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Escambia Sheriff’s Office Unveils Corvette, Compliments Of A Local Felon
June 25, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office showed off their newest ride Friday afternoon — compliments of a local felon.
The 2016 Corvette Z06 C7 was a felony seizure from local drug dealers, and the nonprofit Escambia County Sheriff Foundation paid for the redesign and vehicle wrap. The Foundation funds community engagement and outreach projects for the ECSO without using taxpayer dollars.
“Zero cost to taxpayers,” Simmons said. “The car itself was seized and then the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation paid for the wrap.”
The wrap includes iconic local scenes, including the landing of Don Tristan de Luna and the Blue Angels at Pensacola Beach.
“We are going to use it for public engagement, and again, it cost zero taxpayer dollars,” the sheriff said. “It did not cost a dime o taxpayer dollars.”
The Corvette was unveiled during a Foundation fundraiser at Beef O’Brady’s on Nine Mile Road.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Comments
87 Responses to “Escambia Sheriff’s Office Unveils Corvette, Compliments Of A Local Felon”
This car was seized from a drug dealer yes, seizure of property is
Not only done on the person of interest it is the family property as well and possibly the neighbor too. No one thinks about the innocent bystanders. Great job apprehending a drug dealer and I pray this person has been found guilty already and this is not an open case. I feel sorry if there is family involved that really could use the money especially because the breadwinner in a family is taken to jail. This is sad behavior on their part, this serves no purpose but to grand stand and while you are enjoying your loot please consider the collateral damage. There may be a wife and kids in ol ed in this that are totally innocent.
I lived in the same neighborhood with chip and his family for a few years he is as good a sheriff as we ever had the problem is cry babies will always cry
I consider asset forfeiture before conviction to be theft. Even after conviction I still consider it theft. I do not agree with this “outreach” … bad image and bad message.
REGARDING:
“because you put somebody Behind bars does not mean you get to take their property.”
You do get to. Whether or not you SHOULD has a lot of legal discussion behind it and when it is not allowed. A fair discussion of the matter can be found at https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/white-collar-crime/defenses-civil-asset-forfeiture.htm
Basically, it comes down to if the courts can be convinced the property under consideration was used for criminal activity or paid for from criminal activity, you do not have to allow the criminal to keep his gains from crime.
The Fourth Amendment of The Bill of Rights:
THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO BE SECURE IN THEIR PERSONS,
HOUSES, PAPERS, AND EFFECTS, against UNREASONABLE searches and
SEIZURES, SHALL NOT BE VIOLATED; and no Warrants shall issue but
upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and
particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or THINGS TO BE SEIZED.
So, if they are named and courts sign off on it, seizure is Constitutional, may not be right, but is allowed. In many cases it is the only reasonable thing to do. Someone makes a billion dollars doing something criminal and you can’t hit them with just a ten dollar fine or even a year’s jail time and let them keep the billion dollars. Drop it to a million and it still wouldn’t be reasonable.
Crime does pay, but it shouldn’t.
David for justice and reason
Y’all as in mostly everyone that’s encouraging this activity or basically saying that strongly it’s OK for the law which is not just because you put somebody Behind bars does not mean you get to take their property. The law does not just apply to all the citizens but to law enforcement to. Just because you have a badge unlike most people does not mean the law doesn’t apply to you
I know an Auctioneer
REGARDING:
“So what is your point sir?
Lost me on your 6th paragraph!
Had more educational things to read.”
Sorry, already gave you the short version.
The only further condensation would be “CTDOSOWIFC.” Consider The Dangers Of Showing Off Wealth Income From Crime
David for good sleeping material, hereby given
Asset forfeiture is just WRONG, it is legalized theft!
@ David Huie Green
So what is your point sir?
Lost me on your 6th paragraph!
Had more educational things to read.
Good luck on your new book.
REGARDING:
“first, the big DOG in charge is doing a great job !!!”
He seems to be. I would say he has his act together and cares about doing his job right.
AND
“Second of all how he chooses to use the confiscated auto or money should be up to him!!!”
