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FROM THE CALHOUN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

On February 11, 2014, Calhoun County Sheriffs Office CID arrested Liberty County residence Kenneth Ivey Walden on Charges of Sale or Delivery of Methamphetamine and Possession of Listed Chemicals. On or about February 11, 2014, the CID arranged an exchange of pseudoephedrine for methamphetamine with Walden. Pseudoephedrine is a precursor chemical that is essential to the methamphetamine manufacture process.

Around 5:30 PM Walden arrived at the predetermined location. Approximately a half gram of methamphetamine was provided by Walden in exchange for the two boxes of pseudoephedrine. Following the delivery, a felony traffic stop was conducted at the intersection of Chipola Road and SR20.

Walden, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the County Jail and booked accordingly.

Walden has an extensive drug history and was released from the Department of Corrections in August of 2013. On February 12, 2014 Walden was given a Conditional Release at first appearance.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has released the names of the defendants in 16 drug cases handled by FDLE Chemist Joseph Graves.

As previously reported, Graves, of Pensacola, is suspected of replacing actual drug evidence with over the counter meds. He has been arrested for drug trafficking, tampering with evidence, and grand theft. Graves worked nearly 2600 cases for agencies in 35 counties including Calhoun.

Twenty-one defendants in 16 Calhoun County cases now under review include:

1. Pamela B. Mayo & Dewayne C.Arce
2. Willie Smith III
3. Joshua A. Savell
4. Lewis Dean Nickell
5. Sean Patrick Kelly & Jennifer Adams
6. Dante Ziggler
7. Robert Anthony Gutierrez, Edward Cale Pierce
8. Nicole Michelle O'Kelly, Matthew A. O'Kelly
9. Matthew Lemont Speights
10. Joseph Daniel Baker
11. Gregory D. Horn, Maurice Bell
12. Curtis T. Huie
13. Eddie Bartinaus Burkes
14. Dominique Cargile
15. Justin M. Black
16. Justin M. Black (two separate cases)

It is unclear how long it will take to review the evidence or whether any convictions will be automatically overturned. Stay tuned.

Authorities across the Florida panhandle have joined in the search for a man suspected of kidnapping and beating a woman.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Chipley, their office responded to a call in reference to a possible kidnapping and assault at approximately 12:56 p.m., February 6th. Officers arrived at a residence on Eloise Road and found the victim, who’s name is being withheld at this time, severely beaten. Washington County EMS responded and transported the victim to the Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley. The victim is listed in critical condition at this time.

Following interviews with the victim, investigators were able to piece together a timeline and identify a suspect, Christopher Cruz Walley, 25 year old white male, 5’11”, 230 lbs, with brown hair and green eyes.

The victim had been in a vehicle with Walley the previous day, Wednesday, February 5th, when without warning, Walley stopped the vehicle and proceeded to attack the victim by physically assaulting her with his hands. Walley then struck the victim numerous times with an expandable police baton, known as an asp, until the victim lost consciousness. The victim regained consciousness and found she had been moved to the trunk of the vehicle. Walley continued to travel throughout the evening and into the next day, Thursday, February 6th, making several stops with the victim still trapped in the trunk. Walley came to a stop on Eloise Road and the victim was able to escape to a nearby residence where a neighbor reported the incident to law enforcement.

Officers with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office have currently organized an extensive search for Walley with the assistance of FHP and the US Marshals. Walley is believed to be traveling in a 1998 Ford Expedition, white in color, with the tag number B905MA.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Christopher Cruz Walley.

“We are actively employing all resources available to apprehend a suspect who violently attacked a resident of our community” states Sheriff Haddock. “We are all hands on deck until this case is resolved and we are asking the community to be vigilant in reporting anything that looks suspicious or that could be related to this case. Please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with this information immediately. As always, you can remain anonymous by reporting through 638-TIPS (8477)."

A Blountstown man is behind bars at the Calhoun County Jail accused of felony battery on a public official.

Sources say Steve Mears, Jr. was arrested Thursday night following an incident after a Dixie Youth Baseball League meeting. He is accused of battery on Calhoun County Commissioner Lee Lee Brown.

First appearance is set for this morning. More details as they become available.

Altha High School had planned to celebrate homecoming this week, but the event is being rescheduled in light of the weekend death of student Nolan Musgrove.

According to teacher Russell Baggett who coordinates the homecoming events, coronation will be held Friday night, Jan. 24, during halftime of the junior varsity game. All other activities will be postponed until next week.

Musgrove, 16, was the junior class representative on the court. As previously reported, he was killed in a single vehicle traffic accident on SR 71 early Saturday. Two fellow students sustained minor injuries in the crash.

More details in this week's print edition.