Edgewater Police Department

05/30/2026

CONTRACTOR ORDERED TO PAY RESTITUTION TO VICTIMS

EPD is pleased to see justice served in a multi-agency investigation involving a local contractor accused of misappropriating customer funds.

Between 2022 and 2024, numerous residents throughout Volusia County reported paying deposits for paving projects that were never completed. Through a coordinated investigation involving several law enforcement agencies, it was determined that customer funds had been diverted for personal use rather than being used to complete contracted work.

This week, defendant Eric Bartolozzi entered a plea and was ordered to pay more than $223,000 in restitution to 32 victims. Restitution checks have been issued to those affected.

We would like to recognize Detective Harris for his work on this case and thank our law enforcement partners and the State Attorney, Florida's 7th Circuit for their collaboration throughout the investigation.

While no outcome can fully undo the frustration and financial hardship experienced by the victims, we are grateful to see accountability and restitution delivered to those impacted.

Respectful Service. Relentless Justice.

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐒𝐌𝐘𝐑𝐍𝐀 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐒

During a hearing on Wednesday, defendant Eric Bartolozzi entered a no contest plea to Misappropriation Construction Funds $1,000 to $100,000 and was sentenced to four years of probation. Special conditions include $223,348.91 in restitution, which is the total amount of funds he misappropriated from the 32 victims who came forward and cooperated with the investigation. Checks have been made out to these victims and are being picked up this week.

Between 2022 and 2024, Serene Pavers and Stonescaping Inc. of New Smyrna Beach abandoned several paving projects in Volusia County.

Bartolozzi, the owner of the company, transferred customer deposits and payments from the business bank account into his personal bank account. Instead of using the funds to purchase materials and complete projects, he used them for personal expenses, including purchasing new pickup trucks for himself and his girlfriend.

“𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙨,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙖𝙬 𝙚𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙.”

The case was investigated by Seventh Circuit State Attorney’s Office Investigators in a joint operation with multiple law enforcement agencies in Volusia County, including the Daytona Beach Police Department, Edgewater Police Department, New Smyrna Beach Police Department, The Town of Ponce Inlet Police Department, Port Orange Police Department, and Volusia Sheriff's Office. Assistant State Attorney Helen Schwartz successfully prosecuted the case for the State of Florida. The Honorable Kathryn Weston heard the case and imposed sentence.

05/29/2026

ARSON INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN
ARREST

Detectives Identify and Charge Suspect Following Intentional Fire at Wolf’s-Driftwood Mobile Home Park

On May 27, 2026, around 11:30 PM, Edgewater Fire-Rescue responded to a trailer fire in Wolf’s-Driftwood Mobile Home Park. After the fire was extinguished, the Criminal Investigations Division, Department of Financial Services - Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives responded and determined the fire appeared to have been intentionally set.

During the investigation, detectives obtained surveillance video from a nearby residence that captured the suspect setting the fire. Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the suspect as, Dean Settle, a park resident.

When interviewed by EPD detectives and shown the video, Settle admitted to being the person captured on camera, stating, "There's no denying that's me." Settle stated he set the blaze because the trailer was abandoned and everyone in the park, “wanted it (the trailer) gone.”

Settle was arrested and charged with Arson in the First Degree.

The case was investigated by Detective Mangar of the Edgewater Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit.

05/27/2026

🇺🇸 Reminder 🇺🇸

The City of Edgewater, Florida and the Edgewater Police Department are proud to announce the launch of our Emergency Volunteer Utilization Program; a community-driven initiative designed to strengthen our city’s preparedness and response capabilities before and after natural disasters.

This program is built around neighbors helping neighbors and creating a safer, stronger, and more resilient Edgewater.

If you are interested in volunteering, attendance at the Volunteer Workshop & Onboarding Meeting is mandatory:

📅 June 2, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Edgewater City Council Chambers
104 N. Riverside Drive, Edgewater, FL 32132

The workshop will cover program expectations, safety procedures, volunteer roles, and operational structure. A make-up workshop may be announced at a later date for those unable to attend.

Volunteers will support important community-focused functions including preparedness outreach, supply distribution, recovery assistance, and logistical support during emergency operations.

We are excited to build this program alongside the residents of Edgewater and look forward to working together to better prepare our community for the future.

Questions can be directed to:
📧 [email protected]

The full program detail and informational presentation will be posted in the comments below.

05/27/2026

UPDATE: Deputies are on scene on the beach off the 3600 block of Ocean Shore where a body washed up this morning. The body is believed to be that of homicide suspect Xavion Perry, wanted out of Gainesville. Official confirmation is in progress. Will update when available.

***

Last night, Gainesville homicide suspect Xavion Perry III was spotted in Daytona Beach and fled from the Daytona Beach Police Department. He bailed out of his vehicle at the Main Street beach approach and reportedly ran to the Main Street Pier. He was not immediately located. If seen, please call 911 with information.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember the heroes who never made it home.

Memorial Day is more than the start of summer or a long weekend. It is a solemn reminder that generations of brave American men and women gave their lives defending the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Their sacrifice purchased our liberty at a cost that can never truly be repaid.

As we spend time with family, gather with friends, or enjoy the freedoms they fought to protect, we ask our community to pause and remember those who stood in harm’s way and gave everything for this nation.

From all of us at EPD, we honor the fallen, pray for their families, and remain forever grateful for their courage and sacrifice.

May we never forget that freedom is not free.

🇺🇸

05/24/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the public offices of EPD will be closed tomorrow. We honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Normal business hours will resume Tuesday. Emergency services remain fully operational; for emergencies call 911. For routine assistance, please contact dispatch at 386-424-2000 and select option #3.

From all of us at EPD, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/23/2026

As Memorial Day Weekend begins, EPD wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday on the water. While we gather with family and friends, we also pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

This weekend, EPD and our law enforcement partners will have an increased presence on the waterways to help ensure everyone has a safe time. Please boat responsibly, wear your life jacket, stay alert, designate a sober operator, and look out for one another.

Enjoy the weekend, stay safe, and thank you to all who have served.

🇺🇸 Respectful Service. Relentless Justice 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

MANSLAUGHTER ARREST MADE IN FATAL OVERDOSE INVESTIGATION

The Edgewater Police Department has arrested Daniel Johnson in connection with the overdose death of Isaac Bowen.

On April 21, 2024, Isaac Bowen died from a drug overdose. During the investigation, detectives identified Johnson as the individual who supplied the narcotics resulting in Bowen's death. Investigators obtained evidence including text messages, images, and video showing Johnson obtaining drugs for Bowen.

As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained charging Daniel Johnson with Manslaughter. The warrant carried a $150,000 bond. Johnson was taken into custody by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, where he remains in custody.

Johnson was also arrested on November 11, 2025, for child neglect after an incident in which his child had to call 911 for help after Johnson reportedly showed the child how to administer Narcan to him in the event of an overdose.

This case was investigated by the Edgewater Police Department Investigative Services Section – Criminal Investigations Unit, led by Detective Cresenzi.

Our hearts remain with the Bowen family. While nothing can undo the pain of losing Isaac, we are thankful this case has moved forward and his family now has some measure of closure.

Addiction continues to destroy lives, families, and communities. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Organizations such as the Volusia Recovery Alliance provide respected resources and support for those ready to seek recovery.

Respectful Service. Relentless Justice.

05/21/2026

Thank you FOX 35 Orlando for recognizing not only Officer Jewell, but also honoring those who honor the fallen 🇺🇸.

Edgewater Police officers remember a close friend, David Jewell, who was shot and killed at a Circle K in September, as they joined officers in the Police Unity Tour -- a 300-mile ride to Washington D.C.