Cantonment Man One Of 48 Child Predators Busted In FDLE Operation
December 16, 2011
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says a Cantonment man was among 48 child predators arrested as part of a six-month investigation dubbed Operation Amalgamate that was announced Thursday.
Gene Hamilton Brown, 50, was charged with three counts of child pornography, according to FDLE.
The FDLE investigation began in July after Attorney General Pam Bondi and FDLE merged the FDLE’s Computer Crime Center and the AG’s Child Predator Cybercrime Unit to more effectively investigate online child exploitation.
“The arrests in Operation Amalgamate show the strength of what has become one team with one goal – to find and arrest internet predators attempting to victimize our children,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey.
Operation Amalgamate investigators found child sex predators in chat rooms, utilizing instant messaging, texting, dating sites, social networks and even online classified ads. FDLE agents in partnership with local law enforcement agencies arrested 48 suspects in 17 Florida counties.
“We are committed to protecting our children from cybercrimes, and I commend the law enforcement community for their continued dedication to stopping these criminals from exploiting our children,” Bondi said.
Photo Gallery: Santa Visits Century Branch Library
December 16, 2011
The Century Branch Library held their annual Christmas event Thursday afternoon. Dozens of children had a chance to presents for everyone and a personal visit with Santa Claus.
From dolls to iPads to computers, Santa heard all kinds of Christmas wishes from the children.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Santa paid a special visit to the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bills Address Mandatory Septic Tank Inspections
December 15, 2011
A new bill filed this week in the Florida House would repeal a state requirement for inspections of the state’s 2.6 million septic tanks, but allow counties to utilize their own inspection programs.
But don’t look for Escambia County to require inspections any time soon ; the Escambia County Commission has adopted a position against septic tank inspections. The county’s 2012 Legislative Requests included opposition to “any attempt that requires regular, mandatory inspections of septic tanks and/or the septic tank evaluation program.”
A requirement that septic tanks be inspected every five years at the owner’s expense technically became state law in July after being approved in the last legislative session. But language was inserted into a budget bill that prohibits the Department of Health from spending a dime on the inspections without the approval of the Legislative Budget Commission — essentially putting the program on hold.
The septic tank inspection program has been unpopular with a number of rural lawmakers who say the costs are too high.
The North Escambia area’s senator, Greg Evers, R-Baker, filed a bill back in August to to repeal altogether the bill requiring septic tank inspections.
“I will focus all of my resources and efforts on accomplishing a full repeal,” Evers said recently. “Economic times are as hard as they come right now and there is no scientific need for inspections to occur every 5 years that will only put additional hardship on our residents who are struggling enough as it is.”
Backers of the law said it was necessary to protect springs and other waterways from pollution, but opponents argued it would drive up costs for homeowners. Opponents believe that tests — the financial responsibility of the property owner — could cost up to $500 for each of Florida’s 2.6 million septic tanks.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
State Attorney Clears Escambia County Tourism Group, Commissioner
December 15, 2011
A report released Wednesday by the State Attorney’s Office said the Escambia County Tourist Development Council did not violate the state’s Sunshine Law governing open meetings.
But the report by Chief Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille did point out actions by the council that should be avoided in the future.
“While we find that no violation of the Sunshine Law occurred, we are concerned with members of the same board attending meetings where matters are discussed that may foreseeably come before that board. This type of action clearly raises concerns with the general public and violates the spirit of the law. Such behavior should be strongly discouraged,” Marcille wrote.
Several allegations were made that TDC member may have violated the Sunshine Law. These allegations primarily involved Escambia County Commission Grover Robinson, TDC Chairman Denis McKinnon, and member Nash Patel.
One allegation involved the real estate business relationship between Robinson and McKinnon. Robinson was working as independent contractor with McKinnon’s real estate office. Both testified that they were seldom in the office at the same time and never discussed TDC business outside of a public meeting. That State Attorney’s Office found that no Sunshine Law violation occurred.
Robinson’s term on the TDC ended November 27.
Another allegation involved a series of hotel owner meetings about the use of bed tax dollars attended by McKinnon and Patel. The two determined that one would leave the meetings if any TDC matters were discussed. Evidence confirmed that Patel never spoke at the meetings, the State Attorney’s Office report stated.
Brewton PD Makes Several Narcotics Related Arrests
December 15, 2011
Since the beginning of December, officers with the Brewton Police Department have made several drug related arrests, according to a news release from the department.
Those charged were:
- Natasha Bell, 31, of Prattville was arrested on December 3 for unlawful possession of a controlled substance (crack/cocaine) and possession of drug paraphernalia following an investigation at the Colonial Manor Hotel by Officers Russell Pintado and William Mosley.
- Katrina Gillis, 46, of East Brewton, was arrested on December 3 for unlawful possession of a controlled substance (crack/cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia and false identity to obstruct justice following an investigation at the Colonial Manor Hotel by Officers Russell Pintado and William Mosley.
