Four Sentenced To Federal Prison For Their Roles In Local Dog Fighting Conspiracy
August 26, 2020
The last of four defendants to be convicted for their roles in an Escambia County dog fighting conspiracy was sentence Tuesday in federal court in Pensacola.
David Lee Moser, 37, was sentenced to 12 months plus one day in prison. Moser pleaded guilty to conspiring with the co-defendants to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
The other three defendants were sentenced earlier this month:
- James “Tommy” Peek, 68, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison. Peek had pleaded guilty to unlawfully conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, delivering a dog to co-defendant Shane Sprague for purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture, and possessing a dog for purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture.
- Haley Cook Murph, 25, was sentenced to eight months in prison. Murph had pleaded guilty to unlawfully conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, traveling to Alabama to purchase a fighting dog from a known dog fighter, and possessing that dog for purposes of using the dog in an animal fighting venture.
- Shane Patrick Sprague, 36, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison. A jury had convicted Sprague of felony conspiracy to violate the animal fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Senior U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson in the Northern District of Florida imposed the sentences.
“Federal prison sentences are absolutely appropriate for these criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe for the Northern District of Florida. “Each one of them knowingly contributed to the immeasurable fear, suffering and pain these helpless dogs experienced. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who violate the Animal Welfare Act to the fullest extent of the law.”
Evidence at trial, along with admissions made by the pleading defendants in conjunction with their plea agreements, established that Sprague arranged dog fights and trafficked in fighting dogs with Moser and others. Moser admitted that he and Sprague agreed to fight their dogs against one another and to prepare a dog for a dog fight, and had discussed concealing evidence that one of Moser’s dogs had killed another dog.
Peek was one of the suppliers of fighting dogs to the conspiracy. He used his reputation as a prominent dog fighter to sell fighting dogs to others around the country. A dog fighting book commonly seized as evidence in dog fighting investigations has a chapter devoted to Peek, which Peek would autograph and sell to customers. He admitted to having delivered a dog to Sprague, believing that the dog would be used for fighting purposes. He also admitted to selling a dog to an undercover agent after making representations about the fighting “bloodlines” and prior and upcoming dog fights scheduled for some of the dogs on his yard.
Murph’s role was that of a makeshift “veterinarian.” Although Murph at no time possessed a veterinary license, she admitted to offering and performing veterinary and surgical procedures on dogs belonging to members of the conspiracy, treating dogs injured in a dog fight, and surgically removing dogs’ ears, including for the purpose of dog fighting. Two dogs she treated died from their fighting injuries. Murph also admitted to supplying a “bait” animal to test the fighting abilities of one of the dogs of a co-defendant. Finally, Murph admitted to traveling to Alabama to receive a dog from a known dog fighter, and to keeping that dog for the purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture.
“The cruel and inhumane practice of dog fighting has no place in a civilized society and is against federal law,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Williams of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG). “The outstanding work of the USDA-OIG agents who investigated this case made it possible to bring these operators of a major animal fighting venture and breeders who participate in such activities to justice. We will continue to vigorously investigate individuals who attend, facilitate, or profit from the misery inflicted upon animals during these barbaric fights.”
Pictured: Law enforcement and the ASPCA conducted an operation in the 7000 block of Beulah Road in July 2018. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ensley Elementary Student Reported Positive For COVID-19
August 26, 2020
A student at Ensley Elementary School was reported positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the second day of school, according to the Escambia County School District.
Officials were able to use seating charts to determine which other children came in close contact with the child, and parents of about 10-12 students were notified. The district said that if a parent did not receive a call, there’s no cause for concern.
The child reportedly attended school on Monday, but did not on Tuesday. The positive test was reported to the school by a parent.
Staff Wins Third Term As Atmore Mayor, But Challenger Smith Is Claiming ‘Voting Irregularities’
August 26, 2020
Atmore Mayor Jim Staff was reelected for a third term Tuesday, but his challenger, council member Susan Smith, is claiming the race is not over due to several “voting irregularities”.
“I am beyond grateful,” Staff said Tuesday night. “Tomorrow is a new day and it’s time to get back to work making Atmore the best that it can be for everyone in our community. Let’s all come together to make one Atmore.”
“It is not over; there are several, several voting irregularities that we will be looking into,” Smith said in a video posted Tuesday night. “So I am not conceding at this point. I want everybody to understand that. We are have a lot of issues that are being addressed right now as I am talking with you.”
Two incumbents will head back to the Atmore city council for another term – Webb Nall in District 1 and Jerome Wester in District 2. In District 3, incumbent Chris Walker was defeated by wide margin by Eunice Johnson with 72% of the vote. For the District 4 seat that was held by Smith, Shawn Lassiter defeated three other candidates with just over 50% of the total votes cast. And in District 5 incumbent Chris Harrison and challenger Bud Gideons will held to a runoff on October 6.
