Flomaton Police Chief Target Of Criminal Investigation, Resigns
August 8, 2012
Flomaton Police Chief Daniel Thompson is under criminal investigation and has resigned. Over the past three years, Flomaton has been unable to keep a police chief more than a few months…with Thompson the second chief to be the target of a state law enforcement agency.
Thompson submitted a letter of resignation Monday, citing “personal reasons”, according to Flomaton Mayor Dewey Bondurant.
On Tuesday, the top investigative law enforcement agency in Alabama announced that they are investigating Thompson.
“At the request of the Escambia County District Attorney, Stephen M. Billy, the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) is conducting a criminal investigation involving Flomaton Police Chief Daniel Thompson. Upon completion, the findings of the ABI’s investigation will be turned over to District Attorney Billy,” said Sgt. Steve Jarrett of the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the agency that includes the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Details about the investigation have not been released.
The Flomaton Town Council held a special meeting Tuesday evening, quickly going into executive session and discussing Thompson behind closed doors as allowed under Alabama law when discussing the “good name and character” of an employee. About five minutes later, the council returned to session.
“I need a motion that we accept his resignation,” Bondurant said. The council unanimously approved a motion to accept the resignation. No interim chief was named.
Thompson was not present at Tuesday’s meeting, and attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.
Thompson was promoted to chief in early March after the Flomaton Town Council fired then chief Geoffery McGraw after his arrest. McGraw was in court Tuesday morning, accused of kidnapping for arresting a man across the state line in Florida. Read more…
McGraw, a former investigator for the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force, was named police chief in late January 2011. He replaced former chief Katarius Jenkins. Bondurant claimed that Jenkins quit, but Jenkins said Bondurant fired him in November 2010. Bondurant asked the town council to officially fire Jenkins, but the council would not do so.
Terri Tolbert resigned as Flomaton police chief in May 2010. She had been hired to replace Tim Hardage who was released during a six month probationary position. Hardage was hired in February 2009.
Mike Lambert had previously served as Flomaton’s chief before being hired as chief deputy for the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office, a position that he still holds.
Pictured top: The Flomaton Town Council voted Tuesday evening to accept the resignation of Police Chief Daniel Thompson, who is the subject of a state criminal investigation. Pictured inset: Residents discuss the resignation outside the town hall following a brief special council meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Soldier Returns Home After Tour Of Duty
August 8, 2012
A Bratt soldier was welcomed home Tuesday morning at the Pensacola International Airport after a year deployment to Iraq and Kuwait. SFC Chad Wiedel served the tour of duty with the Florida Army National Guard’s 1-111th Aviation Battalion of Jacksonville.
Wiedel was welcomed back from deployment by his wife Annie, daughters Joselynn and Rebecca, son Chris and other family members.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Homestead Exemption Fraud Costing Escambia $1 Million A Year
August 8, 2012
Escambia County is being robbed of up to $1 million annually by property owners committing homestead exemption fraud, Property Appraiser Chris Jones said Tuesday.
“Unfortunately some property owners claim exemptions to which they are not entitled,” Jones said. “These may include rental or vacation properties, second homes or other properties in which the owner does not reside.”
There are currently about 650 cases of homestead fraud per year in Escambia County, Jones said. Homestead fraud occurs when a person who is not a resident of Escambia County files for and is granted a homestead exemption; when that person is not in good faith residing on the property which has been granted the exemption; or is claiming a resident benefit in some other location while at the same time claiming an exemption on the property on which they filed. Homestead fraud is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of $5,000, or both.
“In the past the property appraiser’s office has recovered as much as $600,000 a year by being aggressive in pursuing homestead fraud.” Jones said, “Everyone should care about this because those fraudulently claiming a homestead exemption are essentially stealing from our law enforcement and our schools, and adversely impacting the quality of life of the majority of citizens who are following the law.”
Jones urges citizens who are aware of any homestead fraud to report it to his office.
“If you are aware of anyone who is claiming an exemption on property where they do not reside, which is rented, vacant or merely a vacation home, I would ask you to call our office,” he said.
