Law and public safety

A Gainesville-Alachua County Drug Task force investigation led to an arrest, and the confiscation of a large amount of prescription drugs from a Gainesville residence. More than 1,000 tablets of Roxicodone with an estimated street value of more than $18,000 was seized, along with one half-ounce of cocaine, a loaded …

A young woman who overcame years of physical and sexual abuse, then worked to change laws protecting victims, is walking through Ocala and Gainesville today (Thursday) for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Walkinmyshoeswrap2.mp3]

The Clay County sheriff’s office is currently looking for a woman who it says was involved in a shoplifting operation. Her accomplice, Nyota McGriff was arrested on four counts of initiating theft of property. Detectives believe the two women provided “shopping lists” to professional shoplifters who would in turn steal …

Tucker McCarty, 21, was killed Saturday evening after his truck overturned on County Road 138. The University of Florida student was the only one in the truck not wearing a seatbelt. There were also 3 passengers, all wearing seatbelts that escaped with only minor injuries. Florida Highway Patrol Spokesman Pat …

Eight Lake City businesses have been targeted in a series of recent business break-ins. Officers investigated after three alarm companies reported alarm activations and found the suspects tried to disable the systems and force their way inside. Police are stepping up their patrols and urging business owners to increase their …

The Internet Crimes Against Children Coalition, Trinity Methodist Church, and the Child Advocacy Center are joining forces to help raise awareness for National Child Abuse Awareness Month. A Town Hall meeting will be held on April 4th at Trinity United Methodist church from 5:30 to 7 pm. Town Hall spokeswoman …

The state’s court system is freezing hiring and preparing for possible staff layoffs due to a $72.3 million deficit. Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady wrote letters to Governor Rick Scott and legislative budget leaders asking for assistance to get them through the fiscal year. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s T.J. …

As the Florida legislature continues to debate changes to concealed weapons permits, local law enforcement officials are wary of changes. Gainesville Police Department Corporal Tscharna Senn says allowing guns to be carried openly would open the door for potential problems. “It’s another opportunity for someone to use a firearm when …

The Florida Department of Corrections will close the Lowell and Sumter Correctional Institution Boot Camps at the end of June. The closings aim to save Florida about $30-million this year. Florida Department of Corrections Spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger says it makes sense to close down older facilities with empty beds. “Once …

A 70-year old missing Gainesville woman has been returned to her family safe and sound. Betty Gaskin was found this morning by a Sheriff’s Deputy. Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Art Forgey said Gaskins was found in the same area she was last seen unharmed. He adds she …