Marion County Sheriff's Office

11/02/2026

TEACHER ARRESTED FOR LEWD AND LASCIVIOUS BEHAVIOR; DETECTIVES SEEK ADDITIONAL VICTIMS

On October 30, 2026, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes Detective Hunter Kephart arrested Jeffery Thomas Farris on charges of Lewd and Lascivious Behavior-Molest Victim Less Than 12 Years of Age.

In September 2026, MCSO Detective Kephart was informed that the victim had been touched inappropriately by Jeffery Farris, a physical education teacher at Saddlewood Elementary, when she was 8 years old. The investigation revealed that Farris had sent the victim into an equipment room and, when she bent over, grabbed her private areas. The victim also disclosed that Farris had been grabbing her by the waist on previous occasions before the incident.

During the investigation, Detective Kephart learned that in 2017, while Farris was a teacher at Saddlewood Elementary, he was also a wrestling coach at West Port High School. During that time, Farris was suspended after the school learned that he had shared a hotel room with a female student during a wrestling tournament.

During an interview, detectives asked Farris if he knew why he was being interviewed. He stated that he thought it was because he had recently seen a student’s ni**le when he helped her unzip her jacket.

Following the interview, Farris was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. Due to statements made during his interview and his previous behavior, detectives believe Farris may have additional victims. Anyone who may have had a similar encounter is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 732-9111.

11/02/2026

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office!

Our employees got into the Halloween spirit with some fun costumes, and now we want to see yours! Share photos of your cool, creative, or spooky costumes in the comments.

As you head out for tonight’s fun, remember to stay visible, watch for traffic, and keep children supervised. Drivers, slow down and look out for trick-or-treaters.

Have a safe and happy Halloween, Marion County!

10/30/2026

Hey, everyone! It’s Friday, and it’s time for another Marion Rundown.

Fugitive Apprehension Deputy Qubaisy conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of NE 16th Avenue in reference to the driver, Angel Navedo, having an active warrant. As he was taken into custody, Navedo began actively resisting and battered a deputy. He also had a suspended driver’s license, so he was additionally charged and transported to jail.

Deputy McEldowney stopped a vehicle at NE 55th Street and NE Jacksonville Road for failing to maintain a single lane. Contact was made with the driver, Chase Tillman, who showed signs of impairment. After the DUI investigation, he was placed under arrest and given a ride to jail, where he refused to provide a breath sample.

Corporal Duke responded to a home on SW 179th Avenue Road in reference to a disturbance. The investigation revealed that Luciana Paschoal-Stanfield threatened the victim with a knife after he called law enforcement to report a battery. She also destroyed his clothing by cutting it up and pouring bleach on it. The victim barricaded himself in a room, at which time Luciana cut through the door and continued to throw bleach and water through a hole she created. She was arrested and taken to jail.

Deputy Stanton attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of SE 110th Street Road and SE 92nd Loop for speeding more than 50 MPH over the limit. The driver, Kaiser Hilaire, refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. Sergeant Liss successfully deployed stop sticks, and Hilaire’s vehicle became inoperable at SE Maricamp Road and Oak Road. He was taken into custody, and a search revealed he was in possession of drugs and a large amount of cash. Hilaire was arrested and transported to jail.

Deputies responded to Ocala Jai Lai on W Highway 318 in reference to a commercial burglary. The investigation revealed that the suspects unlawfully entered the building and stole miscellaneous items. This investigation is ongoing.

That’s all we have for today!

We hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween, and we will see you next week!

10/30/2026

OPERATION CANDY SWEEP RETURNS!

On Halloween night, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department, and Department of Corrections Probation and Parole will check on sexual offenders and predators on probation or parole to ensure they follow Halloween restrictions: no exterior lights, outdoor decorations, or handing out candy. Detectives will also check community Halloween events.

Plan your trick-or-treat route! Visit www.marionso.com/sex-offenders to search your area and avoid these homes.

Porch light off? Move along! The household may not celebrate Halloween, may have run out of candy, or may include someone restricted from participating. Whatever the reason, respect the unlit porch and skip that stop.

