Former Tate Coach Faces More Allegations Of Abuse, Performing Unlicensed Student Physicals
April 1, 2017
Eight additional potential victims have come forward with sexual abuse allegations against Charlie Mabern Hamrick, a former Tate High School coach and church youth minister, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Hamrick, 54, is already facing over 40 child sexual abuse charges — including 36 counts of capital sexual assault that each carry a maximum sentence of life without parole. All of the abuse charges he faces so far stem from the investigation into allegations made by four people.
As of Friday afternoon, deputies had not filed any additional charges as they continue their investigation into allegations that range from 1984 to 2015.
The latest allegations made by eight additional people include the possibility that Hamrick gave unlicensed physical exams to athletes at Tate High School during is 2012-2015 tenure there as a supplemental football coach. Those physicals, it is alleged, may not have been limited to just football players, according Amber Southard, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The physicals included genitalia exams.
“Anyone that received a physical from Hamrick is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office,” Southard said. Harmrick was not licensed in any way to conduct physicals, she said. Based upon the allegations, he may be charged with practicing medicine without a license.
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the district learned the possible improper physicals late this week.
“Under no circumstances should any school district employee conduct a physical on students,” Thomas said. He said information concerning the allegations had been turned over to law enforcement.
Hamrick was paid a supplement as a football coach at Tate High School from August 1, 2012, to September 14, 2015. He was not a teacher and did not have students under his watch in a classroom.
“He passed all the of the background checks at the time,” the superintendent said. “But a background check only tells you what someone has been caught for in the past, not any ongoing deep, dark secrets.”
Thomas said Hamrick was terminated from the district in 2015 due to allegations of financial impropriety in her personal life.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone that may have had a physical from Hamrick or believes they were abused by him to call them at (850) 436-9620.
For a previous story, click here.
Escambia Man Gets 35 Years For 2015 Murder
April 1, 2017
An Escambia County man was sentenced Friday to prison for a 2015 murder.
Jeremiah Farrish was sentenced to 35 years in state prison with 25 years as a mandatory minimum for second degree murder in the death of Eugenio Acosta.
On August 8, 2015, Acosta was found shot multiple times at a residence on Lakeview Avenue. Prosecutors said Acousta was killed during the course of a robbery.
Farrish, Jesse Square and Iesha Robinson were originally charged in this case. Square was acquitted at trial. Robinson pled to a reduced charge of manslaughter and was previously sentenced to 10 years in state prison.
Farrish pled guilty to second degree murder in exchange for testifying against his co-defendants.
Tate, Navarre Honor Ashley McCullough; South Walton Tops Northview
April 1, 2017
Tate 4, Navarre 2
Friday night was about sportsmanship and the brotherhood of baseball as the Tate High School Aggies and the Navarre Raiders honored Ashley McCullough.
Ashley, the wife of Tate pitching Coach Brett McCullough passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Tuesday. The Aggies’ GoFundMe page for the family had raised over $17,000 as Friday night for Brett McCullough and the couple’s two-year old daughter Taylor. Click here to donate.
Catholic, West Florida, and Milton high schools have all donated to the family.
The Tate Aggies and Navarre Raiders stood as one family and posed for photos Friday night. Later, on the field, Tate topped Navarre 4-2.
Logan McGuffey earned the win for Tate Aggies Varsity. He pitched five innings, surrendering two runs, eight hits, and striking out five.
Jesse Sherrill went 2-3 for Tate with a RBI. Also for Tate: Reid Halfacre 1-3, R; Logan Blackmon 1-3, 2B, R; Corben Young, R; Mason Land 2-3, 2B; Kyler Hultgen 1-2.
South Walton 4, Northview 2
Commissioner To Hold District 1 One-stop Roundtable Monday At West Florida High
April 1, 2017
District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh will host a one-stop roundtable Monday, April 3 from 6-8 p.m. in the cafeteria of West Florida High School, located at 2400 Longleaf Drive. Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and gather information without having to make an appointment with each of the elected officials serving District 1 or countywide office.
Officials participating in this first-of-its-kind meeting include:
- Jeff Bergosh, Board of County Commissioners
- Vicki Campbell, Emerald Coast Utilities Authority
- Kevin Adams, Escambia County School Board
- Chip Simmons, Chief Deputy of Operations, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Chris Jones, Property Appraiser
- Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector
- David Stafford, Supervisor of Elections
No Injuries As Shots Reportedly Fired On UWF Campus
April 1, 2017
Three shots were reportedly fired Friday evening on the campus of the University of West Florida.
