Man accused of kidnapping Marion County girl, 17

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man on a Marion County warrant after he allegedly kidnapped a 17-year old girl from the Westwood Mobile Home Park in Ocala.

According to deputies, a witness saw that the girl, who has special needs, inside a van with James Wesley Dyess, 47, at the mobile home park and that he was kissing her on the neck. When witnesses were trying to find the child’s mother to tell her what was going on, Dyess drove away with the victim still in his vehicle, they said.

Dyess is facing charges of kidnapping and simple battery.  Detectives would like to encourage our public to come forward with any information they may have regarding any suspicious activity between Dyess and children. If you have any information on any other incidents like this involving Dyess, please contact Detective Frank Scala at 352-368-3548.