While on her way to work, an alert Sheriff’s Office Administrative Assistant spotted an individual she believed was wanted by deputies.
On 09-13-12, while driving to work, Nichole Edwards, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Deputy, spotted a male who matched the description of a suspect deputies were looking for the previous day. The male was wanted in connection with a Hit and Run that occurred at a Hess gas station. Edwards called the Sheriff’s Office to report her suspicions, and units were dispatched.
Deputies stopped the suspect vehicle on Cortez Blvd. in the area of Candlelight Blvd. It was quickly determined that the male inside the vehicle was, in fact, the suspect in the Hit and Run. The original victim advised, “He had tattoos all over his face.” The male in this case had tattoos all over his face and the vehicle description matched that of the suspect vehicle in the Hit and Run.
“I often mention, when speaking to groups of citizens, what a great team I have here at the Sheriff’s Office. Most citizens, however, probably don’t realize how seriously at this office takes their role in crime fighting. Although it is easy to see the part a Patrol Deputy or Detective plays in an arrest, the support personnel are no less important in the process. Here is an example of one of those individuals going above and beyond in taking a couple of criminals off the streets,” said Sheriff Al Nienhuis.
The male and female in the vehicle were identified as David Franco W/M DOB/05-11-1981 and Rachael Jackson W/F DOB/02-24-1982 (registered owner of the vehicle). Deputies and detectives were extremely familiar with both individuals from previous crimes, as well as current cases they are working.
Both subjects were transported to the Hernando County Detention Center and charged as follows.
David Franco W/M DOB/05-11-1981
VOP (Felony Probation) – NO BOND
Hit and Run
Drive While License Suspended or Revoked
Rachael Jackson W/F DOB/02-24-1982
Burglary – BOND – $2,000
Detectives had been looking for Jackson in reference to a burglary where numerous golf cart batteries were stolen. The burglary arrest noted above was for her involvement in that case. Additionally, Jackson’s vehicle was impounded for possible seizure, as it has possibly been utilized in other crimes in Hernando County.
