Cantonment Man Caught Selling Stolen Tires
May 12, 2017
A Cantonment man is facing charges after allegedly trying to sell stolen tires to an undercover investigator.
During a burglary at Dave Howell Tires on Pensacola Boulevard, 41 large truck tires valued at $13,000 were stolen after a fence was cut.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators received tips that 36-year old Johnny Antwan Lee was selling tires with distinctive markings like those stolen from the business. An undercover investigator met Lee at his home on Irene Lane in Cantonment where he sold three tires valued at $261 each for a total of $300. The tires were later positively identified as being stolen from Dave Howell Tires.
Lee was charged with felony dealing in stolen property. He remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $25,000
The burglary investigation is continuing. Anyone with any information about this this incident can call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Search Continues For Molino Killer, Silver Volvo
May 12, 2017
Sunday will mark two weeks since a Molino woman was found murdered on Gibson Road, and, so far, there have been no arrests .
Deputies believe Anna Louise Brown, also known as Anna Louise Brown Vega, was shot and killed by a person known to her. Witnesses near the scene said they heard gun shots in the area around 4:00 p.m. on April 30 and saw an early 2000’s silver four-door Volvo, like the one pictured, leaving the scene.
Brown was pronounced deceased at the scene; her body was discovered on or near the roadway.
Maj. Andrew Hobbs of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the agency has not yet named a suspect in the case. But he said the department has been busy following up on the case and numerous tips that have been received from the public.
“We want anyone that thinks they know anything to call us, no matter how small they believe what they know is. The smallest piece of information might be the piece of the puzzle we need.”
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Lawsuit Targets Prison System Over Hepatitis Care
May 12, 2017
Three inmates filed a class-action lawsuit Thursday alleging that the Florida Department of Corrections is failing to provide proper care to thousands of prisoners diagnosed with hepatitis C.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Tallahassee, contends in part that the prison system has not provided a relatively new type of drug — known as direct-acting antivirals — effective in treating the liver-damaging disease.
The lawsuit said the department, as of July 2016, knew of 4,790 inmates with chronic hepatitis C but that the actual number could be far higher.
“Despite the clear agreement in the medical community that all persons with chronic HCV (hepatitis C virus) should be treated with DAA (direct-acting antiviral) drugs, the FDC (Florida Department of Corrections) does not provide these lifesaving medications to FDC prisoners with HCV,” wrote lawyers for the Florida Justice Institute, which is representing the inmates. “Instead, defendant has a policy, custom, and practice of not providing DAA medications to prisoners with HCV, in contravention of the prevailing standard of care and in deliberate indifference to the serious medical needs of prisoners with HCV.”
Grand Jury Indicts 32 In Narcotics Investigation
May 12, 2017
An investigation by the Brewton Police Department Narcotics Division has led to 32 individuals being indicted for distribution of various controlled substances. Most of those arrested and those with outstanding warrants are from the Brewton or Flomaton areas.
Narcotics agents presented evidence to a recent Escambia County Grand Jury that secured indictments against the 32 suspects.
During the investigation controlled substances including heroin, crystal methamphetamine, crack/cocaine, spice, marijuana, hydrocodone and oxycodone were purchased from the suspects.
Agents also purchased two handguns from convicted felons and were able indict two registered sex offenders with the distribution and possession of controlled substances.
As of late Thursday, warrants are several suspects were still outstanding. They were being actively pursued by the Brewton Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies.