Not so sure about that, though. We should be free to discuss appropriate use of confiscated properties. It isn’t really HIS even if he is empowered to dispose of it as he thinks reasonable. Nobody gets unlimited power, nor should they. Remember, always pass laws as if they will be enforced by your worst enemies.
I wonder if it might be counterproductive to show people that DRUG DEALERS MAKE LOTS OF MONEY AND CAN AFFORD ONES LIKE THE ONE CONFISCATED. It just seems like a bad message to give people considering how to make a lot of money. Sure, it was seized, but not all are seized so they might think they will be lucky and get to keep their drug-based wealth.
To REALLY show why dealing in crime is a bad idea (and it is), flash up on billboards pictures of the convicted people, how long they have to serve, who their mother or some other loved one is who is missing them because of their decisions to commit crimes. Otherwise people will only see them when they are flying high, not when they are crawling in the mud with clipped wings.
AND
“Third of all be grateful you got this gang and admiration of great law enforcement folks here in your county that you live in !!!”
It is probably possible to be grateful in general but concerned regarding specifics.
AND
“So STOP BEING A WHINER and be grateful !!!!!”
Are complaints really whining? If so, then complaining about complaints is also whining, yes? Constructively intended suggestions are not something people should be made to feel shame for suggesting even if you don’t agree, even if they would not work.
David for constructive whining
GREAT JOB Sheriff Chip Simmons snd all of OUR LEOs. I’m perfectly fine with this and the confiscation of vehicles/properties used for illegal activities. So what if they could have/should have done other things with this vehicle. Did you pay any monies for this? Did I? NO! To those with such hate and negativity, well, You have that right. This administration has done more for the citizens of Escambia County than the last sheriff and the deputies now have a time tested Sheriff and I know he’s not going to stand by and allow these drug dealers to stay on the streets committing these acts of illegal activity. Great job Sheriff and the rest of Escambia Counties finest.
I saw this same concept with Sheriff Charlie Johnson and it was a huge success. That Corvette was marked as a patrol car and was used for special events, School Resource functions, Dare outreach and other community outreach events. That Corvette was eventually surplused and sold at auction… there is nothing inappropriate here, let Sheriff Simmons manage his department as he sees fit, he is doing an outstanding job …. Carry on !
Wow, couldn’t we have used the money for something else. the sale of that corvette could have bought 2 patrol cars instead., or many other important things instead. They say the car was free and all that stuff!! But the costs in maintaining that corvette are sky high, all the alignments needed all the time to keep from eating up those very expensive TIRES and brakes that don’t last long. What a Waste of tax payers money to ride around in a fancy car. Like they are trying to relive their youth again. Please retire and buy your own.
I’d say wait for him to be convicted first, but let’s be honest, those won’t hold up.
@ William Gallagher
Taking the attorney course off the backside of a match book and I might add off a box of Crackerjacks…doesn’t make a attorney for Gods sake.
Throw away your Epson printed shingle!!!!
To “Well” that is not an air freshener. The sheriff is holding a picture of himself.
This is theft of property and is something that should be prosecuted, not boasted about. IF the sentence includes a fine that cannot be paid then auction his assets to pay the fine. But taking his property assuming that it had something to do with a crime is theft. You’re in direct violation of the 14th Amendment and are nothing more than armed robbers.
I’m review of the story and the comments, here are my thoughts for what it is worth. This is a matter of objectives. If the objective is to teach the criminal a lesson, then have him watch as his car is crushed, then make him pay for the cost of the crushing. If the objective is to serve the community, then an auction is more reasonable we’re funds can go to assist the most vulnerable. Law enforcement is not easy. The streets and opinions are difficult to navigate, especially ethical decisions when faced with daily negativity. One last thought, good luck selling that car with all the new holes made when installing the lights.
If you want to know what is wrong with people in the world today….read through all the negative comments on here.
We are what is wrong!!!
All over a tool purchased with drug money or forfeit for violating laws we asked for pertaining to the issue.
