Holmes County crime roundup

Meth lab taken

In the late night hours of August 24, 2008 the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office dismantled an operational methamphetamine lab located on Simmons Lane in the Westville Community. 

The Sheriff’s Office received information that led to the search of a residence belonging to James Howard Simmons, which resulted in a trafficking amount of methamphetamine oil being seized and numerous arrests made.  Investigators and Deputies worked until the early morning hours gathering evidence and removing contraband from the mobile home. 

Simmons attempted to flee from corrections staff that arrived to transport the adults to the Holmes County Jail.  Holmes Correctional Institution K-9 tracking team located Simmons a short distance from the scene and took him into custody.  A total of five adults and one juvenile were arrested in connection to the lab and are as follows:

James Howard Simmons (W/M 28 yoa) of Westville is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), manufacture of drug paraphernalia, and escape.

Angela Kaye Gann (W/F 19 yoa) of Defuniak Springs is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and manufacture of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel Ellihue Ely (W/M 20 yoa) of Ponce de Leon is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

Corey Lee Kendrick (W/M 22 yoa) of Ponce de Leon is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

James Allen Leavins (W/M 33 yoa) of Ponce de Leon is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.

JUVENILE (W/M 17 yoa) of Westville is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
All of the adult suspects were transported to the Holmes County Jail

Vandalism suspect arrested

On August 27, the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office responded to D.D. Eldridge Memorial Park (located in the Prosperity Community) in reference to criminal mischief.  A member of the Hickory Hill Crime Watch had observed damages to the facilities at the park and notified the Sheriff’s Office.  The caller also provided information as to the time frame in which the damages occurred. 

Further investigation led to the names of three individuals being involved, all white male juveniles approximately 15 years-of-age.  Upon questioning the suspects, only one of the three was said to have committed the acts of vandalism.  The suspect’s name will not be released, due to his age and severity of the crime. 

The total damages were less than $1,000.00 making the crime a misdemeanor per Florida Statutes. 

Sheriff Dennis Lee stated, “The crime watch programs in the New Hope and Hickory Hill Communities have been a great aid to the Sheriff’s Office.  Having watchful eyes in our rural communities is a valuable asset to law enforcement and this case makes a fine example.  This is one of several vandalism reports at our community parks.  Due to these reports, patrols have been increased to deter vandalism and other illegal activities from occurring.”