Those arrested so far include:
- Mary Wiggins Lane, 52, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / alprazolam
- Michael Ray Depew, 41, Flomaton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / methamphetamine
- Eric Scott Risley, 37, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in the first degree / marijuana
- Faith Nicole Lane, 18, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in the first degree / marijuana
- Karen Nelson, 47, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in the first degree / marijuana
- Sonja Ann Burch, 59, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / hydrocodone
- Tarik Dashunn Banks, 20, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in the first degree / marijuana
- Deborah Burkett Hall, 55, East Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / methamphetamine
- Russell Lee Jackson, 70, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / oxycodone
- Baby Eldgerls Jackson, 72, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / diazepam, certain persons forbidden to possess a pistol
- Christopher Alex Ewing, 23, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / methamphetamine
- Jennifer Elliott, 33, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / crack-cocaine
- Heath Crook, 26, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / heroin
- Christopher Gabel, 24, Brewton – distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance / Klonopin
Anyone with information is asked to call the Brewton Police Department at (251) 867-3212 or their local law enforcement agency.
Ex-Congresswoman Brown Convicted In Charity Scam
May 12, 2017
Former Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown was found guilty Thursday on 18 counts in a federal corruption trial, the latest chapter in a stunning fall for a longtime Jacksonville political institution.
Brown, who was defeated for re-election last year after 24 years in the U.S. House, was convicted on all but four counts for her part in a scheme that used a sham education charity to finance personal expenses and events. U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan could hold a sentencing hearing for Brown, 70, within 90 days.
“Former Congresswoman Corrine Brown violated the public trust, the honor of her position, and the integrity of the American system of government when she abused one of the most powerful positions in the nation for her own personal gain,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco said in a statement issued after the ruling. “She shamefully deprived needy children of hundreds of thousands of dollars that could have helped with their education and improved their opportunities for advancement, and she lied to the IRS and the American public about secret cash deposits into her personal bank accounts.”
Brown’s attorney, James Smith, told reporters outside the Jacksonville courtroom that Brown would ask for a new trial, though Smith declined to say on what grounds.
“She wants to let her supporters know that she is still strong and resolute,” Smith said. “She still maintains her innocence, and she thanks everyone for their prayers and their support.”
Smith pointed to the case of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, whose conviction on corruption charges was later set aside by the U.S. Supreme Court because justices disagreed with the government’s interpretation of an “official action.”
“The American legal system has a number of levels, and this is just the first step,” Smith said.
The case against Brown, though, had less to do with what she did as a congresswoman than what she did while she was in office. Brown was found guilty of counts charging her with conspiracy, concealing material facts on required financial disclosure forms, filing false tax returns and related charges.
According to the government, Brown — along with former chief of staff Ronnie Simmons and Carla Wiley, both of whom pleaded guilty — used One Door for Education-Amy Anderson Scholarship Fund at least in part to finance their own expenses while working with other people to solicit more than $800,000 for the charity.
Congressman Al Lawson, who defeated Brown in a Democratic primary last year, was circumspect in a statement issued by his office following the verdict.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Brown, her family, and all those affected,” he said. “I believe Jacksonville is a better place, because of her three decades of public service.”
Brown left the courtroom quietly, with her head hanging slightly, a contrast to the flamboyant and often bombastic style she used for years in confrontations with political opponents and the media.
She was a verbal pugilist, comparing an attempt to redraw her district to slavery and rhetorically asking reporters who inquired about the criminal charges whether they were pedophiles, as a way to point out that the allegations weren’t yet proven.
But the 12-term, Jacksonville-based congresswoman was also a master of constituent services, using “Corrine Delivers” as a slogan to tout her ability to bring home projects and services to the voters who elected her. That ability helped her cultivate a political base that seemed unassailable.
She was also in many ways a historic figure, one of the first African-Americans elected to Congress from Florida since Reconstruction.
But ahead of the 2016 elections, her district was redrawn under a voter-approved ban on gerrymandering. The courts chose maps that swapped out one of her power bases in Orlando for parts of North Central and Northwest Florida, including a portion of Tallahassee, that barely knew her.
As Brown was fighting that change, the indictments were handed down, providing an even larger opening for Lawson, based in Tallahassee. She lost a three-way primary to Lawson by 8.6 points.
On Thursday, Smith said he was struck that some of the contributors to the charity would testify as part of the government’s case, only to embrace Brown after leaving the stand.
