Church Members Speak Out After Pastor Arrested In Century
March 31, 2010
Members of a Mt. Vernon, Ala., church are speaking out after the arrest of one of their pastors in Century on 16 drug related charges.
Several members of the AOH Church of God in Mt. Vernon are upset that they learned that Bertha Y. Wright, 43, had been arrested indirectly from an article on NorthEscambia.com rather than from Wright. She was charged with 11 counts of possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, three counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, one count of trafficking in hydrocodone and one count of possession of a blank prescription after being arrested at Century Pharmacy earlier this month.
Church members said that they eventually learned of the arrest after a March 11 story on NorthEscambia.com, not from the associate pastor.
“This is our pastor’s wife and it’s had destroyed the hearts of the church members,” said Michael Williams, a lifelong AOH Church of God member. “This is really breaking and sad news to our entire church, because we didn’t know anything about it.”
Tuesday, the church members forwarded an email news release to several Gulf Coast news media organizations in hopes that more media would run the story.
Williams told the Mobile-Press Register that Wright is the wife of the church’s pastor, and she does preach some sermons at the church.
Wright was freed from the Escambia County Jail on $34,500 bond. She is scheduled to appear in Escambia County Circuit Court in an arraignment hearing before Judge Joel Boles.
When Wright attempted to fill three prescriptions at Century Pharmacy on Mayo Street in early March, the pharmacist suspected that they were fraudulent. Julie Moran called the doctor that allegedly issued the prescriptions, Dr. David Smith in Jay, and determined they were indeed fraudulent, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
The first prescription was written for Phenergan and codeine. The second was for 180 methadone tablets, and the third was for 120 Soma tablets. All three were dated March 3, 2010. Deputy David Bashore contacted Dr. Smith by phone, and he advised that he last saw Wright in February and had written no new prescriptions for Wright.
Inside Wright’s purse, Bashore located an unlabeled prescription bottle containing methadone, a bottle with generic Lorcet and generic Soma mixed together, and a third bottle with methadone.
When deputies Michael Coburn and Tod Day searched Wright’s vehicle across the street from the pharmacy, they discovered a variety of medications — the sheriff’s office incident report lists about a dozen other medications by their identification numbers. The report identified 127 hydrocodone tablets and the muscle relaxer Carisoprodol. An ice-filled cooler in the vehicle also contained three bottles of an unknown substance, according to deputies. The vehicle and the medications were seized as evidence by the sheriff’s department.
Northview Remains Undefeated In District With Win Over Freeport
March 31, 2010
The Northview Chiefs remain on top of District 1-2A with a perfect district record after a 4-3 win over Freeport Tuesday night.
The Chiefs are now 13-4 overall and 7-0 in the district, outscoring district opponents 63-8 this year.
Winning pitcher was Austin Reid (5-1) with two and one-third innings on the mound. Reid gave up one run, three hits, one base on ball and had three strikeouts. Brad Lowery pitched four and two-third innings. Lowery had five strikeouts and gave up two runs.
Hitters for the Chiefs were Brad Lowery 1 for 3 with one RBI; Austin Reid 1 for 4 with the winning run in the bottom of the seventh; Dabney Langhorn 2 for 4 with a double and the winning RBI; Dakota Stuckey 1 for 3; Heath Burkett 1 for 3; Austin Lowery, 1 for 2 with a homerun, two runs and one RBI; Aaron Chancery, 1 for 3 with a triple and one RBI.
The Chiefs scored four runs on eight hits and had one error.
The Northview Chiefs will be back in action on Saturday, April 3 at home against T.R. Miller. The junior varsity plays at 10, and the varsity will play at 12:30.
Convicted Felon Gets 15 Years In Prison For Selling Cocaine
March 31, 2010
A Cantonment man has received the maximum sentence allowed by law after being convicted on cocaine charges.
Jerry Derrell Paige was sentenced to 15 years in state prison by Judge Frank Bell immediately after being convicted by an Escambia County jury on a charge of selling cocaine, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
One June 11, 2008, two undercover deputies with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit purchased crack cocaine from Paige while conducting a narcotics investigation at the Grantwood Apartments in Cantonment.
Paige was a nine-time convicted felon, including a 1998 armed robbery conviction for which he was sentenced to state prison. He had recently been released from the robbery sentence when he sold the crack cocaine, according to Eddins’ office.
Bluegrass Festival With Marty Raybon Is Saturday; Band To Sell Gumbo, Hot Dogs
March 31, 2010
Tickets are still available for both shows for the Northview FFA Alumni Bluegrass Festival featuring Marty Raybon on Saturday, and the Northview Tribal Beat Band has announced plans to join in the event by providing refreshments.