Police responded to the area of the UWF basketball courts after three shots were reported. The suspect had already left the scene and departed the campus. Students were notified of the incident, but the campus not placed into a lockdown.
An investigation into the incident is continuing.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call UWF Police at (850) 474-2415.
Herrington Tosses Shutout In Northview Win; Tough Night For Lady Aggies
April 1, 2017
Northview 1, South Walton 0
Tori Herrington tossed a shutout Friday night as the Northview Lady Chiefs beat South Walton 1-0 in Bratt.
Herrington allowed just three hits and struck out 12 in the district win for Northview.
A sacrifice bunt by Valen Shelly sent Aubrey Love across the plate in the only run for the Chiefs in second inning. Herrington and Love were 2-3 at bat, while Lydia Smith was 1-2.
The Chiefs will be on the road in Santa Rosa Beach Tuesday to face off with South Walton again.
Jay 10, Baker 5
Niceville 10, Tate 3
The Niceville Lady Eagles beat the Tate Aggies 10-3 Friday night.
Tate pitcher Hannah Brown allowed 10 hits in six innings. Shelby Ullrich was 2-3 at bat, with a home run and two RBIs for the Aggies. Deazia Nickerson was 2-3 with a run.
The Aggies (12-4, 7-0) remain undefeated in their district. They will face Franklin, KY, on Monday.
License-Free Freshwater Fishing This Weekend In Florida
April 1, 2017
This weekend offers freshwater license-free fishing in Florida for residents and visitors.
On Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, the freshwater recreational fishing license requirement will be waived. All bag limits, seasons, and size restrictions will still apply.
Governor Scott said, “This weekend’s license-free fishing days are a great chance for families and visitors to enjoy the spring weather and experience the many fishing sites Florida is well known for. Florida is proud to be the Fishing Capital of the World, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the license-free days this weekend.”
Pictured: Fishing at Lake Stone in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Brian Yablonski said, “If you’ve never been fishing before, this is a great opportunity to get out there and give it a try, or, if you’re a seasoned angler, take a friend or family member who has never been. They just might learn to appreciate it as much as you do.”
Replacement Begins Next Week On Highway 99 Bridge In Oak Grove
March 31, 2017
Construction activities are scheduled to begin next week on a new bridge on North Highway 99 over Pine Barren Creek, just north of the Oak Grove Park.
The existing bridge will be replaced with a new, modern structure consisting of 11-foot travel lanes, nine-foot shoulders and a solid concrete barrier railing. The bridge approaches will also be repaved. County Road 99 will slightly be realigned and connect to the new bridge being constructed just west of the existing structure.
There will be additional drainage improvements, with a drainage pond constructed to collect stormwater runoff from the travel lanes. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph during construction.
The existing bridge was constructed in 1955
Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. FDOT said drivers are reminded to use caution and to obey the posted speed limit of 35 MPH when traveling through the work zone. Work is anticipated to be complete in early 2018, weather permitting, at a total cost $4,160,238.
Pictured top: A steel truss was installed to support the bridge over Pine Barren Creek on North Highway 99 in Oak Grove in early 2011. Otherwise, the 62-year old bridge is supported by wood pilings. Pictured below: The North Highway 99 bridge over Pine Barren Creek. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Man Accused Of Raping Two Teens Under 16
March 31, 2017
A Flomaton man is accused of raping two teenagers. Both female victims were under the age of 16.
Trey Alexander Weekes, 20, was charged with two counts of rape second degree.
The Atmore Police Department received allegations against Weekes on February 10. Those allegations were investigated by Atmore Police, the Flomaton Police Department, Poarch Police Department and the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office. Warrants were issued and served on Weekes on Wednesday. He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
Investigators said the he case will be presented to a Escambia Co. Grand Jury for “further prosecutorial efforts”.
Anyone with further information is asked call the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office at (251) 809-0741 or visit their website at escambiacountysheriffal.org.
Deputies Searching For Burglary Suspect
March 31, 2017
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding Christopher Shane Milstead. The 38-year old is wanted for dealing in stolen property, criminal mischief, burglary and larceny. If you have any information about Milstead’s whereabouts contact Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.