Anyone contacting the property appraiser’s office to report potential fraud can be assured of confidentiality by either calling the Homestead Fraud Department at (850) 434-2735 or by filling out a form online at www.escpa.org.
“By helping to control homestead fraud the vast majority of citizens of Escambia County who abide by the law, can help ensure that we all receive the same homestead benefits afforded us under the law,” Jones said. “Homestead fraud is not a game or some clever way to gain an advantage. It’s illegal.”
Century Receives $155K Housing Grant, Applying For $650K More
August 8, 2012
Century has been awarded $155,000 in grant money to harden homes against hurricanes, and the town is about to start the applications process for $650,000 in grants to rehabilitate private homes in town.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management awarded Century $105,000 in Residential Construction Mitigation Program Funds. The Community Action Program Committee will provide an addition $50,000 in grant money, bring the total dollars for hurricane retrofits to $155,000.
In the coming weeks, the town will begin the process of apply for an additional $650,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to rehabilitate or replace homes that are currently occupied by persons of low or moderate income.
Work is wrapping up now in the Century on a $650,000 CDBG grant and a $100,000 hurricane retrofit grant that was awarded last year. About a dozen private homes were rehabilitated under the program. [Read more...]
Pictured: One of about dozen homes rehabilitated in Century last year using grant funds. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Second Mother Also Gets 25 Years In Fire Deaths Of Three Children
August 8, 2012
The second twin sister from Atmore accused of murder after their three young children died home alone in a house fire last year is headed to prison.
Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner has entered a plea of guilty to three counts of reckless murder and has been sentenced to 25 years on each count, to be served concurrently. Her sister, Akeevia Lajoseia Abner entered a plea of guilty last month and received the same sentence.
The sisters were charged in connection with the deaths of 3-year olds Aniyia Abner and Takia Abner, and 22-month old Michael Coleman in house fire last November on 1st Street in Atmore.
A State Fire Marshal’s investigation determined the fire was caused by an unattended stove. Authorities say the mothers had left the children home alone while they were elsewhere in the neighborhood.
“They showed an extreme indifference to these children’s lives and created a grave risk of death to the children by leaving them home alone on November 2, 2011,” the Escambia County (Ala.) District Attorney’s Office said in a prepared statement following the arrests.
Two of the children were found dead in a hallway while the third was found in a bedroom. And prosecutors said that a mattress was blocking the living room door.
Forensics evidence determined that three young children died from smoke inhalation, authorities said.
Pictured top: Three young children were killed in an Atmore house fire in November 2011. Pictured below: This photo shows the oven door propped open inside the kitchen of a home were three children died in a house fire. Pictured below: The scene of the fire the night of November 2, 2011. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Scott: Florida Ready To Help Panhandle If Need, The Assist Other States
August 8, 2012
Gov. Rick Scott on Monday said Florida is poised to help its Gulf state neighbors as Isaac appeared to spare much of the state from significant damage.
But the governor cautioned that the next 36 hours will be critical for residents of the far western Panhandle, who may face up to 18 inches of rain and tropical storm winds by sunrise Wednesday.
“Now our biggest concern is, especially, the western Panhandle where it appears they are going to get more rain; we can’t take much at all in the Panhandle because of (Tropical Storm) Debbie,” Scott said.
Reports coming in from South Florida and the Tampa Bay region were favorable, with no major damage or injuries reported so far. About 81,000 customers were without power in South Florida.
Shelters were closed Monday after housing 700 residents and visitors Sunday night in South Florida.
“We are very thankful for Florida that this storm is moving west but we are absolutely concerned about the citizens of Louisiana and the other states it could impact,” Scott told reporters Monday evening in Tallahassee.
Scott said he spoke to Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Monday, the last of four Gulf State governors Scott has been in contact with since preparations began.
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas have forged partnerships and mutual assistance compacts to pool resources. Louisiana officials called up 4,000 national guard troops to assist. Arkansas has called up 2,000 national guard troops.
“All of the southern states have a very good working relationship together,” Scott said. “We’ll all show up.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate spent the day in Tallahassee and is now moving to Alabama to oversee response there. Earlier in the day, Fugate said the storm’s size made it more difficult to pinpoint efforts.
