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.
Jim Allen Students To Receive New Bicycles Today
December 16, 2011
Thirty students at Jim Allen Elementary School in Cantonment will receive shiny new bicycles today, along with helmets to match.
The bicycles will be presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors as part of their 10th annual bicycle donation program. The chain will donate bikes and helmets to about 2,100 children across the country — about $200,000 worth in all.
Participating schools and organizations select recipients based on a variety of criteria including exceptionally good conduct, academic achievements, reading contests and perfect attendance.
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.
Local Players In Action Tonight In Subway All-Star Game
December 16, 2011
Several local players will hit the field tonight as he West takes on the East in the Subway High School All-Star Football Game at Woodham Middle School.
Gates will open at 6:00, game time is 7:00 and tickets will be available at the gate. Admission is $7, or $5 with a canned food donation to Manna Food Pantries.
The West All-Star Team, representing Escambia County, will include several North Escambia area players: Northview’s Brandon Sheets, Montaio Mitchell, Sean Knight, Brian Ross, and Austin Albritton; Tate’s Scott Ryals, Jacob Lasky, Cameron Covington and Hagan Mancuso;West Florida’s Kyle Faxlanger, Jalen Jones, Joe Jackson, Antwon Carter, Jorgen Stolsig, Jake Morris and Coach Harry Lees; and McDavid resident Dak Sims who lives in McDavid.
The East All-Star Team, representing Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, will include local players Sammy Jones and Haden McCaskill from Jay High.
The complete West All-Star Team includes:
Brandon Sheets QB Northview
Kyle Faxlanger QB West Florida
Jalen Jones RB West Florida
Brandon Holley RB Washington
Montaio Mitchell RB Northview
Shaquille Purifoy WR Pine Forest
Shaquille Bush WR Pensacola
Marcus Knight WR Pensacola
Eddie Matthews WR Catholic
Dak Sims OL Pensacola
Mike Minton OL Catholic
Scott Ryals OL Tate
Jacob Lasky OL Tate
Colby Watson OL Pine Forest
Emanuel Dirden OL Pensacola
Keyve Jordon OL Pensacola
Jayvon Dye OL Washington
Michael Lovejoy OL Escambia
Kendrell Jenkins DL Pensacola
Sean Knight DL Northview
Coleman Johnson DL Pensacola
Jaqueze Baldwin DL Pensacola
Eric Jordan DL Pensacola
Deforest Jones DL Pensacola
Joe Jackson DL West Florida
Brian Ross DL Northview
Devin Carter LB Pensacola
Dorayon Turner LB Pine Forest
Antwon Carter LB West Florida
Dyjuan Clark LB Washington
Brian Rudolph LB Pensacola
Austin Albritton LB Northview
Jorgen Stolsig LB West Florida
Ladarion Young DB Catholic
Cordale Wade DB Washington
Aaron Strickland DB Washington
Damarious Travis DB Pensacola
Shane Sanders DB Pensacola
Jake Morris DB West Florida
Cameron Covington DB Tate
Hagan Mancuso K/P Tate
Josh Lister K/P Pine Forest
Head coach: Harry Lees, West Florida
The complete East All-Star Team includes:
Dusty Jones QB Navarre
Luke Clark QB Choctaw
Dwayne Carter RB Navarre
David Rich RB Milton
Cory Harper RB Baker
Matt Hutchinson RB Crestview
Therion Robinson RB Choctaw
Brad Leggett WR Navarre
Patrick Maddox WR Pace
Paul Young WR Milton
Blake Meredith WR Gulf Breeze
Sammy James WR Jay
Haden McCaskill TE Jay
Michael Hill OL Navarre
Michael Campbell OL Pace
Dillon Cotten OL Baker
Kyle VanAtta OL Fort Walton Beach
Caleb McCullough OL Rocky Bayou
Jesse Bates OL Crestview
Will Boler OL Crestview
Earl Reed OL Crestview
Virgilio Hunter DL Navarre
Troy Gaoa DL Pace
Ryan Lynn DL Milton
Shoobe Timms DL Fort Walton Beach
Josh Stubblefield DL Rocky Bayou
Joey Collins DL Niceville
Alex Brandt LB Pace
Colton Bouchard LB Baker
Dexter Hottel LB Fort Walton Beach
Kyle McGee LB Gulf Breeze
Sebastian Shutte LB Niceville
Trey Barnes LB Niceville
Kevin Chasteen LB Niceville
Marquis Hagewood DB Navarre
Bryce Simpson DB Milton
Ivory Smith DB Baker
Terrance Bryant DB Choctaw
Max Keefe DB Choctaw
Geo Hillsman DB Crestview
Adam Enzian P Gulf Breeze
Max McDaniel PK Gulf Breeze
Head coach: Matt Brunson, Baker
Dorthy F. Trawick
December 16, 2011
Dorothy F. Trawick age 72 of Jay, died on December 15, 2011. She was a lifelong resident of Jay and was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leadus and Zeda Mound; daughter, Janet Crawley; son, Royce Edeker, granddaughter, Rachel Crawley; son-in-law, Danny Cumbie and sister, Sybil Porterfield.
