. Detectives dedicated hundreds of hours over 15 months to thoroughly investigate the claims against him. As a result of this investigation, which was aided by the Special Investigations Unit and the Intelligence Unit, the Major Case Unit obtained an arrest warrant for him. He was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation involving a victim under the age of 12, which is a life felony with no bond issued.

UNIT CITATION – Commander Jonathan Dopp; Sergeant Paul Kandour; Corporal Bryan Denker; Master Deputies Marcus Dawson, Edward Faircloth, Bryan Jackson, Mike Spinelli; Detectives First Class Kathryn Gordon, Adam Gossett; Deputy First Class Branden Hartley; Detective Sierra Held; Deputies Blake Colson, Richard Stanford, Robin Towns, Jonathan Zalak

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Taylor County, located in Florida’s Big Bend Region, as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 mph. Hurricane Helene brought a record-setting storm surge to Taylor County as well as a complete power outage. Taylor County officials estimated that around 250–300 homes on the coastline were destroyed or uninhabitable, with a minimum of $50 million in damages.

The FCSO Emergency Response Team was called upon and immediately went into action. Their swift response, unwavering commitment, and invaluable assistance to the affected community made a significant difference in recovery efforts. The ERT’s expertise in disaster relief operations, coupled with specialized equipment and training proved to be instrumental in addressing the immediate needs of the community. The team worked long hours in challenging conditions, often putting their safety at risk to ensure the well-being of others. The team returned to Flagler County with little-to-no breaks as our community prepared for and dealt with another major hurricane, Hurricane Milton, and once again the ERT was instrumental in pre-storm and post-storm operations.

UNIT CITATION – Sergeant James Miley; Communications Training and Relief Supervisor Genice Caccavale; Communications Supervisors Jay Aldridge, Lisa Nesbitt, Heather Robinson; Communications Specialists First Class Danielle Brown, Tina Eddy, Ashlie Hicks, Stephanie Mayberry, Stephen Watkins; Communications Specialists George Lilly, Lucas Santos, Grace Schweikert, Lindsey Stanford, Whitney Zuazua; Call Taker Anjelica Quiroga-Joya; Palm Coast Fire Department Battalion Chief Jennifer Fiveash

On October 12, 2024, during Hurricane Milton, the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center experienced a total power outage affecting all 9-1-1 operations. During the outage, Communications Supervisors Jay Aldridge and Heather Robinson made split-second decisions ensuring required notifications, ordering employee evacuations, and devising alternative methods to communicate.

Everyone who was working during this incident jumped into action to do everything they could to ensure calls were handled and dispatched appropriately, but they also had to evacuate to alternative locations, which was difficult due to the hurricane and impassable roads. When the Agency’s computer-aided dispatch system eventually came back online, all calls previously received needed to be inputted into the system. During the event, Sergeant James Miley offered his assistance and escorted the dispatchers who were going to the backup center to ensure they arrived safely. Additionally, Sergeant Miley assisted with dispatching calls that were being received by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, who assisted during the outage. When he was notified of a call, he would dispatch available units, because dispatch didn’t have any access to computers. Also, upon receiving notification from dispatch that power had been lost, Palm Coast Fire Department Battalion Chief Jennifer Fiveash immediately stepped up to offer her assistance on the fire channel. Throughout the incident, she maintained radio communication with the team, ensuring that incoming calls were relayed, and appropriate crews were dispatched.

Despite all the complications and challenges faced, the team worked effortlessly together to ensure operations continued to run with the limited resources they had available.

UNIT CITATION – Citizen Observer Patrol Chief Roberson Brown Jr.; COP Commanders, Robert Millett, and Jim Zimmerman; COP Corporals Richard Bellebuono, Anthony Carcich, Edward Walsh; COPs Marc Friedman, William Goodhue, Jay Ogden, Arthur Tyler

In October 2024, members of the FCSO Citizen Observer Patrol Unit assisted with security and traffic control details related to the Hurricane Milton response. Members assisted with sandbag distribution and efficient traffic flow at community points of distribution, helping ensure that citizens most impacted by Hurricane Milton received necessary aid after the storm passed. Despite their volunteer status, these members stepped up to assist in our community’s time of need, putting service over self.