“This is not a New Orleans storm,” Fugate said. “This is a Gulf Coast storm…Everybody’s focusing on New Orleans and they don’t understand this threat is not a point. It’s a large area.”
Scott cancelled his plans for the Republican National Convention, which will be in full swing beginning Tuesday, a day later than scheduled in deference to Isaac. Initially scheduled to give an opening night speech on Monday, the governor has instead turned his attentions to monitoring the storm.
“My job is to make sure that the 19 million people who live in our state are safe along with all our visitors, including the delegates to the RNC,” Scott said. “Everybody here (is) focused on the safety of everybody in our state.”
By The News Service of Florida
Back To The Future: Old Main Street Sewer Plant Site Up For Sale
August 8, 2012
Thursday, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority will uncover a “for sale” sign and lay sod to announce the 19-acre downtown site of the former Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant (MSWWTP), is available for redevelopment opportunities.
ECUA board members, directors and other dignitaries will participate in the event that has been dubbed “Back to the Future”.
Originally designed and constructed in 1937, between Main and Government streets, the MSWWTP underwent numerous expansions in the 1970s and mid-1990s. The plant was officially taken off-line, Thursday, April 28, 2011, with waste water operations transferred to a new facility in Cantonment (pictured top).
One year after ceasing operations, “Old Stinky,” the name affectionately given to the facility by local media representatives, emerged as an environmental success story. Reuse of the MSWWTP property included a defined effort to reduce the environmental impact by reusing and recycling materials recovered during the demolition process.
Obispo Shines As Pensacola Beats Huntsville Stars 6-1
August 8, 2012
Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Wirfin Obispo earned his third straight win with seven shutout innings pitched, while catcher Tucker Barnhart and left fielder Donald Lutz each blasted homers to lead Pensacola to a 6-1 victory over the Huntsville Stars in the series finale on Tuesday night at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama.
With the win, the Fish improved their second half record to 23-22 to remain within two games of Jacksonville for first place in the South Division of the Southern League. The defeat dropped Huntsville to a 22-23 mark since the league’s All-Star break.
Obispo (7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 SO) was victorious for the third consecutive outing after yielding just four hits in his seven scoreless innings. Including tonight, the right-hander in his last three starts has accumulated a 1.50 ERA (3 ER in 18.0 IP) and struck out 25 while giving up just eight hits in that span.
Relievers Wilkin De La Rosa (0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 SO) and Curtis Partch (1.1 IP, 2 BB, 2 SO) joined forces to fire the final two frames in support of Obispo, holding the Stars to just one run. Huntsville starter Jimmy Nelson (5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 1-2 on the year, while RHP R.J. Seidel (3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 SO) kept the Fish off the scoreboard in his three innings of relief for the Stars.
The Blue Wahoos got the game’s scoring started in the fourth, taking an early 1-0 lead. RF Josh Fellhauer drew a leadoff walk and then moved to third on a double to right from 1B Beau Mills, before coming across on a passed ball for the contest’s first score.
Pensacola would then power ahead to a 6-0 advantage in the next two frames to go up 6-0. 2B Brodie Greene began the fifth with a double, before Barnhart left the yard for his first homer at the Double-A level, which made it 3-0. Andrew Means and 3B David Vidal would then each reach on free passes in the next frame, before Lutz brought both in when he launched his third longball for the Blue Wahoos to right.
Huntsville plated their lone tally in the eighth to dash the Blue Wahoos’ shutout hopes. CF Josh Prince doubled to left and would move to third on a groundout, before coming across on 2B Scooter Gennett’s run-scoring single to center.
Greene (2-4, 1 R, 2 2B), Barnhart (2-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB) and CF Ryan LaMarre (2-5) each recorded multi-hit efforts for the Blue Wahoos in the victory, while Gennett (2-4, 1 RBI) collected two hits for the Stars. Greene continued his hot streak at the plate and has now compiled a .533 average (8-15) in his last four games after going hitless in his previous five contests.