Dorthy is survived by her daughter, Ouida (Jack) Burkett; son, Darren Edeker; son, Mickey Edeker; daughter, Joyce (David) Ellis and daughter, Traci Cumbie; sister, Jean (Donald) Cobb; 10 grandchildren, Heather, Angie, Wendell, April, Terri, Becky, Samantha, Dylan, Greg and Amy and 23 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 2-3 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Lassiter officiating services. Burial will follow at Cobbtown Cemetery.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Covenant Hospice for the wonderful care given to Mrs. Trawick and her family.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
FDLE Operation Amalgamate Arrest List
December 16, 2011
Here is the complete list of those arrested in Operation Amalgamate as provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement:
Barnes, Christopher M., 08-31-87, Tampa, Florida –Hillsborough
Two counts computer pornography & one count attempted sexual battery
Belledent, Karl Edwin, 03-26-96, N. Miami – Miami Dade
One count computer pornography, four counts of sexual battery, four counts of sexual performance by a child & one count of extortion
Billings, Michael D., 06-11-69, Leesburg, Florida — Volusia
Two counts computer pornography & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Blyth, Dennis Richard, 11-25-47, Daytona Beach, Florida — Volusia
Two counts computer pornography & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Brandstedter, Cristy, 01-23-49, Land O Lakes Florida — Pasco
10 counts of child pornography
Briggs, James Michael, 11-28-61, Ft. Myers, Florida — Hardee
Two counts computer pornography & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Brown, Gene Hamilton, 02-01-61, Cantonment, Florida — Escambia
Three counts of child pornography
Brown, Kris Karl, 04-29-75 – (No residence address) –Broward
20counts of child pornography & one count of computer pornography
Brown, Michael Robert, 08-04-80, Dade City, Florida — Volusia
Two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, one count of cannabis under 20 grams & one count of possession of drug paraphernalia
Bueno, Alvin Grullon, 11-14-81, North Lauderdale, Florida –Broward
25 counts of child pornography
Calloway, Dustin S., 04-15-86 (no arrest affidavit) (No residence address) — Leon
Carver, Ricky Lamar, 02-26-71, Jacksonville, Florida — Leon
Five counts of computer pornography
Chu, Anthony, 06-15-87, Orlando, Florida — Orange
10 counts of child pornography
Coons, Zachary, 06-07-93 (No residence address) — Leon
Two counts of computer pornography
Deloge, Steven Robert, 05-22-74, Jacksonville, Florida –Duval
One count of computer pornography
Echevarria, Nelson, 04, 09,80, (No residence address) — Broward
One count of cannabis under 20 grams, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia & one count of possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon
El-Refai, Sherif, 10-19-87, Tampa, Florida –Hillsborough
Two counts of computer pornography & one count of attempt lewd and lascivious assault
Figueroa, Carlos Alberto, 02-26-85, Miami –Miami Dade
Three counts/violations of The Florida Sexual Predator Act
Fluery, Douglas, 08-03-53, Sunrise, Florida — Broward
Two counts of computer pornography, one count of attempt lewd and lascivious assault & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Fochs, Donald William Jr., 06-23-73, New Port Richey, Florida — Pasco
One count of solicitation of a minor for sex acts
Gutierrez, Omar, 06-02-83, (No residence address) — Orange
Two counts of computer pornography
Hudnall, Richard, 11-30-56, Jacksonville, Florida –Leon
Two counts of computer pornography
Ingersoll, Michael, 05-16-84, Arvada, Colorado –Volusia