The Northview Band Boosters will be selling gumbo for $3 per bowl, hot dogs for $1, and chips and drinks for $1 before and during the concerts to raise money for an upcoming trip to Orlando for a performance at the Music USA 2010 Festival. It is not necessary to attend the concert in order to purchase the concessions and support the band.
Several political candidates will have tables set up in the lobby before the concerts to meet and greet the public, including Doug Broxson, Dave Murzin, Walter B. Hill and Larry Walker.
The concerts at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. will feature Marty Raybon, a man that achieved legendary status in country music — 13 number one singles, 22 songs on the charts, a Grammy Award, and a CMA Vocal Group of the Year trophy.
To purchase tickets click here to order online and print at home/work.
Tickets are also available at ticket outlets — Davisville Country Store at 10251 Highway 97, the Ann’s Hallmark & Gift Shop at 1741 E. Nine Mile Road in Pensacola, and the Ann’s Hallmark & Gift Shop at 4805 Hwy. 90 in Pace.
Marty Raybon is perhaps best known as the former lead singer of the country mega-group Shenandoah from 1985-1996. He led Shenandoah to 22 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including thirteen number one singles, such as: “The Church on Cumberland Road” (1989), “Sunday in the South” (1989), “Two Dozen Roses” (1989), “Next to You, Next to Me” (1990) and “Butterfly Kisses” (1997). At the top of the charts, Raybon became known for his bluegrass and gospel-influenced semi-traditional country sound.
Both shows will also feature local favorites Dog River Boys and Delta Reign.
For more information, click here.
Saturday’s concerts will benefit the Northview FFA Scholarship Fund.
Escambia Fla. Sheriff’s Investigator Heath Jackson Running For Escambia Ala. Sheriff
March 31, 2010
Heath Jackson, an Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division investigator, has announced that he is running as a Republican for sheriff of Escambia County, Ala.
Jackson’s campaign released the following statement:
“Jackson was born and raised most of his life in Brewton, Alabama. Heath is the son of Thomas Wayne and Terry Sherrer Jackson. After graduating from T.R. Miller High School in 1999, he began his pursuit of a lifelong dream in law enforcement. He attended the city of Montgomery’s Advanced Criminal Justice Academy and became a sworn peace officer in the state of Alabama in January 2000.
“He has completed numerous hours of training with U. S. Customs Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U. S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of the Treasury Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and multijurisdictional training. Additionally, specialized training was completed at Faulkner St. College, Bay Minette, Alabama and Chipola College, Marianna, Florida. The scope of training includes Federal Bureau of Investigation certification as a firearms instructor as well as an M26 advanced Taser and Taser X26 instructor.
“Jackson began his tenure with the city of Brewton’s Police Department as a patrol officer, quickly realizing the need for the active and aggressive stand needed with the rising number of drug-related crimes in the county. He then began increasing the scope of his involvement by joining the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force as a narcotics agent, investigating all types of crimes from drug investigations, burglary and homicide, and successfully testifying countless times in state and federal courts. During his time on the Task Force, Jackson was also recruited by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He served as a Task Force Agent for more than four years, assisting federal law enforcement in the successful arrests and prosecutions of individuals who violated gun and explosive laws.
“After six years with the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force and a desire to broaden the scope of his experiences, Jackson became an investigator for the Escambia County Sherriff’s Department, Pensacola, Florida. Assigned to the Narcotics Division, he has spearheaded numerous investigations in organized crime, drug trafficking, and prostitution. It should be noted he is one of the few investigators in Alabama who has successfully completed the rigorous and stringent requirements for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Basic Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Law Enforcement School. Heath has an unmatched working knowledge of every community in Escambia County, Alabama and Escambia County, Florida. He understands today’s issues and has the vision to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
“Heath has proven he has a calm demeanor in any situation based upon the myriad of experiences requiring strategic and tactical planning. He recognizes the damage and public risk caused by illegal drugs in our county and for the last nine years has aggressively worked as an officer with narcotics interdiction and investigations as his primary focus. He strongly emphasizes that the children of today need to be told early the importance of becoming law abiding citizens and most of all, the importance of an education. Recognizing that more than 90% of all crimes committed in Escambia County Alabama have a root cause related to illegal drugs and alcohol, the only way to combat a problem of this magnitude is to address it head-on.