The Fish now head back to Pensacola Bayfront Stadium for a five-game series with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. First pitch of the series is set for Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m., with RHP Chad Rogers scheduled to get the nod for the Blue Wahoos, while the Lookouts are expected to counter with RHP Matt Magill.
Families Count will be holding a hygiene drive to benefit homeless veterans, and will be collecting new hygiene products such as soap, shaving cream, razors, deodorant and more at the main gate. It’s also Back to School Night at the bayfront stadium, with fans encouraged in addition to bring new school supplies to help “Cram the Van. All items will be donated to area families, while there will also be old fashioned carnival games set up around the concourse.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: Wirfin Obispo earned his third straight win Tuesday night for the Blue Wahoos. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trial Postponed For Former Flomaton Police Chief
August 7, 2012
The former Flomaton, Ala., police chief was back in a Pensacola courtroom Tuesday morning.
A judge granted a request by Geoffrey Ashley McGraw’s attorney Earnest Ray White, to delay his trial so White can review more evidence in the case from the State Attorney’s Office. A new court date of October 22 was set.
McGraw had previously pleaded not guilty in Escambia County (Fla.) Circuit Court to a felony charge of kidnapping/false imprisonment. He remains free from jail on a $5,000 bond.
McGraw’s arrest stemmed from a joint operation by the Florida 1st Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
FDLE obtained the warrant for McGraw’s arrest for an August 14, 2011, incident in which Ronald Adam Barrow was arrested by McGraw at a home on Old Flomaton Road in Century — 0.177 miles from the Alabama state line. McGraw, without jurisdiction, allegedly took Barrow into custody in Florida on an outstanding Escambia County (Ala.) failure to appear warrant in a misdemeanor case. Barrow was then transported back across the state line into Alabama.
“He didn’t know where he was at the time, and we’ve got some evidence showing that the GPS showed that he was still in Alabama, in fact,” White said Tuesday morning.
McGraw was placed on leave by the Flomaton Town Council on February 27 and subsequently fired on March 12, just four days after his arrest.
Pictured top: Former Flomaton Police Chief Geoffrey Ashley McGraw appeared in a Escambia County (Fla.) courtroom Tuesday morning. Photo by WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Southern Poverty Law Center Files Complaint Against Escambia Schools
August 7, 2012
The Southern Poverty Law Center announced Tuesday morning that it has filed a series of federal civil rights complaints against Florida School Districts, including Escambia County. The complaints alleged that the districts subject African-American students to harsh disciplinary policies at rates that are far higher than for white students.
The complaints, filed with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, describe how African-American students in the school districts in Escambia, Bay, Okaloosa, Flagler and Suwannee counties are suspended, expelled and arrested at school for relatively minor and non-violent conduct.
“Unforgiving disciplinary policies are cutting short the futures of countless African-American students across Florida and the entire nation,” said Stephanie Langer, a staff attorney for the SPLC’s Florida office. “If school districts truly want to provide a quality education to all of their students, they will reform these discriminatory policies.”
The complaints explain how the school districts have imposed long-term suspensions on children as young as 8 years old for minor rule infractions such as tardiness, inappropriate cell phone usage, talking in class and dress code violations.
The SPLC said in Escambia County Schools, African-American students account for 65 percent of all out-of-school suspensions, but they represent only 36 percent of the student population.
The SPLC alleges that M.C., an African-American student in Escambia County, was suspended and arrested for “trespassing” after purchasing a hot meal at a neighboring high school. Before this incident, M.C. had no history of discipline issues.
Florida has amended its zero-tolerance discipline law to encourage schools to handle minor behavioral problems with in-school discipline rather than harsh policies that decrease a student’s time in the regular classroom, the SPLC stated in a news release.
“Local school districts and state officials must make reforms that improve the effectiveness of school disciplinary policies without forcing children out of the classroom,” said Tania Galloni, managing attorney of the SPLC’s Florida office. “School discipline should never deprive a child of an education, but that is happening in these school districts. What was once considered minor misconduct has become an opportunity to punish or even criminalize a student’s behavior.”
In addition to Escambia County, the complaints target Okaloosa, Bay, Suwannee and Flagler counties.