Escambia Man Pleads Guilty To Trying To Sell Equipment To Iran
September 19, 2019
An Escambia County man has pleaded guilty to conspiring with foreign nationals to ship technology to Iran.
James P. Meharg, 59, pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiring to sell and export power generating equipment to a recipient in Iran as well as making false statements on export documents and international money laundering. Meharg, CEO and president of Turbine Resources International, LLC, located in Pensacola, conspired with citizens of the United Kingdom and Iran to export a large turbine and parts from the United States to an Iranian recipient, in violation of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations as well as federal criminal law.
According to the indictment, Meharg, a citizen of the United States, conspired from October 1, 2017, to June 12, 2019, to violate the embargo by attempting to export a Solar Mars 90 S turbine core engine and parts from the United States, for delivery to an end user in Iran. On April 25, 2018, the indictment alleges, Meharg sent an invoice for $500,000 to a conspirator in the United Kingdom and received two partial payments of $124,950 each, on May 7 and May 24, 2018, at least one of which was routed through a company in Dubai.
Meharg, a local U.S. citizen, admitted that he conspired from October 1, 2017, to June 12, 2019, to violate the Iranian embargo by attempting to export a Solar Mars 90 S turbine core engine and parts from the United States, for delivery to an end user in Iran. Evidence revealed that on April 25, 2018, Meharg sent an invoice for $500,000 to a conspirator in the United Kingdom and received two partial payments of $124,950 each, on May 7 and May 24, 2018, which were routed through a company in the United Arab Emirates. In total, Meharg received approximately $250,000 in funds laundered through foreign accounts as payment for having the turbine sent to Iran. Law enforcement authorities, however, were able to seize the turbine before its transatlantic journey to the end user in Iran. That end user, a conspirator in Iran, is linked to an Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical company. Meharg also admitted to falsifying documents used to export items from the Pensacola area.
“Exporting technology to Iran is prohibited for a very good reason, and this defendant chose to put his own self-interest above the national security needs of the United States of America,” Keefe said. “This case should send a clear signal that the United States cannot and will not look the other way when one of its citizens endangers the safety of our nation and its people.”
Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg, who is a National Security Cyber Specialist, is prosecuting the case following a joint investigation by the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Meharg faces up to five years’ imprisonment for conspiracy charges related to violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, up to 5 years’ imprisonment for falsifying export documents, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for international money laundering. A sentencing date has been set for December 12 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
Man Charged With Manslaughter After Baby Dies With Fractured Skull
September 19, 2019
An Escambia County man han been charged with the death of a baby.
Courtland Ahmad Freeman, 32, was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child domestic violence and aggravated child abuse domestic violence.
The child was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital from after it stopped breathing at a home on Hillcrest Avenue. An autopsy found the child’s skull was fractured in five places and he had severe retinal hemorrhaging.
Freeman is being held in the Escambia County Jail. His bond was set Thursday at $1 million.
Motorcycle Wreck In Byrneville Claims Life Of Century Man
September 19, 2019
A single motorcycle crash in Byrneville claimed the life of a Century man Wednesday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 42-year old Richard Goodwin was westbound on Byrneville Road about a half mile from Highway 29 when he lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree with his Harley Davidson just before 8 p.m.
Goodwin was transported by Escambia County EMS to the McDavid Fire Station and airlifted to Baptist Hospital where he was pronounced deceased as a result of his injuries.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Animal Control Removes Three Horses From Cantonment Property During Investigation
September 19, 2019
Three malnourished horses were surrendered to Escambia County Animal Control this week after an investigation.
The horses were removed from Meander Lane off Highway 297A in Cantonment and are currently being cared for by Panhandle Equine Rescue (PER).
Hana Frenette, Escambia County spokesperson, said the Animal Control investigation is still active and charges may be forthcoming.
PER President Diane Lowery said the horses — Sassy, Montana and Legend — will have a vet check on Friday. She said Sassy and Montana are both having some difficulty breathing, and all three horses are malnourished.
The only horse rescue in Escambia County, the non-profit Panhandle Equine Rescue was founded by a small group of concerned citizens with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned equines. PER is authorized by the court system to investigate equine cruelty cases in Escambia County.
