Identity Theft can happen to ANYONE....Even the Sheriff!
Citrus, I just wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you about a far too common crime - Identity Theft.
Within the past few weeks, I discovered a bogus (fake) personal Instagram account. While I do try my best to stay up with the latest 'news' and 'trends' on social media to help determine what our community may or may not experience, I don't exactly have a infinite amount of time dedicated to having my own personal Instagram account. But there I was!
Some individual thought it would be a great idea to make a fake profile using my agency photo and try to message unknowing citizens online. Once I knew of the fictitious account, all I had to do was report it to Instagram and provide them with a few additional details. Within a short period of time, they were able to remove this fake account.
While the reasons this person made an account using my name and photo aren't quite clear - other than wanting to be a fake Sheriff for a day - not all stolen identity situations end this easily without a criminal element and/or causing a great deal of problems for victims.
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o Secure your Social Security number (SSN). Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give out your SSN when necessary.
o Don't share personal information (birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account number) just because someone asks for it.
o Review your credit card and bank account statements. Compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.
o Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards. This can prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.
o Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases.
o Review your credit reports once a year. Be certain that they don't include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from Annualcreditreport.com.
If you become a victim of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338.
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DOES YOUR LOVED ONE WANDER FROM HOME? |
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Among the many other programs that the Citrus County Sheriff's Office provides to you, we would like to draw your attention to our S.M.I.L.E. program!
The Sheriff's Memory Impaired Locating Endeavor (S.M.I.L.E.) program is designed to help recover your loved ones if they ever happen to wander or become lost as a result of Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia.
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Similar to the Safe Return Program sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this FREE
program is open to Citrus County residents who have been diagnosed with memory impairment issues.
How the program works:
1. Referrals from citizens, family members, or caregivers are forwarded to the Senior Services section at the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
2. Contact is made and a preliminary assessment is completed.
3. If enrolled, program participants are photographed and issued either an ID bracelet or necklace, as well as a scent preservation kit.
4. Each ID bracelet or necklace has a unique registration number and the CCSO 24-hour contact phone number printed on the back.
5. If an enrolled individual wanders, the scent kit is used to aid bloodhounds in location efforts. Once found, the ID bracelet or necklace will help establish the person's identity and we take it from there!
Contact the Senior Services Center at 352-746-3484 to enroll! Or for more information, visit our website here.
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MAKE SAFETY YOUR PRIORITY WHEN TRAVELING... |
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STAY SAFE CITRUS – We have seen a surge in vehicle vs. cyclist accidents in the past few months. Motorists should be extra watchful when traveling on the roadways. With a little more caution, we can help make our trips in Citrus County safer. Take a moment to watch our safety video to the right on how you can help us reduce vehicle vs. cyclist accidents.
Follow us @SheriffCitrus for more tips!
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Article of the Month: Traffic Stop turned Drug Bust |
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In the early morning hours on Friday, March 18, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of U.S. 19 and W. Yulee Dr. in Homosassa due to an expired registration.
Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, 36-year-old Ernest Corey Grimaldi of Brooksville, it was discovered the individual did not possess a valid driver’s license due to a suspension.
Further investigation also revealed the other occupant in the vehicle, 36-year-old Danielle Marie Turney of Inverness, had an active Pasco County warrant.
Both individuals were asked to step out and consent was given to search the vehicle.
During the search of the vehicle the following narcotics were located:
• 139 Oxycodone 10mg pills
• 124 Oxycodone 30mg pills
• 88 Hydromorphone 8mg pills
• 97 Alprazolam 2mg pills
• 1 btl of Testosterone Cypionate
• 0.1g of Fentanyl
• And $1,400 in cash
Both Grimaldi and Turney were arrested and charged accordingly:
Ernest Grimaldi (DOB:03/03/1986)- Trafficking in more than 28g of Oxycodone, trafficking in more than 4g of Oxycodone, trafficking in more than 4g Hydromorphone, possession w/intent to sell Alprazolam, possession of a controlled substance (Fentanyl), possession of a controlled substance (Testosterone Cypionate), possession of drug paraphernalia and felony driving while license suspended (3rd offense).