“People cannot and will not forget all the good that she’s done,” Smith said. “Let’s remember, no one’s life is a snapshot. Our lives are films, and you have to look at each and every frame. And Corrine Brown is not going to be defined by what happened here today in this courtroom. She still has plenty of days left on this earth.”
Pictured top: Florida Congressman Corrine Brown spoke in favor of an Amtrak return to the Gulf Coast during an Amtrak inspection train stop in Atmore last year. Pictured inset: Brown shakes the hand of a veteran at the Atmore Amtrak event after walking through a sword arch provided by the Northview High School NJROTC. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Saturday Is ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Food Drive
May 12, 2017
Escambia and Santa Rosa Letter Carriers will join forces Saturday to help Stamp Out Hunger in our community. In its 25th year, the annual food drive has grown to the largest national single-day effort that benefits millions of Americans who struggle to put food on the table.
“This is the single most important food drive in the two counties and will largely determine how well providers will meet the needs of the hungry in the coming months,” said DeDe Flounlacker, Manna Food Pantries’ Executive Director.
Residents are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag of non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal next to their mailbox prior regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 13. Escambia and Santa Rosa letter carriers will collect food donations for local food banks including: Manna Food Pantries, Warrington Emergency Aid Center, Feeding the Gulf Coast in Pace and Milton, ACTS Ministry of Holley Assembly of God in Gulf Breeze, and We Care Ministries of Navarre United Methodist Church. Last year, the organizations received a total of 72,367 pounds of food from the drive.
“We rely on this food drive to keep our shelves fully stocked to help needy families, children, seniors and the homeless in Gulf Breeze and Navarre,” said Pastor Doug Barber, ACTS Ministry of Holley Assembly of God. “Without the help from the NALC and the community during the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, ACTS Ministry would almost be non-existent.”
Last year, Manna Food Pantries helped a total of 21,129 individuals through their pantries and programs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Of those, 37 percent were children and 27 percent were senior citizens. Manna helped a total of 11,254 families and 14 percent of them were active duty, reserve, retired or veteran military.
“I would like to thank everyone in our community who donates food, our volunteers, local businesses,” said Phillip Skipper, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Northwest Florida Branch 321. “Please give generously this year, so we can help provide food to those who are less fortunate.”
Pictured: Volunteers, including the Gulf Power Transformers, work to sort local Stamp Out Hunger food drive donations last year at the Cantonment Post Office. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Culinary Arts Program Makes School Board Presentation
May 12, 2017
The Northview High School Culinary Arts Academy made a presentation Thursday to the Escambia County School Board. They also delivered oatmeal pecan chocolate chip cookies to board members, staff and other guess. Pictured below (L-R) and Northview High Principal Gayle Weaver, culinary academy members Jordan Parham, Lari McCann, Laura Kinley, and Victoria Amerson, and instructor Vicki Cook. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat The Barons
May 12, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos catcher Adrian Nieto continued to come through on offense for his team.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, he smacked a hard liner to left field to score second baseman Alex Blandino, who had doubled with two outs, to give the Blue Wahoos a, 5-4, victory over the Birmingham Barons Thursday in front of 4,016 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola leads the five-game series, 3-1, and clinched its first series after losing two in a row.
Nieto now has four RBIs in six at bats with two outs and runners in scoring position. Plus, the 27-year-old is batting .353 in his last six games with one home run, that he hit Tuesday, and two RBIs.
Nieto agreed with Pensacola manager Pat Kelly that his offense is improving with more regular at bats. Both he and Pensacola catcher Joe Hudson were limited in playing time as Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco did his rehabilitation with the Blue Wahoos for the first 20 games before returning to the big leagues.
Nieto, who played 48 games with the Chicago White Sox in 2014, also has been watching video from his 2013 season when he had his best year at the plate, hitting .285 for the High-A Potomac Nationals.
“It helps to get your at-bats and get into a rhythm,” Nieto said. “I’ve made a few adjustments here and there watching old film from 2013. The Reds told me, ‘Get back to where you were.’ To have that freedom feels great.”