Kind of like a mix of greed paranoia, and self righteous narcissism with a dash of everything nasty
I really like this idea, people tend to desensitize themselves to just how much damage drug dealers do to the community. While they drive around in high end vehicles wearing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of clothes and jewelry, victims of their trade often end up with brain damage holding a cardboard sign on some corner. They prey on our children and other vulnerable family members. Forfeiture of property brings to the forefront one of the things that comes out of the justice system in response for the crimes.
It really saddens me how many people feel sorry for the drug dealer and either don’t realize or care what damage to the community they actually do. Much of which is permanent to the unborn and to children whose families are destroyed as they are placed in foster homes.
The more comments I read the worse it get !!! Some of the people in this county will never be happy no matter what !! Selfish greedy all for me and to hell with you attitude!!! These are the ones that if they don’t get their way they whine cry baby to who ever will listen !!! Look we all got opinions of the car but some of these comments are completely Stupid!! And ignorant with no basis!!! The sheriff is doing a great job so all you idiots that are whining Please SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!
In reading ECSOs statement and those here of local citizens, I believe it is a matter of objective. If ECSO wants to send the ‘bad guys’ a message, then have them watch as their car is crushed, then make them pay for it. If the objective is to protect and SERVE, then we must understand that the act of serving requires humility and selflessness, such as auctioning the car and funding those citizens that can benefit the most (seniors and children). Law enforcement is a difficult job not only in the streets but also in navigating ethical behavior when facing daily negativity. Good luck with finding the balance.
In reference to Alton gay: By exercising my right to express my views concerning actions taken by elected officials, I am wearing my big boy pants. As an American first, a Republican second, this vehicle might be great for PR, but it is still a waste of money. The money that this car would have brought from auction, could have been used to purchased much needed equipment to help out an under appreciated OUTSTANDING Sheriff’s office.
Must not be a manual transmission, most of them probably couldn’t drive it. Gun rack for the AR? Not so much. Didn’t cost the taxpayers yet, but wait until they fill it with 93 octane. Thanks Brandon.
I actually think this is Great! If they were to sell it, I would hope the money would go towards raises or bonuses for the the law enforcement guys and gals who put their lives on the line everyday! For what they deal with, they are way underpaid!
It’s like the Blue Angles. Why not auction the Blue Angles F-18’s to pay for more troops. The Vette is a recruiting tool not a vanity project. It’s time to start using your brains to think before you post.
Chip and his family were my neighbors for a few years he is as good a sheriff as we ever had you cry babies are probably Democrats try putting on your big boy pants
Our local sheriff did the same thing
With one exception,.. convictions we’re overturned on appeal and a 1978 Corvette that the sheriff department put 9600 miles on wound up costing 76,000 to fix back to original before giving back to the owner.. So I sure do hope your legal department informed you about such things.
Typical behavior by those unable to articulate a position is to revert to grade school name calling like “whiner.”
As if someone can’t disagree with you without being belittled.
Grow up.
The Sheriffs Office has a mission. Look at their site for the mission. They serve the taxpayers and enforce civil and criminal statutes. The times I have called them, they have proven to be ineffective and a waste of time and have sided on the side of the law breaker. This grandstanding with the Corvette is another example of no substance. What purpose does the car serve. How does it help fight crime and enforce laws. If you are a native you have observed the systemic nepotism of this fraternity. Nesby, Morgan, and now Simmons.
Imagine getting pulled over by your own car
Wow I’m shocked to see how many people think it’s a bad idea and that the car should be sold !!!! But I bet all these whiners can’t tell you a good reason to sell it other than to say put the money elsewhere!!! All you whining folks need to understand first the big DOG in charge is doing a great job !!! Second of all how he chooses to use the confiscated auto or money should be up to him!!! Third of all be greatful you got this gang and admistration of great law enforcement folks here in your county that you live in !!! So STOP BEING A WHINER and be greatful !!!!!
Lots of people on here are all about themselves.
Complain about everything including O2 content they are wasting on the moon the sun and everything in-between..