Here are complete, but unofficial results from Tuesday’s municipal election in Atmore:
MAYOR
- Jim Staff (I) – 918
- Susan Smith – 729
DISTRICT 1
- Webb Nall (I) – 148
- Bernard Williams – 125
DISTRICT 2
- Jerome Webster (I) – 168
- Angelia Norman – 112
DISTRICT 3
- Eunice Johnson – 154
- Chris Walker (I) – 59
DISTRICT 4
- Shawn Lassiter – 271
- Larry Houck – 170
- Logan Walston – 59
- Brandy Giger – 35
DISTRICT 5
- Bub Gideons – 124*
- Chris Harrison (I) – 106*
- Sandra Gray – 98
- *Gideons and Harrison to Oct. 6 runoff
Thanking Those That Keep Your Power On For Lineworker Appreciation Day
August 26, 2020
This year more than ever there’s been a lot of reasons to celebrate lineworkers on Lineworker Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Through thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms and even wildfires, the approximately 180 Gulf Power lineworkers have been busy this year. This weekend, Gulf Power was on alert as two hurricanes approached the Gulf of Mexico. While there does not appear to be an immediate threat to Northwest Florida, crews are ready to assist utilities to the west of us if needed.
And of course, the Gulf Power team has been working all of these events during a pandemic. The coronavirus has pushed the company to increase safety measures to protect its workers as well as customers while ensuring the lights stay on.
“Our lineworkers do such an incredible job each day and to add in the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been amazing to see their professionalism and high level of commitment to our customers and each other,” said Mike Spoor, Gulf Power’s vice president of power delivery. “This year is especially a time to show our appreciation for our lineworkers.”
Gulf Power implemented safety protocols to protect our team from contracting the virus in March. Face coverings, social distancing, increased sanitation measures and wellness checks have added a different meaning to working safely.
While lineworkers work daily to maintain high reliability levels to Gulf Power customers, they have also responded to other emergency events this year, including some in support of other energy companies.
- In April, a team of lineworkers and support personnel assisted Alabama Power following a series of tornadoes.
- Later that month, crews worked safely and quickly to restore power to thousands of customers here in Northwest Florida when a series of storms spawned several tornadoes.
- Wildfires came into play in May when a 2,000-acre fire swept through part of Santa Rosa County. Lineworkers restored power to about 1,100 customers who were affected by the blaze.
If that wasn’t enough, hurricane season started.
- In early June, lineworkers and support personnel set to work when Tropical Storm Cristobal knocked out power to 25,000 Gulf Power customers in less than 24 hours.
- A storm restoration team went to the eastern part of the state earlier this month to assist our FPL family when Hurricane Isaias was threatening Florida. The storm stayed offshore and did minimal damage but when it slammed into the Northeastern seaboard, another Gulf Power storm team traveled to New Jersey to assist with storm restoration there.
“In my 35 years in the utility industry, I don’t remember a year where there were so many different kinds of events where our lineworkers had to work to restore service to our customers,” Spoor said. “It’s a testament to their commitment and experience that they have battled adversity.”
Northview Chiefs Announce New 2020 Football Schedule
August 26, 2020
The Northview High School Chiefs have announced their new 2020 football schedule.
The Chiefs will begin the season at the road at Baker on September 18 before returning the next Friday night for senior night.
- Sept. 18 at Baker
- Sept. 25 vs. Holmes County (*Senior Night)
- Oct. 2 at Escambia Academy (AL)
- Oct. 9 at Walton
- Oct. 16 vs. South Walton
- Oct. 23 – OPEN
- Oct. 30 vs. Chipley (*Homecoming)
- Nov. 6 vs. Jay
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs defeated the Jay Royals 40-7 on November 1, 2019. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bondurant Wins Fifth Term As Flomaton Mayor; Wagner Defeats Crapps
August 26, 2020
Flomaton Mayor Dewey Bondurant was elected to fifth term on Tuesday.
Bondurant defeated challengers Chris Burnham and Kevin Knowles.
For town council District 4, Kay Wagner defeated incumbent C.E. (Buster) Crapps and Adienne Johnson. Wagner previously served four years as mayor and three terms on the town council.
Council members Charlie Reardon, Lillian Dean, Jim Johnson and Roger Adkinson were automatically reelected to their seats without opposition.
Here are complete but unofficial election results from Tuesday’s municipal election in Flomaton:
MAYOR
- Dewey J. Bondurant, Jr. (I) – 183
- Chris Burnham – 115
- Kevin Knowles – 66
DISTRICT 4
- Kay Wagner – 41
- C.E. (Buster) Crapps (I) – 36
- Adrienne Johnson – 3
NorthEscambia.com photo.
FHP: School Bus Driver Backed Into Pickup Truck
August 25, 2020
There were no injuries when a school bus driver backed into a pickup truck Tuesday afternoon in Cottage Hill.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 62-year old driver of Escambia County School District bus 13-14 missed a designated bus stop on William Ditch Road near Glenna Lane.