Plus, he smiled and admitted he has some extra incentive at the plate, having played for Birmingham in 2015 and being selected for the All-Star game.
“That was a win that I really wanted,” Nieto said. “Hopefully, we’ll get our fourth one (Friday).”
Blue Wahoos right fielder Aristides Aquino earned his fourth hit in 38 at-bats by sending a high, deep fly ball over the left field wall that also brought in first baseman Eric Jagielo to put Pensacola on top, 4-1. Two of those four hits are homers.
It was Aquino’s first homer in 21 at bats after knocking one out May 1 against Biloxi. His two-run blast came after having struck out five times in a row against Barons pitchers.
The lead held up until the seventh inning when Pensacola reliever Ismael Guillon gave up two runs on three hits to the Barons. DH Nick Basto, who hit a solo shot in the first inning, knocked in second baseman Eddy Alvarez with a single, pulling Birmingham within, 4-3. Barons third baseman Jake Peters scored the tying run, 4-4, when right fielder Mason Robbins lined a single to center.
The two runs scored on Guillon denied starter Keury Mella his first Double-A victory. He remains the only Pensacola starter without a win this season.
“It’s a shame but the win will come (for Mella),” said Kelly.
Mella threw 5.2 innings, allowed two runs on six hits, walked two and struck out four. He is 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA.
Jimmy Herget relieved Guillon in the eighth with the game tied, 4-4, and got the last five outs, including striking out the side in the top of the ninth to pick up the win and even his record at 1-1. Herget has a 2.25 ERA.
Pensacola took the lead, 2-1, in the third inning when third baseman Josh VanMeter hit a two-out single to score DH Leon Landry from second base with the go-ahead run. VanMeter is hitting 8-18 with 10 RBIs in that situation. The first run scored in the inning when catcher Adrian Nieto crossed the plate from third on a sharp ground out to third by left fielder Tyler Goeddel.
Peter smashed a double into the left field corner that scored Alvarez from first to cut the Blue Wahoos lead in the fifth inning to, 4-2.
Pensacola upped its record to 18-16 and are in a tie with the Biloxi Shuckers for first place in the South Division.
Century Transfers Reserve Funds For Water, Wastewater Repairs
May 11, 2017
In a special called meeting, the Century Town Council voted Wednesday evening to transfer money from a reserve fund to make critical repairs to water and wastewater facilities in the town.
The town will transfer $172,000 from a $229,000 reserve fund.
The transfer from reserves will be used to repair one of two clarifiers at the wastewater plant that has failed. The clarifier repair will cost $40,000 while the electrical repairs will cost $60,000. The money will also be used for installation and materials for the installation of a new meter at the prison, and $7,000 for a booster pump that would supply water to the Century Correctional Institution from the town’s two other wells in the event of an equipment failure at the prison.
Recently increased rates may help the town replenish the reserve funds, according to Mayor Henry Hawkins. In addition, the repairs will allow staff time to focus more on day to day operations, he said.
Earlier this month, the Century Council approved an incremental 55 percent water and wastewater rate increase that will cost the average family just over $200 per year. The rate increase is aimed at stopping ordinary financial losses by the system.
Pictured: Century’s water, wastewater and natural gas franchise also serves the Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sandy Hollow Road Closed For Bridge Replacement
May 11, 2017
Sandy Hollow Road at Sandy Hollow Creek near Walnut Hill will be closed for a bridge replacement through September.
The new, modern concrete structure will have 10-foot travel lanes, two-foot shoulders and a solid concrete barrier railing. Additionally, bridge approaches will be replaced, drainage upgraded, and guardrail replaced.
Construction is estimated to take six months, weather and schedule permitting.. A four-mile detour will be in place, using Gobbler Road, Highway 97 and Highway 4.
The bridge is being replaced by a contractor for the Florida Department of Transportation and then maintained in the future by Escambia County.
The estimated budget for the project is $740,057. The current bridge was constructed in 1959.