Let Chip raffle this car off..no charge for tickets on the raffle..and 95% percent of you whiner babies would break your neck to get a ticket…pure selfish,greedy ignorance.
Its all about me me me!!!
Hey, it’s not like there would be someone stupid enough that would have a statue built and charged to the taxpayers….Bust a dealer, take possession of his or her property, use such property to promote law enforcement. Dealer off the street and free advertising for the ECSO what’s all the complaining about?
I agree with John Mullaney. Civil forfeiture is abused by law enforcement.
But, while we’re doing it–then if you don’t pay your property taxes on time, forfeit!
No registration or insurance? Forfeit!
And Carl, I GUARANTEE you that taxpayer dollars were spent on this vanity piece. And they will continue to be spent for the expensive upkeep and maintenance for a show car that should been auctioned like all other “surplus” county property.
I love everyone on here (correctly) pointing out that this DID cost taxpayers when ECSO failed to auction the vehicle and submit the funds to county coffers. When they say over and over again that it didn’t “cost the taxpayers a dime,” we’re being bamboozled.
Cops are paid to do a job. Confiscated property is not a free for all for police. They are agents of the county government and they need to act like it instead of pretending confiscated property is somehow theirs to play with or convert into a roving propaganda machine. So selfish.
To Jerry Codnocker…Its obvious what side of the law You are on. Why in the world would You be concerned for the well being of that drug dealer??? Have You considered how many lives that the drug dealer has destroyed with his drug dealings, to include children? The shame of it all is that the sale of drugs is so lucrative that seizure of that Vette will have no financial impact on that piece of scum.
The police of all people don’t need a car that powerful they drive entirely too fast and reckless and disregard of the law if you’re going to seize property from somebody it should go in the auction now it will be a shame to see this same car wrapped around a pole or in the back of another car because the officer was driving something he clearly shouldn’t have been in police departments should not be allowed to own anything like that a officer driving this car can’t make an arrest and transport anybody to the jail so the car is useless to y’all when y’all have helicopters in a radio
The police do not need a car that fast y’all drive too fast reckless look on the news the speeding officer collided into the back of a 18-wheeler now do you really think y’all need that they seize that it needs to go up for auction that car is too powerful to be in a police department where drivers with no skills can get behind the wheel of that car it is a weapon by itself
Chip: “It costs the tax payers zero dollars! Did I mention the tax payers didn’t pay for this? Because they didn’t pay for this, the tax payers that is.” Person with more than 5 brain cells: “Couldn’t this have been sold or auctioned off for a hefty sum that could’ve financed various means of ensuring that money would actually gone back to the community in a demonstrably meaningful way?” Chip: “Why would I do that? The community didn’t pay for this. Anyway, Fast 5 was the best in the series, wasn’t it? Come check out the interior!”
Did y’all have this same energy when Pensacola Police Dept. spent all that money on that SUV that they use for parades, public events and a recruiting tool? I’m pretty sure that’s what they’ll do with this and at least they didn’t have to purchase the vehicle.
Has anyone in their infinate wisdom tell me how much each of you on here paid for this project car?
You have to be able to read to understand how ill gotten gains..boats cars homes. Weapons are paying for itself.
No tax dollars from anywhere are put into projects as this.
Not one penny.
So many people whine and complain about any and everything.
Call Chip and ask about how drug money and assets are spent.
You have to be literate 1st to understand what he tells you.
That knocks out 95% of you whiners on here!!!
Ridiculous, why not auction the car like you do with other vehicles..Because it’s a Z06 make it different from other cars you’ll confiscate..What a poor image of the sheriff himself….and the department itself
Great u busted drug dealers, that’s your job. When u collect bounty it belongs to the people.I believe u should auction it off and use the money to buy AC units for older citizens or fans. Food for people who can’t afford food. Anything to help people in escambia county
Job well done to Chip and the
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
That beautiful car can be used to raise money for the needy people in our county. As an example, you can sponsor a race between the sheriff’s car and any citizen who would like to challenge him. I would race you in my new C8 or my Dodge Viper.
