Holmes County dope growing suspect in custody

Holmes County Fugitive arrested

BONIFAY – Crime Stoppers of Holmes County recently received information concerning the location of a fugitive from Holmes County. John Steven Carter, 56, had skipped bond on charges of trafficking, cultivation, sale of marijuana and possession of a fire are during the commission of a felony.

The case originated in July 2005 when Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement served a search warrant on Carter’s Westville residence. The search revealed a high tech indoor marijuana growing operation n a hidden room.  Carter was arrested but was later released on bond and has been a fugitive until the recent tip, which led officers to an abandoned mobile home in Geneva County Alabama where he was taken into custody. Carter is also being held for the state of Virginia on drug charges. Carter is expected to be extradicted to Holmes County.

Sheriff Tim Brown said none of the churches were desecrated. He said there were four burglaries on record in Holmes County and two from Geneva County, AL that appeared to be similar.

$1,000 Reward offered

BONIFAY - Holmes County has recently experienced a number of church burglaries in northwest Holmes County. Several churches have sustained damage as the thieves force the doors open and take sound equipment, musical instruments, televisions, VCRs, etc.

In response to the burglaries Sheriff Tom Brown said, "It is disturbing that someone would target our churches; it is an attack on our community. Investigators are working diligently and will follow every available lead until the individuals responsible are arrested.”

Brown encouraged anyone with information related to these crimes to call the Holmes County Sheriff’s office at 547-3681 or Crime Stoppers of Holmes County at 1-866-689-8477. You do not have to give your name to be eligible for the cash reward of $1,000 being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the church burglaries.