UNIT CITATION – Sergeant Daniel Weaver; Corporals Bryan Denker, Seth Green, Chris Santioanni; Master Detective Daniel Malta; Master Deputy Kyle Gaddie; Detectives First Class Joseph O’Barr, Omar Ocampo; Detectives Austin Dalrymple, Shannon Smith; Deputy Maxwell Dorsey; RTCC Manager Nikki North; RTCC Analysts Taylor Cousin, Victoria Hanlin

The FCSO SIU conducted a 10-month investigation, known as Operation Silent Night, resulting in over 20 undercover operations in which large amounts of narcotics, cash, and firearms were seized. The investigation resulted in 12 arrests for various narcotics charges including sale and trafficking. SIU, the Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit, and the RTCC diligently worked to locate all subjects through various investigative techniques. In a collaborative effort, all subjects’ locations were verified before the warrant sweep, which was the main factor in locating all 12 wanted subjects.

Each unit demonstrated exceptional knowledge and professionalism during their investigation. During the booking process of each subject, the Intelligence Unit conducted thorough interviews with each subject, collecting vital information for SIU and PACE. SIU is following up on the intelligence gathered, and new investigations are ongoing.

UNIT CITATION – Mary Lou Adams, Rick Adams, Maddie Carlin, Johanna Davis, James Grierson, Stephanie Kornacki, Melodye Lewis, Heather McGuire, Lucas Strickland, Randy Stroud, Kathy Weeks Donna Williams

The FCSO Mounted Posse Unit is made up of volunteers who use their horses for Sheriff’s Office duties, including parade details and various community events. In 2024, Sheriff Staly rode with members of the Mounted Posse Unit in four parades across Bunnell, Flagler Beach, and Palm Coast. These volunteers selflessly devote their time to aiding FCSO in community efforts throughout the year, often on weekends or holidays, and are a valuable part of FCSO’s visual presence in the community.

DISTINCT SERVICE CERTIFICATE – RTCC Manager Nikki North

RTCC Manager Nikki North was one of the original founding members of the National Real Time Crime Center Association in March 2022. In the first year, the NRTCCA had approximately 150 members. In less than three years, it has grown to almost 1,500 members. At the Association’s second annual conference in August 2024, there were over 950 attendees representing over 300 agencies and approximately 50 sponsors. North served as the vice president of administration from March 2022 to December 2023 and president from January 2024 to December 2024. She has dedicated a lot of time and work to assist in building the NRTCCA partnerships, which has increased its membership by ten times in under three years.

CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Sergeant Shane Meehan; Corporal Adam Barkoskie; Deputies Dennis King, John Landi, Troy Magnuson

On March 28, 2024, a juvenile victim approached Matanzas School Resource Deputy Dennis King and disclosed that she had been stalked by an older male at her bus stop for over a month, with some of the encounters resulting in physical touching. SRD King relayed that information to Corporal Adam Barkoskie, who began an investigation.

The suspect had a lengthy criminal history, which included Second Degree Murder. Corporal Barkoskie and Deputy Troy Magnuson conducted an interview with the suspect, which resulted in his arrest and transportation to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. The suspect was held at first appearance with no bond after being charged with Aggravated Stalking of a Victim under 16 and Child Abuse.

For the next several weeks, deputies conducted additional follow-ups in the investigation. Corporal Barkoskie canvased approximately 2 miles of the neighborhood on foot, identifying more witnesses and finding video evidence. SRD King and SRD John Landi identified that the suspect’s children were not even associated with the bus stop that the victim uses, making it more frightening that the suspect was at this location. During the investigation, Corporal Barkoskie located a past injunction and case report with a 15-year-old victim under similar circumstances from October 2016 showing a pattern to the suspect’s behavior.

A pre-trial detention hearing took place where Corporal Barkoskie testified on the facts of the case which resulted in the judge holding the suspect in custody from his arrest on March 28, 2024, until his trial on June 24, 2024. During the trial, the suspect pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to the Department of Corrections followed by a lengthy probation sentence which prevents future contact or involvement with juveniles. All involved displayed superior initiative, conscientiousness, determination, and thoroughness in the performance of their duties while vigorously seeking justice for a vulnerable juvenile victim from a violent career criminal.

CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Communications Supervisors Jay Aldridge and Heather Robinson

On October 12, 2024, during Hurricane Milton, the Flagler County EOC experienced a complete power outage due to generator issues. During the outage, Communications Supervisors Jay Alridge and Heather Robinson were the supervisors on duty and led the team with composure, coordination, and quick decision-making despite the challenges they faced. Together, Aldridge and Robinson spearheaded evacuation efforts ensuring the safety of personnel and minimal operational interruptions. Their innovative problem-solving and adaptability ensured that the community continued to receive critical services during the crisis. Their ability to maintain operational integrity under such challenging circumstances is a testament to their professionalism and commitment to public safety.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Deputy Alex Wolfe

On August 3, 2024, Deputy Alex Wolfe conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle that he observed parked behind a closed business with no headlights on. During a probable cause search, 770.75 grams of marijuana, 11 one-ounce jars of hashish, and $22,535 in cash were found in the vehicle. The driver and passenger were placed under arrest for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Hashish, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Loitering or Prowling.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Deputies Maxwell Dorsey, Troy Magnuson

On July 2, 2024, Deputy Maxwell Dorsey was conducting proactive patrol along Interstate 95. Upon initiating a traffic stop on a vehicle, Deputy Dorsey detected the strong odor of burnt marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Deputies Dorsey and Troy Magnuson, who arrived for assistance, conducted a probable cause search, during which cocaine and marijuana were located within the passenger’s shoe. The driver had $912.45, with most of the bills being in $20 denominations. The driver was unable to provide any bank account information or proof of employment to account for the monies. After reviewing the Axon passenger compartment camera, the driver made several statements that proved he had knowledge of the narcotics within the vehicle and that he wanted the passenger to take ownership of the narcotics on his behalf. The driver and passenger were arrested, and the vehicle and cash were seized under asset forfeiture.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Detective First Class John Hill

In August 2021, FCSO initiated an investigation into the owner of a local tax service company, in reference to an organized scheme to defraud. Over 100 complaints were received, encompassing a variety of methods of fraud, which typically involved taking money from clients to pay their personal or business income taxes, but never remitting payment to the Internal Revenue Service.

After a year-long investigation which involved reviewing a variety of complex financial records, Detective First Class John Hill was able to obtain an arrest warrant charging the suspect with 10 felonies. The U.S. Marshals Service was able to locate and arrest the suspect in Nevada because of Detective First Class Hill’s efforts.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Deputies Troy Ferland, Christian Harrison, Kayleigh Perkins

On August 16, 2024, Deputy Troy Ferland—accompanied by his field training officer, Deputy Christian Harrison—conducted a traffic stop on I-95 southbound. Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, probable cause was obtained for a search. During the search of the vehicle, deputies located multiple baggies containing a total of 19.67 grams of marijuana, 4 THC cartridges, and $3,960 in cash. The driver was placed under arrest for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

After being placed under arrest, the driver advised deputies that she had additional narcotics within a body cavity. She then turned over a baggie containing 14 tablets of MDMA to Deputy Kayleigh Perkins. She was then additionally charged with Tampering with Evidence and Possession of MDMA. The vehicle and cash were seized for asset forfeiture due to transporting narcotics for distribution.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Deputies Iverson Brown, Ardit Coma

On November 30, 2024, Deputies Iverson Brown and Ardit Coma responded to a verbal disturbance in Bunnell. Both deputies immediately interviewed multiple residents of the property and determined that a burglary had occurred involving the battery of a pregnant female. They then utilized many investigative techniques to identify two of the three suspects involved, as well as the local addresses they were associated with.