Danielle Turney (DOB: 09/07/1985)- Open warrant for driving on a suspended license (Pasco County).
Remember, Citrus - you can help fight crime too! If you SEE something, SAY something! Our non-emergency line is staffed 24/7 and can be reached at 352-249-2790. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Citrus County Crimes Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS. Help us eradicate illegal drugs from the streets in our community.
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Who let the dogs out? - CCSO did! |
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Both Deputy Reimer and K9 Ranger are anxious to get to work using their new skills in our community!
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Congratulations to our K9 handler Deputy Reimer and his newest K9 partner, K9 Ranger (a 20-month-old German Shepard/Belgian Malinois) for officially completing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) 480-hour Canine Team training course earlier this month at Police Service Dogs Training Center (PSD) in Oxford, FL.
Their twelve-week training included instruction and application of obedience, criminal apprehension, building searches, area searches, tracking, and narcotic searches (all a team effort).
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CALLING ALL FINANCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONALS |
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We are steadily building our team and the remarkable professionals in our Financial Services Division are looking to add a new Financial Services Specialist to their team.
This is for a regular full-time position, whose essential functions include exploring new grant opportunities, conducting monthly reconciliations, assisting with annual agency inventory and additional budgetary tasks.
If this sounds like your next career, then visit sheriffcitrus.org today and fill out an application! For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to our HR Background Investigator at 352-341-7452.
Visit our website here for our current job openings and qualifications!
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WANTED OF THE WEEK CAPTURED |
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CCSO deputies located our recent Wanted of the Week, 25-year-old Whisper Smith on Saturday, March 19th.
Smith was debuted as our Wanted of the Week (WOW) on March 16th for burglary to a dwelling and felony criminal mischief.
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Pictured to the left is Whisper Smith's WOW flyer. Pictured above, is her on-scene arrest by CCSO deputies. |
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INFORMATION GAP? TRY THE CCSO APP! |
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Stay up to date with what’s happening in your community by connecting with us on the CCSO app!
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The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, which is available via the App Store on Apple and Google Play for Android Devices (just search Citrus County Sheriff), serves as a way for us to connect with you by providing quick and accurate information from your number one trusted source.
The CCSO app offers quick access to some amazing features and is easy to use. In just a few clicks, users can submit a tip, browse recent arrests, view our most wanted and so much more!
We know you’ll enjoy using CCSO’s App, and we look forward to connecting with you.
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KNOW THE LAW:
Are you properly following Florida law when approaching a yellow light?
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Florida State Statute 316.075 states:
1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal is thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection.
2. Pedestrians facing a steady yellow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in s. 316.0755, are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red indication is shown and no pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway...(b) Flashing yellow (caution signal).—When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution.
What does this mean? Drivers approaching a steady yellow signal should be warned that the signal will soon be changing. Drivers should not increase their speed in order to make it through the traffic signal before the light changes, but rather use caution and come to a complete stop at the red light.
For drivers approaching a FLASHING yellow signal, a complete stop is not required unless you can see traffic coming from a different direction. This signal is intended to warn drivers of possible cross traffic.
In short, drivers approaching a yellow light should treat it as a cautionary symbol that a stop may soon be required, and to pay attention to all oncoming traffic.
As always, drive safe, limit all distractions, wear your seat belt, and never drive under the influence!
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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
February 2022
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EAST PATROL
Deputy Richard Vieira
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WEST PATROL
Deputy Nicholas Erdman
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A RIDDLE WITH CAPTAIN SPIDDLE
COMMANDER OF THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
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They are key to preparing citizens,
in the event of an emergency.
Making sure a plan is in place,
they'll do it with a sense of urgency.
Funneling information,
regarding the nearest shelter,
citizens can also call our CILS
who will be your biggest helper.
Manmade or natural disasters,
these folks have you covered,
from preparing and responding,
till our entire county is recovered.
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Answer to last month's riddle: A Hacker |
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CITRUS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE www.SheriffCitrus.org
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