Says it cost the tax payer nothing, I disagree as any money which would have been collected at auction has been lost, the money would have helped offset the tax payer funded sheriffs department.
Civil forfeiture is wrong. You should be ashamed.
“Poor county with high crime rates now has a corvette” great read.
Well the Sheriff looks real happy Maybe should have auctioned the car off for money for the community instead of riding around in a car that is no use for the community doesn’t help one person other than trying to look good. Do your job stop showing off.
For one it’s a pr show the dealers and wanna be bangers what they have to lose since apparently in jail they just keep doing the same thing.
Second for the senior apt complex. What it cost to live there any maintenance issue should be more than payed for. Realistically whoever is in charge of it is committing embezzlement on a massive scale. Follow the money and you won’t like the results
I do think they need to look at the budget so far as staffing and equipment for the line officers. But maybe that’s just me.
I’m amazed at the reactions from the community. This vehicle was confiscated from a drug dealer. It was zero cost to the tax payers. It will bring attention to the loser drug dealers and can be used in community events that our deputies put on regularly (see the mana doughnut boycott) When they have had their use with this awesome car, they will auction it off. Thanks Sheriff Simmons and every deputy in Escambia County. Our neighborhood hires an off duty deputy every Halloween to kind of patrol the area and hand out candy. I’d love to have this vehicle with a deputy this year for that event.
Nice job stealing the man’s car.
I think it’s a cool set up… it will be quite noticeable for future PR project! When the sheriff said that it “doesn’t cost the taxpayers a dime”, I started thinking about whether it would impact us as far as an increased insurance cost. But, in case others may have wondered that also, I spoke with my daughter, who is an insurance broker (for many years). She said that it will still not cost taxpayers any extra, because it’s covered under a business or commercial policy for the fleet of cars/motorcycle under the sheriff department. I believe I got that correct- but, the main thing is that she was confident that as far as insurance goes, it will not cost taxpayers anything extra.
This seems like a very sheriff “Morgan” thing to do. I thought they got away from that type of stuff? I wonder if this happened when retired sheriff Morgan was still here
I love the wrap. It surely will build community involvement. The haters are always going to hate. No, your idea is enter than buying a new coffeemaker for the senior center.
This public display reflects poorly on law enforcement. The car should be sold, and the funds applied to the general, State of Florida budget. Past efforts to display such cars have left young people with only an impression of how drug dealers can afford the cool things police take so that they can show off.
My opinion is two-fold. Since the car has already been remodeled, use it as a visible reminder that confiscated items (that were purchased with drug money & obtained when law enforcement raided their homes) will no longer be a status symbol for any drug dealers. I would like to think the Sheriff’s Dept. has protocol in place for how they are to handle confiscated items. Selling all items & reinvesting in the department seems logical to me. I want to thank each & every member of the Sheriff’s Dept for making every effort to keep Escambia Safe. Today’s World is changing & with it has come a great deal of disrespect for our laws….without law there is chaos…
We did this years ago in Martin County with Mustangs and Camaros seized from felons. We marked them and placed them in the School Resource program. The kids loved having them at the schools. Some made it a goal to become a deputy so that they may get a chance to drive those cars. Go out and get more!!!! I’ll donate just to have one of those air fresheners!! Chip ,Good job brother!!
I think this is excellent. Absolutely we should incentivize sheriffs to go after drug dealers’ ill gotten gains.
Law enforcement officers put their life on the line for all of us.
I’m glad that they can enjoy some happiness and pride in the work that they do above and beyond what is typical.
Drug abuse is a scourge and drug dealers need to be taken off the streets and dealt with appropriately.
If we can increase officer morale with actions like this, that can only be a good thing.
Well done
Waste of money.It should have been auctioned. Charities, the homeless, or the department could have used that money for needed equipment.
I like the mentality here. Show em what they can lose and maybe they’ll think twice.
I can’t believe all the negativity. No tax payer money was used. Can you imagine all the good attention it will get when used as a tool to raise awareness for young drivers or young recruits.
Chip is the best sheriff since Jim Lowman.
How much tax payer money has he spent put his face on stuff is the real question.