“Jackson knows the importance of conviction, dedication, professionalism, and the strength of genuine effort. With an honest, forthright and no-nonsense approach to public service, he is committed to building on the successes of those who have served before him and continue to focus on ways to improve. As an investment in the future of the Escambia County, he will be a driving force in ensuring safety and trusts are restored within the county. He has been blessed with numerous accomplishments and received accolades for his involvement with the youth of the county for supporting the Youth Police Academy at Jefferson Davis Community College and Brewton Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy.
“Jackson is an active member of the Alabama Narcotics Officers Association, the Alabama Sheriffs’ Association, and the National Rifle Association.
“Heath can be reached anytime day or night on his cell phone at 205-901-1391 or home phone at 251-867-6458. You can also reach Heath by e-mail at agentheathjackson@gmail.com.”
Tate Mock Trial Team Wins State, Headed To Nationals
March 31, 2010
Tate High School’s Mock Trial Team won the state tournament this past weekend in Orlando.
Members of the team are Collin Metcalf, Dylan Lunsford, Allison Baliey, Jacob Sander, Asia Cravens, Amy Sapp, Denis McKinnon III, Josh Levins, Austin Perry, Sarah Barlow, Ashley Fasshauer, and Brooke St. Pierre. Collin Metcalf also won the “Best Attorney” award at the competition.
The group is coached by Amanda Brown. Former coach Kelly Krostag and Attorney Aaron Watson from The Levin Firm also worked with the group.
The team is now eligible to compete in the National Tournament which will be held May 6-9 in Philadelphia.
Pictured: (left of stairs, bottom to top) Brooke St. Pierre, Asia Cravens, Ashley Fasshauer, Amy Sapp, Sarah Barlow, Allison Bailey, coach Amanda Brown, (bottom of stairs, bottom to top) Dylan Lunsford, Austin Perry, Jacob Sander, Josh Levins, Collin Metcalf, Denis McKinnon III. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate, Escambia Get Wins At Aggie-Gata Classic
March 31, 2010
The Aggie-Gata National Baseball Classic tournament continued Tuesday at Tate High School with wins for the Aggies and Escambia, and a loss for Pine Forest
In Tuesday’s action, the Escambia Gators beat the Pine Forest Eagles 14-4 and the Tate Aggies beat Coral Reef (Miami) 10-1.
The four-day, six-team tournament continues Thursday:
- 1:30 p.m. Pine Forest vs. Gibbs
- 4:00 p.m. Escambia vs. Coral Reef
- 6:30 p.m. Bartow vs. Tate
Tournament championship games will be played on Friday.
Driver Flown To Hospital After Highway 29 Rollover Wreck
March 30, 2010
One person was transported to a Pensacola hospital by helicopter following a single vehicle accident this afternoon on Highway 29.
The accident happened just before 5 p.m. on Highway 29 about a mile south of Bogia Road. The driver of a southbound pickup truck lost control, crossed over the median, rolled over and hit a tree on the northbound side of the highway.
The driver was transported from the scene by LifeFlight. His condition was not immediately available.
The northbound side of Highway 29 was closed for about half an hour due to the accident.
The McDavid and Molino Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the call, along with Escambia County EMS and the Florida Highway Patrol.
The accident is still under investigation by the FHP. Further details were no available.
Pictured top: The driver of this pickup was injured in a Tuesday afternoon wreck on Highway 29 south of Bogia Road. Pictured inset: The injured driver is taken to a waiting LifeFlight helicopter. Pictured below: LifeFlight lifts off from the scene. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Brush Fire Consumes About An Acre On Smyers Road (With Photos)
March 30, 2010
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a brush fire on Smyers Road just north of Williams Ditch Road in Cottage Hill Tuesday afternoon. The fire consumed about an acre. There were no structures involved. Submitted photos by Kristi Smith for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Charged After Morning Byrneville Road Wreck
March 30, 2010
A Century man is facing charges after a single vehicle accident about 8:05 Tuesday morning on Byrneville Road.
Lennon Levi Cassidy Raulerson, 23, of Century, was southbound on Byrneville Road near Highway 4 when he lost control, crossed across the northbound lane and struck a tree. His truck came to rest partially in the roadway on its side.
Raulerson was transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
He was charged with driving while license suspended or expired, careless driving and failure to provide insurance in a crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
In addition to the FHP, Engine 519, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department and Atmore Ambulance responded to the accident. The Escambia County Road Department, which was working nearby at the time of the crash, provided assistance with traffic control.
Pictured above and below: A Century man was injured in this single vehicle accident on Byrneville Road Tuesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
