New Felony Charge Filed Against Woman In Century Child Neglect, Sexual Battery Case
December 14, 2021
A Century woman accused of child neglect and failing to report child abuse is facing a new felony charge.
Tabitha Ann Tedder, 50, was charged with one first degree felony count of tampering in a first degree felony proceeding. Tedder was taken into custody Friday when she went to court for an arraignment hearing, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Tedder is one of four people arrested in October on child neglect charges for living in squalor with several children. In November, she was arrested again for failure to report child abuse.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Tabitha Tedder failed to report the sexual battery of a minor child. Investigators believed she had knowledge that sexual abuse was taking place.
Michael Tracy Tedder, 29, was charged with three counts of capital sexual battery of a victim under 12 by a person in familial custody. If convicted as charged, Michael Tedder faces up to life in prison. He remains in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim disclosed at school that she had been raped by Michael Tedder, according to an arrest report. She stated that it hurt, and about the time she healed, he would do it again, the report continues. The alleged abuse occurred between January 1, 2020, and October 20, 2021.
Much of the arrest report is redacted under Florida law, but it states “several (others) divulged sexual abuse by Michael Tedder. The incidents they described were similar to the sexual abuse disclosed, adding credibility to her statement.”
For more information on the charges against Michael Tedder, click or tap here for an earlier story.
When the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office went to Michael Tedder’s home on October 20 to investigate the sexual battery allegations, deputies found Tedder and three others living in squalor with six children in two campers.
They found Michael Tedder and his wife 28-year old Elizabeth Mae Dennis, along with 55-year old Norman Tracy Tedder and his wife Tabitha Tedder. All four were charged with felony child neglect. Only Michael Tedder is accused of a sex crime; the other three have not been charged with any sex crime or named as suspects.
The Department of Children and Families removed the children and transported them to the Gulf Coast Kids House.
For more information on the child neglect allegations, click or tap here for an earlier story.
Foundation Pays Off Mortgage Of Fallen Escambia Fire Chief Dwain Bradshaw
December 14, 2021
A New York nonprofit has paid the mortgage of a fallen Escambia County firefighter.
As part of their third annual “Season of Hope”, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the mortgage of Escambia Fire Rescue District Chief Dwain Bradshaw.
Bradshaw, 41, lost his life when he was hit by a vehicle during the early morning hours of November 6, 2019, on scene of a fatal crash on the Muscogee Bridge. He was a volunteer district chief at the Bellview Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, volunteer assistant district chief for the Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, and lived a life of public service.
Bradshaw was also a Department of Defense firefighter at Naval Air Station Pensacola, an U.S. Army veteran, a member of the Mississippi Air National Guard and a former police officer in Bay Minette.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. For 20 years the Foundation has supported our nation’s first responders, veterans, and their families by providing these heroes and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes
Correctional Officer Injured In Inmate Attack At Escambia County Jail
December 14, 2021
An Escambia County Jail correctional officer was hospitalized after he was attacked by an inmate Sunday night.
Lee Mon Tamurry Brandon, 24, was charged with battery in connection with the incident.
The officer asked for Brandon’s name in order to discipline him for inappropriate behavior. The officer threatened to pepper spray him due to non-compliance, and Brandon started punching the officer, according to an arrest report.
The officer was hit multiple times in the head and face, and surveillance video shows the inmate throwing the officer across a shower area, the report states.
The corrections officer has since been released from the hospital.
Brandon was also already jailed on felony charges of criminal mischief, burglary and petit theft.
One Suspect Arrested, One Wanted Following Weekend Barrineau Park Burglary
December 14, 2021
An Alabama man was taken into custody following a burglary Saturday in Barrineau Park, and a second arrest is anticipated.
About 11:15 a.m. the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary in progress report in the area of Highway 196 and Barrineau Park School Road.
Two suspects burglarized a shed and fled in a vehicle, according to the ECSO. The victims were able to provide a vehicle description, leading to the apprehension of 63-year old Jerome Virgil Conway of Elberta, Alabama, on Highway 97.
Conway was charged with felony unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure and petit theft.
The second suspect fled on foot, leading to a manhunt in the area, but he was not located.
ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard said the second suspect has been identified, and a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
December 14, 2021
Tate High School recently announced their October Students of the Month. They are Juneau and Ge Gao. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Community Health Holding Vaccination Clinic On Saturday
December 14, 2021
On Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Health Northwest Florida, in partnership with Escambia County, will hold a COVID-19 vaccine clinic inside Brownsville Community Center for individuals ages 12 and older. The Brownsville Community Center is located at 3200 West DeSoto Street.
The clinic is open to:
- Individuals 18 and older who have completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series, including the required wait time, and desire to receive a Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson booster shot. These individuals should consult with their healthcare provider regarding the timing of the booster dose.
- Individuals age 12-17 who wish to receive a first or second (primary series) dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
- Individuals 18 and older who wish to receive a first or second (primary series) dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (one-dose) vaccine.
Persons wishing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at this event must call the Community Health Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358 to schedule an appointment.
Other important information:
- Participants desiring the COVID-19 booster should bring their COVID-19 vaccination card to their appointment.
- Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- All adult participants will be required to show photo ID at time of appointment.
- Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have had symptoms of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the past 14 days should not receive the vaccine and should not enter clinic facility.
- Individuals who have had the monoclonal antibody infusion treatment should wait at least 90 days before receiving any COVID-19 vaccine.
Additional information on Community Health Northwest Florida COVID-19 vaccination clinics is available through the Community Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358.
Convicted Cantonment Felon Facing Drug, Weapon Charges
December 13, 2021
A convicted felon from Cantonment is facing drug and weapon charges after it was reported that she walking down an Escambia County street waving a gun in the air.
Laurie Ann Dixon, 32, was charged with carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance (heroin).
A caller reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that a female was walking down Briese Lane waving a firearm in the air and acting aggressive toward a man. Deputies arrived to find Dixon standing at a bus stop.
A 9 mm handgun was located in her jacket pocket, and a bag with a substance that tested positive for heroin was located in her backpack, according to and arrest report.
The report states Dixon said she thought the handgun was a BB gun.
Records indicate Dixon has previous felony convictions for fraud and possession of a controlled substance. She remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $17,500.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Still Available For Escambia County Residents
December 13, 2021
Escambia County residents struggling to pay rent and utilities due to COVID-19 can still apply for help from the Escambia County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
The application portal is now open and available clicking or tapping here. Call (850) 403-6044 to make an appointment for in-person assistance, or see a list of libraries below.
Emergency rental assistance may be provided to eligible low-income Escambia County residents and families who:
- Have been financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Have total household income at or below 80% Area Median Income;
- Are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Have not received any other rental assistance for the requested months
Both the renter and the landlord must submit an application through the portal. Reimbursement will be paid directly to the landlord or utility provider. View eligibility requirements and see if you qualify here.
The program can cover up to 12 months of overdue or late rent and utility bills for households in Escambia County. Additional details for rental assistance for landlords and renters can be found at MyEscambia.com/erap.
Escambia County has received the following allocations:
- $9,611,771 from the Consolidated Appropriations Act
- $7,605,344 from the American Rescue Plan
Escambia County ERAP Policies and Procedures are in alignment with the U.S Treasury Department’s guidelines (full policies and procedures).
Email ERAP@myescambia.zendesk.com or call (850) 403-6044 with any questions.
Citizens may use the computers at the following public libraries to complete their application:
- Century Branch Library – 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Branch Library – 6450-A Hwy. 95A, Molino
- Tryon Branch Library – 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Genealogy Branch Library – 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola
- Pensacola Library – 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Southwest Branch Library – 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Westside Branch Library – 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
Big 30,000 Pound Food Giveaway Planned For Saturday In Cantonment
December 13, 2021
A 30,000 pound food giveaway will be held this Saturday, December 18 in Cantonment.
The event will take place from 8-10 a.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. Vehicles can line up no earlier than 7:30 a.m., and there will be a designated area for walk-up. There are no eligibility requirements; the event is open to all in need.
The giveaway is sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and community partners including Farm Share, Pinewood Presbyterian Church, Cantonment Improvement Committee, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Trailer Parts Plus.
Organizers say they plan to hold the large food distribution once per quarter.
Tate High Cheerleaders Win Several Top Awards At Chipley Competition
December 13, 2021
The Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders earned several awards during a weekend competition at Chipley High School.
The junior varsity cheerleaders were runner-ups in the game day competition.
The Aggie varsity cheerleaders won the first place game day, grand champions game day, first place traditional, grand champion traditional, best stunt, and best choreography awards.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
