Under Florida Statute 985.04, the name, photograph and arrest report of a juvenile offender who commits an felony offense, is charged with a felony violation, or is transferred to an adult court of law is not considered confidential and exempt solely because of the child's age. All information has been obtained by Riverbend News from local law enforcement agencies and was released legally and fairly.
Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Three juveniles were arrested following a string of vehicle burglaries in northeast Live Oak on Monday night, June 24 and Tuesday morning, June 25. According to the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), the suspects, 17-year-old Jacob Andrew Jones, 17-year-old Jordan Messiah Mekhi Smith and 16- year-old De'Aviyon Leon Lamar Ansley, targeted unlocked vehicles, stealing money, even firearms and several credit and debit cards from 15 locations: - Three vehicles in the 10300 block of 70th Street.
- Three vehicles between the 8500 and 8900 block of 40th Street.
- Three vehicles between the 8300 and 8500 block of 56th Trail.
- Three vehicles between the 5200 and 9300 block of 89th Pass.
- Two vehicles in the 8900 block of County Road 136A.
- One vehicle in the 5800 block of 89th Road.
According to a press release by the SCSO, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, Jones attempted to use one of the stolen credit cards at a gas station. The release stated that the card was declined, which alerted the store clerk, who noted the vehicle the three suspects were traveling in and reported it to the SCSO. Deputies located the vehicle shortly after and conducted a traffic stop.
The report states Jones, Smith and Ansley were found inside the car, "with one carrying two concealed pistols and another pistol found on the floorboard by his feet." Deputies also recovered additional firearms and other stolen items from the vehicle. The SCSO states, "Efforts are ongoing to recover the last stolen firearm."
Jones, Smith and Ansley were transported to the Suwannee County Jail, where they were charged with multiple counts of burglary and grand theft. In its release, the SCSO stated that the three were handed over to the Department of Juvenile Justice and placed in a secure detention facility in Gainesville.
"I deeply appreciate the diligent efforts of our deputies and investigators in solving these crimes and recovering the stolen firearms," Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John said. "Special thanks to the clerk whose attentiveness was crucial in breaking this case. Together, our community can make a difference."