“The driver of the bus then placed the bus in reverse in traveled backwards and collided into a pickup truck that had stopped directly behind the bus,” according to a FHP report.
There were 11 Tate High School students on the bus at the time of the wreck.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Plastic Alternatives Manufacturer Seeks To Buy Century Building, Property For $879K, Employ 30; Cotton Plan On Hold
August 25, 2020
A company described as using an agricultural product to manufacture plastic alternatives has made a preliminary $879,000 offer for a Century industrial building and adjacent property with a promise of employing 30 or more people within a couple of years. Meanwhile, a cotton gin’s lease proposal for the property is on hold.
Through the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, Pensacola real estate company Beck Partners presented “Project Fusion” on behalf of their client to the Town of Century late Monday afternoon.
Project Fusion was described by Beck as an “agricultural related manufacturing operation” that seeks to purchase the 40,390 square foot town-owned building commonly known as the Helicopter Technology building for $550,000 plus $329,000 for an adjacent 30.37 acres in the Century Industrial Park for a total of $879,000.
In the Monday proposal, Beck Vice President Debbie Anlin said her client was willing to submit a contract and earnest money as early as Tuesday, August 25.
“The warehouse and any additional buildings added on the lots will be used for processing and manufacturing of new agricultural products that we would look to be grown by local famers (sic) as much as possible. This will also increase the number of employees hired,” Anglin wrote.
Century’s attorney, Matt Dannheisser, told the Century Town Council Monday night that had already received the proposed contract a little over an hour before the meeting but had not read it due to time constraints. He did offer a little more insight in to the company’s plans.
“The products that are to be manufactured, it was explained to me, that the products are intended to be environmental alternatives to certain types of plastic products using an agricultural product,” Dannheisser said. He noted the name of the company and specifics would be kept confidential for now “because of the sensitive nature of the discussions and the offer”, as is allowed under Florida law.
Dannheisser said the company wanted to meet individually in the coming days with each council member, the mayor and city manager to describe more about who they are and exactly what they propose to manufacture.
Century has a pending lease proposal for the building, but not the adjoining acreage, from West Florida Gin in Walnut Hill. The cotton company proposed a lease of $6,000 per month for five years with an option to renew the contract for an additional five years. They want to occupy the building by October 1 and estimated that six employees would be associated with the warehousing and distribution of cotton bales.
The gin company was the only company to respond after the town advertised for several weeks seeking lease proposals. It was the second time they had made an offer; the first was rejected.
Dannheisser said Monday night that if the town should reject the West Florida Gin lease proposal, they would not be legally obligated to re-advertise and could strike a deal for Project Fusion. He did suggest the town get a current appraisal and make any deal contingent upon the purchase price being at least equal. The last appraisal on the building-only was $550,000 in 2017 or a fair market rent of $80,000 per year.
Council member James Smith made a motion seconded by council member Luis Gomez to immediately deny the West Florida Gin lease proposal. After a suggestion from Dannheisser to table action on the gin lease and wait to learn more about Project Fusion, Smith withdrew his motion.
Smith made a new motion to table action for a week, and the motion was seconded by Sandra McMurray-Jackson. It passed 5-0, including a vote by Gomez by stating “I guess yes”. The council will hold another special meeting next week to discuss the gin lease proposal and Project Fusion.
Citing a phone conversation with cotton gin management, Interim City Manager Vernon Prather noted that West Florida Gin is on a timetable due to the cotton harvest and may need to withdraw their lease offer and seek another property.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Food Distribution Canceled; Free Produce Available Wednesday In Molino
August 25, 2020
A Cantonment food distribution has been canceled due to weather, but another in Molino will go on this week.
Hundreds of people have received food each Tuesday for months at Carver Park in Cantonment thanks to the efforts of the Cantonment Improvement Committee. Due to forecasted rain, the food distribution will not take place this week.
A free produce distribution will take place rain or shine Wednesday afternoon at Highland Baptist Church in Molino. It will take place from 5-6 p.m., or while supplies last at the church, 6240 Highway 95A in Molino. It is limited to one box per vehicle. The produce is being provided in conjunction with the USDA and Gulf Coast Produce.
Burglars Strike School Bus Garage In Walnut Hill, Taking Tools And Equipment
August 25, 2020
A burglary of the school bus garage in Walnut Hill was discovered Monday as school buses were hitting the road on the first day of school.
The Escambia County School District’s Walnut Hill Bus Garage at 7780 Highway 97 was burglarized sometime between Friday afternoon and when employees arrived before 5:30 a.m. Monday. The burglars took tools and equipment, according to Amber Southard, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The bus garage is located on Highway 97 on the north side of the Walnut Hill Fire Station.
Anyone with information on the burglary is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620. Callers to Crime Stoppers are not required to give their name and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Pictured: The Escambia County School District bus garage in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