For more information on Panhandle Equine Rescue and how to donate to the organization visit www.panhandleequinerescue.org. The group is specifically seeking donations to help with the care of the three horses.
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Northview Lady Chiefs Hold ‘Gold Digger’ Game For Childhood Cancer
September 19, 2019
The Northview Chiefs volleyball team held their annual Gold Digger game, defeating W.S. Neal. The Gold Digger game is Northview’s annual fundraiser game for the American Childhood Cancer Association.
The Lady Chiefs also recognized the participants in their youth volleyball clinic.
While the volleyball district tournament is weeks ago, the Gold Digger event was the last home game for the Lady Chiefs. They will be on the road the remainder of the season.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kingsfield Students Go Geocaching, Blast To The Moon And Learn About The Environment
September 19, 2019
Fifth grade students from Kingsfield Elementary School took part in science programs at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in Cantonment this week.
Students took part in a geocaching adventure in search of caches filled with science treasures on Monday.
Tuesday, students blasted off into space while participating in a planetarium program. They also learned about the water cycle, weathering erosion and deposition, and water pollution in an environmental program.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Youth Commission Holds First Meeting
September 19, 2019
The first meeting of the Escambia County Youth Commission was held this week.
The Youth Commission gives five outstanding youths the opportunity to learn more about civics and local government through firsthand experience. For the next eight months, they will be able to tour the county’s many facilities, attend board meetings, and see issues the county faces each day.
Youth Commission members are:
- Maggie Brown, Tate High School junior
- Mallory Bell, Escambia High School sophomore
- Amelia Myers, Pensacola HS IB sophomore
- Trinity Kyles, Pensacola High School sophomore
- Claire Jimenez, Pensacola Catholic High School junior
Sponsored by the Escambia County Board of Commissioners, the Escambia County Youth Commission is a leadership and service-oriented program that empowers young people to become knowledgeable and involved in the local governmental process.
Century Now Accepting Applications For A City Manager
September 19, 2019
The Town of Century is now accepting applications for a city manager.
The town describes the ideal candidate as “qualified and highly motivated”, and requires a bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field, plus five years of experience in local government administration of a senior management position.
The salary is listed as negotiable based upon experience, and the application period ends November 1.
The city manager will serve as the chief executive officer of the town, be responsible for the management of day-to-day operations, attend all town council meetings and supervise all departments, according to the job description.
The town council voter earlier this month to hire a city manager to run daily operations while naming consultant Buz Eddy as interim town manager until a permanent hire is made. Eddy said he will not be applying for the permanent position.
Eddy’s new title of interim city manager is the same independent contractor basis that he he’s worked under since July 29. In August, the council authorized up to $5,000 to pay him at $35 an hour for his services.
Eddy was city manager of Gulf Breeze from 1992-2017.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
September 19, 2019
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period ending August 29 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Allgood conducted an inspection on a vessel returning to the Pensacola Pass. The subject claimed he had caught two “Jacks” but did not know what type they were. Officer Allgood inspected his catch and found two undersized greater amberjack. The individual was cited for the violation.
Officer Specialist McHenry received a complaint that an individual fishing at the Bob Sikes Bridge was in possession of an oversized red drum. Officer Specialist McHenry responded to the area and found the subject in possession of a 35-inch red drum. The size limit on a red drum is from 18 to 27 inches. Officer Specialist McHenry also noticed the individual was impaired and requested Officer Specialist Ramos to assist. After a brief investigation, it was discovered that the individual was in possession of crack cocaine. Officer Specialist McHenry arrested the individual and transported him to the Escambia County Jail. He was cited for possession of crack cocaine and possession of an oversized red drum.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
No report was received for Santa Rosa County.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Boil Water Notice Issued For Part Of Cottage Hill After Water Main Break
September 18, 2019
UPDATE: THiS BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN RESCINDED.
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Highway 95A from Williams Ditch Road to Eden Lane, and Neal Road to Phalrose Lane.
A water main at Neal Road and Highway 95A was breached by a gas company, according to Cottage Hill Water Works.
The water main has been repaired but as a precaution Cottage Hill Water Works advises that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient, or as an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
If you have any questions you may contact the office at (850) 968-5485.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
