Volusia sheriff’s office puts out bulletin for wanted felon; he responds on Facebook

Michael Anthony Merritt, 35, sought by deputies

Michael Anthony Merritt, 35, of Oak Hill (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A Volusia County man is wanted in a criminal case involving child abuse, false imprisonment and domestic battery among other charges, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies took to social media on Saturday to put out a bulletin regarding Michael Anthony Merritt, a 35-year-old felon from Oak Hill.

Merritt is reportedly wanted on charges of felony battery, child abuse, domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, the post reads.

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Volusia sheriff’s officials confirmed that Merritt responded to their “WANTED FELON” Facebook post where Merritt proclaimed his innocence, saying in part, “anyone that knows me knows this is false....I’m willing to speak to any investigator or detective.. just let me know when..”

Officials with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said, “We’re aware and have spoken with him. He still needs to turn himself in on his active warrant and make his case through the court system.”

Anyone who sees Merritt or knows of his whereabouts was asked to turn him in by calling 911 or 386-248-1777.

No other information was shared.

Michael Anthony Merritt (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

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About the Authors:

Brandon, a UCF grad, joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. Before joining News 6, Brandon worked at WDBO.

Jacob joined ClickOrlando.com in 2022. He spent 19 years at the Orlando Sentinel, mostly as a photojournalist and video journalist, before joining Spectrum News 13 as a web editor and digital journalist in 2021.