- Christopher L. Thomas, 36, of Brewton, was arrested on December 7 for unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree after a traffic stop by Officer Nicholas Stanley.
- Alberta J. Johns, 51, of Bagdad as arrested on December 9 for unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Lortab), possession of marijuana in the second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop by Officer Nicholas Stanley.
- Timothy Ray Scott, 36, of Brewton was arrested on December 11 for unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree following a traffic stop by Officer Nicholas Stanley.
Another Member Of LCPl Travis Nelson’s Unit Killed In Afghanistan
December 15, 2011
Another member of LCpl. Travis M. Nelson’s unit has been killed in action in Afghanistan.
LCpl. Christopher P. J. Levy, 21, of Ramseur, N.C., died from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC, along with Nelson.
Nelson, who grew up in Bratt, was killed in action with the same unit back in August, also in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was laid to rest in Atmore.
Florida Has 83,000 Homeless Children
December 15, 2011
Florida has more than 83,000 homeless children, according to a new report by an advocacy group, and doesn’t do well in dealing with it, putting it near the bottom of states in that regard.
A report released this week by The National Center on Family Homelessness said Florida ranks 42 out of 50 states in the number of homeless children, their well being, state policy related to it and other measures.
The group says the recession has dramatically increased the number of homeless children in the state and the nation as a whole since 2007. Nationally, the number of children who don’t have a home has gone up almost 40 percent in that period.
“The state of Florida must provide the needed resources for quality services and programs to children and their families who are homeless,” said Suzanne Edwards, President of the Florida Coalition for the Homeless. “Prevention is the key to healthy and stable families.”
By The News Service of Florida
Ernest Ward Honors Fall Sports Standouts
December 15, 2011
The sixth annual Ernest Ward Middle School Sports Banquet was held Wednesday afternooon. Students were honored for their participation in football, cross country, cheerleading, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball and band.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
In addition to team awards, individual students honored included:
Football
- MVP Offense: Desmone Knight
- MVP Defense: Austin Whitehead
- Coaches Award: Gavin Grant
Cross Country:
- Most Valuable Runner (MVR) Female: Bethany Reynolds
- Most Valuable Runner (MVR) Male: Zachary Calloway
- Most Improved Female: Jessica Barrows
- Most Improved Male: Logan Calloway
- Perseverance Award: Bethany Reynolds
- Perseverance Award: Gavin Coon
Cheerleading
- Most Improved: Mallory Gibson
- Most Dedicated: Autumn Albritton
- Most Spirited: Raegan Harrell
- Best All-Around: Jadlyn Agerton
Individual awards were not presented for basketball or band.
A second Ernest Ward Middle School Sports Banquet will be held next year for winter and spring sports.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School football’s most valuable players Austin Whitehead (left) and Desmone Knight. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Girl’s Weightlifting: Northview Defeats Jay
December 15, 2011
Northview High School defeated Jay High School in a girl’s weightlifting meet at Jay.
Northview finished first with 45 points, while Jay had 34 points.
For more photos from the meet, click here.
Weight category winners, including scores with combined bench press and jerk weights, were as follows:
101
- Kasie Braun –Northview 125
110
- Lakelynn Parker-Northview 145
119
- Ashley Cunningham-Northview 165
- Samantha Campbell –Jay 150
129
- Ashlynn –Jay 165
- Shelby E.-Jay 165
- Madalyn Coon-Northview 160
139
- Zacarra Davis-Northview 160
- Matti –Jay 130
- Kim –Jay 130
154
- Ashton Gibbs-Northview 200
- Kristine –Jay 180
- Liza-Jay 175
169
- Keyth Grice –Northview 150
- Sunny –Jay 140
- La’Jerika Freeman –Northview 135
183
- Sydney-Jay 160
- Alisha Grice 135
199
- McKenzie Nassar-Northview 190
- Kaylen Blair –Jay 160
Unlimited
- Te’Andreia Knight-Northview 230
- Brianna Hawthorne –Jay 225
- Cheyenne Mark-Jay 160
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘D-Money’ Detained For Atmore Armed Robbery With A Machete
December 15, 2011
The suspect in an armed robbery Wednesday afternoon in Atmore is behind bars.
Darrell Marshall, also known as D-Money according to police, was charged with first degree armed robbery for the holdup at Southern Gold Buyers at 100 North Main Street.
Marshall entered the business at 2:38 p.m. and attempted to sell a piece of jewelry. As the owner of of the business inspected the jewelry, Marshall pulled a machete from his pants and demanded money, according to Atmore Police. The store owner, who was not injured, gave chase as he fled the store.
Marshall was last seen entering a wooded area on Ashley Street. A K-9 tracking team from the Alabama Department of Corrections was called to help locate the robber, but could not be located.
At 11:27 p.m. Wednesday, Marshall was spotted an Atmore gas station and taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.