THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
PAGE 8 - June 8, 2011
Voluntary Burn Ban In Effect
Drug Charges  - Continued from page 1
not aware of anything that goes on, or of any drug activity occurring, in his cousin’s
for Levy Countywith Florida Division of  (Slaughter’s) home. He back he’d arrivedthatSlaughter’s home, mid-day, the previous day,
said
at
and was planning to go
to his home
day. He said Slaughter had been warned, the
Levy County Emergency Management in cooperation
previous day, of a possible raid at his home. The report stated, that when Gates was asked
Forestry have decided to institute a VOLUNTARY burn ban for Levy County. Here are
where his cousin’s stash is hidden, Gates said he’d fallen asleep on the sofa the previous
some of the reasons why this decision was made: •Levy County has not received significant
night and had no knowledge of his cousin’s actions.
long term rainfall in 30 days. •The drought index currently is 638 and is expected to rise un-
Deputies again spoke with Slaughter, and he confirmed that Gates does not reside
til we have rainfall. •Levy County Fire Departments have responded to numerous wildfire
with him, that he stays somewhere in Ocala.
incidents. Currently, the 2011 wildfire season is mirroring drought-like conditions similar
Deputies found several items of contraband in Slaughter’s home, including plas-
to those in 1998, when wildfires charred thousands of acres across Florida and destroyed
tic baggies containing a white powder residue, one metal spoon and a 1/3-cup measuring
many homes.
cup containing white powder residue, 49 Topamax pills, one cellular phone, and $7,640
In fact, from January 1, 2011 through May 31, of 2011, wildfires have burned
in cash. The cash was found in Slaughter’s pants pocket when Slaughter asked deputies to
many acres in Florida. The 1998 wildfire season didn t turn severe until Memorial Day
assist him in getting a cigarette while he was lying down. 0.01 gram of cocaine was recov-
weekend. Although a mandatory burn ban has not been issued, it is recommended to citi-
ered from a metal spoon in the garage.
zens that they delay any outside burning until conditions improve. The Division of Forestry
Ten twenty-dollar bills in the $7,640 cash found in Slaughter’s pants pocket were
may continue issuing burn permits to agricultural and land clearing companies on a day to
verified as cash used in a previous investigation of Slaughter involving a controlled pur-
day basis depending on conditions.
chase of 4.5 grams of cocaine
GrowMay 25, 2011 the Levy County Drug Task Force along and    from
House busted in Chiefl   with members
As a result of the search of his residence, Slaughter was placed under arrest for
possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Citrus County Detention Fa-
On
cility where his bond was set at $500.
the Drug Enforcement Administration and Central Florida Electric Revenue Protection
Charges related to the previous investigation that involved the controlled under-
conducted an investigation at 5191 NW 127th Place in Chiefland. It was discovered that
cover purchase of cocaine were the sale, manufacture, delivery or possession of cocaine
electricity had been rerouted underground in two ditches with one leading to a concrete
with the intent to sell, manufacture or deliver a controlled substance (cocaine). His bond
building. The odor of marijuana was evident.
on these charges was set at $20,000.
A search warrant was issued which led to the confiscation of 73 marijuana plants
Slaughter was also arrested on a Citrus County arrest warrant for two counts of
with a street value of $73,000 and seizure of 6 high power firearms.
sell, manufacture or deliver cocaine with the intent to sell, manufacture or deliver a con-
Arrested at the scene were Rafael Russinyol and Katia Calleiro-Russinyol. Both
trolled substance (cocaine); two counts of possession of cocaine, and one count of criminal
subjects were charged with Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Cannabis, Theft of
Our Pub
conspiracy. His bond on these charges was set at $55,000.
Utilities and Possession of Firearms During the Commission of a Felony. In addition Rafael
Russinyol was charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence. Central Florida Electric
estimated approximately $12,000.00 in electricity was stolen.
Otter Creek Man Arrested For Break In
Restaurant, Lounge
On Saturday, 5/28/11, at approximately 12:58 AM, James George a family mem-
& Package Store
ber of the recently deceased owner of Hershel s Quick Stop, in Otter
Creek reported a burglary in progress. George stated to deputies that he
had a bad feeling that someone might attempt to break into the store, so
253 Hwy 40 W. • Inglis, FL
he remained inside the store after the business closed. George reported
that he heard glass breakage three times and seen Brian Smetana running
1/4 mile west of Hwy. 19
towards the business armed with a fence post. Smetana hurled the fence
In a Hurry? Call Ahead (352) 447-2406
post through the window and George armed himself with a 44 caliber
Open M,W,Th 11a-12mid, F-S til 1am • Closed Tues.
Smetana
pistol. George gave a verbal warning and then fired one round not trying
to hit Smetana. After the shot was fired Smetana immediately ran on foot
Everything Made to Order
and was later located by deputies at his residence in Otter Creek.
Smetana stated to Investigator Roger Bell that his mother used to work at the
Fresh-Made Salads: Antipasta, Chicken, Chef & Shrimp
store and was let go. Smetana advised that he shot three times with a BB gun into the
store. Smetana then armed himself with a fence post and through the post through the glass
Specials, Homemade Soups, Chowders & Chili
door. Smetana told Investigators that he was surprised that someone was inside the store
and they fired a shot in his direction. Smetana stated that he had no intentions to entering
Steaks & Seafood Pasta Dishes with Homemade Sauces
the store, but was mad that his mother was terminated from the store.
Hand-Pressed Hamburgers Cooked Your Way
Smetana was arrested for shooting into an occupied dwelling. Smetana bonded
out ($15,000) of jail on May 28, 2011.
On May 29, 2011 the Levy County Sheriff s Office received a 9-1-1 call in the
Wings, Subs & Clubs
Cedar Key area. A mother, of a 15 year old child reported that Brian Smetana used a ladder
Pizza, Calzones & Oven-Baked
and entered her daughter s bedroom. The complainant found Smetana naked in her daugh-
ter s bedroom and held him at gun point until deputies arrived on the scene.
Subs after 4 pm
The investigation revealed that the victim knew Smetana and they have been hav-
ing sexual intercourse for the past two months. Smetana admitted to having sex with the 15
Saturday: Prime Rib after 4 pm
year old and he was arrested for lewd & lascivious sexual battery with a child.
Special Drinks Made to Order
Buddy & Fred's Hardware
42 Hwy 19 N. - Inglis,FL - 352-447-2600 Est. 1983
June Special - Star-Tron Gas Treatment
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Jeff Harris, Plant Manager
39 W. Highway 40 −  Inglis, Florida
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50 Wyland, Certified Professional Technician
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#24 Highway 40 East
Tim
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Inglis, FL
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Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
We Recycle Computers!
All Rods & Reels New w/Mfg. Warranty
INVESTING IN THE F  UTURE OF LEVY COUNTY
(352)489-4153 • Plaza of Dunnellon • Next to CVS Pharmacy
21 lbs. of ICE FREE w/purchase of 100 Shrimp!