Two counts computer pornography & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Jarrell, Jason, 05-01-80, Tallahassee, Florida — Leon
Two counts of computer pornography
Kalinowski, Edward L., 06-27-52, Daytona Beach, Florida — Volusia
Two counts computer pornography & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Kessler, Phillip Michael, 01-10-76 (no arrest affidavit) –Bay
Lentovich, Eric Joseph, 08-27-75, Ft. Myers, Florida –Hardee
Two counts computer pornography & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Leon, Hector Ramon, 12-26-65, Greenacre, Florida – Palm Beach
10 counts of child pornography
Martinet, Christian, 04-10-87, Pembroke Pines, Florida — Broward
30 counts of child pornography
Martinez, Jorge M. Jr., 09-26-89, West Park, Florida — Broward
One count of child pornography & one count of computer pornography
Masters, Rickey O., 07-17-46, Hollywood, Florida –Broward
10 counts of child pornography
Milboer, Scott Andrew, 01-113-78, Naples, Florida — Collier
Two counts of computer pornography, one count of attempt lewd and lascivious assault & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Mizner, Stephen, 03-14-70, Sarasota, Florida
Two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device & one count attempted sexual battery
Moss, Mario Dwayne, 12-08-84, Lake City, Florida — Columbia
10 counts of child pornography
Orr, Curtis, 04-09-70, (No residence address) — Broward
24 counts of child pornography
Peixoto De Almeida, Marcus F., 11-03-73, Hallandale Beach, Florida –Broward
20 counts of child pornography
Perez, Jorge Arturo, 04-14-83, Boca Raton, Florida –Palm Beach
Possession of child pornography
Rains, Paul David, 05-08-49, Orlando, Florida — Orange
10 counts of child pornography
Rees, James F., 10-28-60, Deltona Florida — Volusia
Two counts computer pornography & one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Sauleda, Donovan A., 05-13-86 (no arrest affidavit) — Wakulla
Shelley, Dean A. 12-15-59, Palm Harbor, Florida — Hillsborough
Two counts of computer pornography & one count of Attempt Capital Sexual Battery
Stowell, Kevin A., 10-26-58, Port Richey Florida — Pasco
10 counts child pornography
Torres, Michael, 12-11-76, Oakland Park, Florida — Broward
30 counts of child pornography
Vela, Francisco Javier, 07-10-77, Greenacre, Florida –Palm Beach
One count of child pornography
Walker Rober Lee Jr., 10-09-77, Orlando, Florida — Orange
10 counts of child pornography
White, Harvey, 03-13-53 (No residence address) — Broward
10 counts child pornography
White Leon, 07-12-52, Davenport, Florida — Osceola
10 Counts of child pornography
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.
Critical Need For O-Neg Blood; Blood Drives Set In Flomaton, Molino, Cantonment
December 15, 2011
Northwest Florida Blood Services says there is an immediate need for O-negative blood.
“Holiday season emergencies, accidents and surgeries are showing increased usage of O Negative blood type by local hospitals,” according to Betty Roberts, Northwest Florida Blood Services spokesperson.
There are three blood drives scheduled in the North Escambia area for Thursday and Friday. The Bloodmobile will be at McDonald’s at 80 Highway 113 in Flomaton from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Friday. There will be blood drives on Saturday at Fran’s Country Grill at 5539 North Highway 29 in Molino from 12:30 until 5:30 p.m. and at Winn Dixie at 1550 South Highway 29 in Cantonment from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Donations can also be made at the Blood Center’s location at 1999 East Nine Mile Road from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
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.