NICE CAR!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU GUYS DO. WE SUPPORT YOU
How about instead of a useless new cop car they do an auction and use the money to fix the broken ac at the seniors apt complex…..Lots of good charities could use a halping hand more than cops need a corvette…
I am sure that Sheriff Chip will be the only one driving it.
Well I really can’t see a need for a sport car. I realize they have a tough job and are limited to the law. There is so many here that are driving under the influence of drugs no insurance,, No license, not getting arrested after they’ve been stopped. Stealing from other people, being reported, never taken to jail. It’s getting bad everywhere so I can’t see the need for sport Corvette car ever. The economy is so bad, to see something like this is very disappointing. Open north end of the county it’s gotten so bad that you can’t trust your neighbors anymore it’s sad this area was always a good place to live. There’s a lot of things that lead to this. Starting with our county commissioners more worried about combining Pensacola with the north end of the county and worrying about keeping it safe for us people. I say we need more protection not race cars and fancy cars we need protection we are law abiding citizens and our criminals have more rights than us it’s sad.
Why didn’t they take it and auction it off.So many victims that need help.wheres the mentality of the sheriff’s deptartment?
This is a beautiful car, and a really cool thing to do with a drug deal repo! It makes it even more funny that any lower end gang members that are still out on the streets see it and see what the ECSO did to bosses ride! Great job Sheriff and all of the people that have turned the ECSO around in the last couple years, you guys are amazing! Thank you!
Its not worth it get a job or two now the sheriff’s are riding around in your car
This is a prime example of law enforcement turning the tables on drug dealers and felons in escambia county!!! Sheriff you are getting it done along with your administration of law enforcements best !!! Do what you are doing and present the evidence of felons property to the people. Let it be known Escambia county will not tolerate crime and thank GOD we got great law enforcement personnel to combat it in every way possible !!!! Great job guys and gals THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!
Way COOL Corvette!
Congratulations!
Did you thank him for his donation?
Awesome job customizing the lights and wrap. Make the criminals think twice
Please auction it to benefit the program where cops help kids of incarcerated parents, or maybe start a new drug rehab program… something that might help curb the drug problems in our community. Does anyone think it might create a conflict of interest when cops benefit directly from the items they seize??? No, just me? I’m not accusing PPD of doing anything fishy here, just saying it seems like there are wiser ways of handling it besides the “look at our cool drug dealer car… na-na-na-boo-boo, it’s ours now” approach.
VERY NICE!!! The air freshener was a little much, Chip (haha) but you look great in it. What a beautiful ride!
When sheriff Johnson did this with a Corvette (from a drug dealer) everyone thought it was a waist money. WHAT HAS CHANGED??????
SELL IT USE THE MONEY FOR EQUIPMENT
Seriously? Wouldn’t a better use have been to auction it off and use the funds to ramp up drug prevention programs? SMH
Yes, seize the assets, gain attention by highly publicizing who had the asset and that the proceeds will be used for steeped up drug prevention!
Don’t waste taxpayer money by maintaining and constantly fueling this vehicle and allow it to be a “perk” for leadership. Make a real difference. I shouldn’t even have to post this. This did absolutely nothing to deter anything.
This will cover High Speed Chase department.
I’m glad the seized it from drug dealers. Hope they use it on the same road that it was unveiled on. We have a lot of problems with the transplants not following the rules out here, thanks Navy Federal. Seems a little impractical, probably should have auctioned the thing off and used the money for a more practical car.
So Chip needs an air freshener?
I hope to see it slowing speeders down on the same street it was unveiled. We have a bunch of transplants not respecting the rules. Thanks Navy Federal,. Probably would have been more practical to auction the thing off and use the money in the budget.
Another waste of money by ESCO.
I bet that will be the Sheriff’s new Patrol Car!!
Question…who gets to drive it?
Very pro LEO but…why? If you’re going to take their stuff, sell. Fund the department
Great job, beautiful patrol car.
The criminals have no respect for the law, or life. hit them where it hurts, take their freedom, and their possessions.