The next day, they began conducting knock-and-talks at various addresses. They eventually made contact with two juvenile suspects who were believed to be involved in the burglary, which then led to the residence of the primary suspect. The primary suspect was interviewed and later arrested for the crimes, as well as violating her probation.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Corporal Adam Barkoskie, Master Detective Darrell Butler

On January 12, 2022, a 16-year-old male was shot and killed in front of his home while he was standing outside with his friends. A few short months later, on May 3, another 16-year-old male was gunned down a few blocks away in front of his friend’s home. Both victims were known as “good kids” who did not engage in gang activity or violent criminal behavior, and neither of the young men is believed to have been the intended target of their respective shootings. It would eventually be discovered that the two cases were more intertwined than anyone knew.

Master Detective Darrell Butler was assigned as the lead investigator in the first case and Corporal Adam Barkoskie was assigned to assist him. Conversely, Corporal Barkoskie was assigned as the lead investigator in the second case, while Master Detective Butler was assigned to assist him.

Sheriff Staly immediately made it very clear to the entire Major Case Unit, and to the public, that no expense would be spared, and no stone would be left unturned, to help bring justice to the families of the two young men.

Over the six-month timeframe, Major Case detectives amassed over 2,500 investigative hours and executed approximately 40 search warrants, 80 interviews, 70 preservation requests, and over a dozen subpoenas.

In what became one of the most expansive investigations in Agency history, detectives were eventually able to fully understand what had transpired and led to the deaths of these young men. Master Detective Butler and Corporal Barkoskie’s tireless efforts resulted in the primary suspect being sentenced to 55 years in prison on each of two counts of murder and 30 years for attempted murder. Others were also arrested as a result of this investigation.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Communications Training and Relief Supervisor Genice Caccavale

On November 19, 2024, the Agency underwent an audit by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Typically, subjects are given advanced notice allowing time to prepare; however, this year FCSO was not notified until just two weeks before the audit, advising that the auditor would be on-site earlier than expected.

Communications Training and Relief Supervisor Genice Caccavale had already been working with the Agency’s new hires and had a full schedule, but she immediately started working on preparing files to ensure that the Agency was ready for the audit. She spent many hours reviewing records and making any necessary modifications, as well as filling out all the documents that FDLE required to be completed. When the auditor arrived, Caccavale sat with the auditor and went through all the necessary records and files. At the post-audit briefing, the auditor described the results of the audit as “near perfect” and determined that the Agency is compliant in all areas.

Preparing for this audit took a lot of time and Caccavale is commended for her exceptional effort and meticulous work to ensure the audit process was seamless.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Sergeant Gabe Fuentes; Detective First Class Joseph O’Barr; RTCC Analyst Taylor Cousin

On November 15, 2024, Sergeant Gabe Fuentes and Detective First Class Joseph O’Barr successfully disrupted an orchestrated gang-related murder planned from inside the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

The investigation began when detectives were alerted to suspicious jail phone calls made by an inmate. Through careful monitoring and analysis of multiple jail calls by RTCC Analyst Taylor Cousin, Sergeant Fuentes, and Detective First Class O’Barr uncovered a coded communication strategy. Demonstrating exceptional initiative and determination, they meticulously conducted numerous interviews, analyzed coded gang terminology, and confirmed the inmate’s involvement. Their investigative tenacity resulted in additional charges for Solicitation to Commit First-Degree Murder – Gang Related and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device, ensuring the safety of the intended target and preventing further violence.

Sergeant Fuentes, Detective First Class O’Barr, and Cousin demonstrated exceptional initiative, determination, and thorough investigative techniques that directly prevented a violent gang-related murder from being carried out.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

July – Deputy Robert Myers

August – Communications Specialist Whitney Zuazua

September – RTCC Manager Nikki North

October – Communications Specialist Lucas Santos

November – Sergeant Paul DeSousa

December – Digital and Social Media Coordinator Joseph Bober

YEARS OF SERVICE

5 years – Detention Deputy Sandy Saunders, Communications Specialist Lucas Santos, Civil Clerk Suzanne Gardy, Senior Accountant Rhonda Chubb

10 years – Sergeant Ron Mello, Corrections Clerical Specialist JoAnn Ramos,

15 years – Commander Fred Gimble; Sergeant Shane Meehan; Communications Specialists First Class Ashlie Hicks, Lainie Rittenour

20 years – Detective Annie Lagana, Deputy Jeremy Chambers, Records Clerk Vickie Cochran