10/30/2026

FORT MCCOY MAN ARRESTED FOR DUMPING NEARLY 4,000 LBS OF LITTER IN DEER BACK LAKE CANAL

Yesterday, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy Alexander Heber arrested 59-year-old Kenneth Thompkins (W/M, DOB: 10/09/1967) for Felony Littering, Possession of Methamphetamine, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On October 22, 2026, Corporal Hunter Corne responded to 23381 NE 117th Court Road, Fort McCoy, in reference to a report from Marion County Code Enforcement about Thompkins throwing trash, appliances, and miscellaneous debris into a canal near his property. Eyewitnesses advised that Thompkins began littering and polluting the canal in February 2026, typically using the cover of night to avoid detection, and that the dump site has grown exponentially. Corporal Corne observed a large pile of trash and debris in the middle of the canal near a wood berm and arranged a date to remove the litter.

On October 26, 2026, members of the MCSO Special Operations Unit used two air boats to remove the litter from the canal, and Marion County Solid Waste employees collected it for weighing and disposal. In total, Thompkins had discarded approximately 3,980 lbs. of old fencing material, tree debris, household garbage, a fiberglass boat, tires, and a large amount of other miscellaneous items. While on scene, Thompkins approached deputies and admitted to littering in the canal because of fines he received from Code Enforcement.

At the conclusion of Corporal Corne’s investigation, probable cause was established to arrest Thompkins. On October 29, 2026, Deputy Heber located him at his home. As he was taken into custody, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located in his wallet.

Thompkins was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail.

10/29/2026

🎃 Halloween is right around the corner! Let's keep our community’s little ghosts and goblins safe.

Only visit homes with the porch light on. If the light is off, move along and respect the household’s decision not to participate. Please remember it could be someone who is not allowed to participate.

NEVER enter a home or vehicle for a treat. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Make sure children are properly supervised. If older children are heading out without an adult, have them stay with a group, agree on a route, and set a time to return home.

Stay safe, look out for one another, and have a spooktacular Halloween! 🎃

10/28/2026

It’s Wednesday, and here is today’s Marion Rundown!

Deputy Schuder responded to a home in reference to a disturbance. The investigation revealed that Nicole Gregory battered an elderly victim during an argument. When the elderly victim attempted to flee the residence, Gregory knocked her to the floor and sat on her to prevent her from leaving. Gregory was arrested and transported to jail.

K9 Deputy Paddock stopped a vehicle in the 100 block of Marion Oaks Lane. He made contact with the driver, Nesly Prophete, who showed signs of impairment. Deputy Zarem responded to assist, and a DUI investigation was initiated. Prophete was placed under arrest for DUI and given a ride to jail, where he provided a breath sample of .329.

Deputy Smith responded to a home on Pine Trace in reference to a citizen assist. While on scene, Desiree Toerpe struck the victim three times in front of Deputy Smith. Toerpe was arrested and taken to jail, and she had a prior battery conviction as well.

Deputy Levy responded to Lowe’s on SW 90th Street in reference to a credit card fraud. The investigation revealed that Dioris Eusebio-Trinidad fraudulently used a credit card to buy nearly $500 worth of items. Eusebio-Trinidad was confronted about the fraud and shown an image of herself making the purchase at the self-checkout. She admitted to making the transaction, so she was arrested and transported to jail.

Deputy Durden responded to the 18200 block of SW 44th Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle. He made contact with the driver, Spencer Kidney, who was asleep in the driver’s seat with the vehicle running. After observing signs of impairment, a DUI investigation confirmed that Kidney was impaired. He was placed under arrest and taken to jail, where he refused to provide a breath sample.

We hope you all have a great night, and we will see you again on Friday!

10/28/2026

When the call comes, you answer. This First Responder Appreciation Day, we thank our deputies and all first responders for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to keeping our community safe. Day or night, you’re there when our citizens need you most, and we are grateful for all you do.

10/28/2026

Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier joined Sheriff Woods at the statewide meeting of the Florida Chamber to discuss with businesses from around the state how they can help in the fight to keep children safe. Sheriff Woods said, "It is everyone's responsibility, not just law-enforcement's, to do what we can to protect our most vulnerable population of both seniors and children".