Former NHS Quarterback, Three Other Teens Arrested

May 30, 2012

The former quarterback for the Northview High Chiefs and three other teens were arrested late Monday night on underage alcohol and drug charges.

Brandon Lee Sheets, age 18 of Century; Taylor Christiane McCurry, age 18 of Molino; Dakota Ray Smith, age 19 of Molino; and John Everette, age 18, of Atmore,  were each charged with possession of alcohol under 21 years of age, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. All four were released from the Escambia County Jail on $1,500 bond each.

Sheets quarterback for the 2012 Northview High School Chiefs. He was suspended from his final game in the state playoff series by the Florida High School Athletic Association for alleged taunting, forced to sit out a state semifinal game against Chipley.

Late Monday night, an Escambia County deputy reported finding the teens in the area of 7200 Plantation Way, behind the former University Mall.  After receiving consent to search the vehicle, the deputy reported finding a two small baggies containing marijuana, a brown plastic marijuana cigarette, a “rolling device”, rolling papers, a homemade smoking device made from a Keystone beer can and a bottle of Southern Comfort that was about half full.  The deputy also reported finding a small portable air compressor in the vehicle that he believed to be used in conjunction with the smoking device, according to arrest reports.

All four individuals admitted to possession of alcohol, according to arrest reports, but all four denied any knowledge of the marijuana or the drug paraphernalia.

All four were charged, the arrest report states, because one baggie of the marijuana and the rolling papers were in plain view in the center area of the vehicle.

Comments

93 Responses to “Former NHS Quarterback, Three Other Teens Arrested”

  1. curious on June 2nd, 2012 7:10 am

    to 1 of the1, u might hav learned but your attitude hasnt changed a bit get rid of it & you’ll go farther in life plus more people might believe you

  2. queen b on June 1st, 2012 9:52 am

    @ another one of the 4
    I am very happy that you made this comment. It makes me feel that you may have learned your lessons or as I hope I read it right you 4. It takes a lot of courage to do that. I hope you realize that my comments were not to hurt or pick on you. It comes from personal loss because of drinking and driving. God bless all of you and your families. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

  3. Been Picked on Before. on June 1st, 2012 8:27 am

    @ Bratt. It does matter if someone is a good football player or a superstar country singer in our society. Winning no matter what is where the real substance is in today’s society. Why risk losing a little league or high school football game by letting behaviour or grades get in the way. Oh wait! I know… Let’s keeep giving second chance after second chance without demanding certain bench marks of behavior be met! We finally reached the point where we have taught those silly kids who work hard and maintain respect for each other and authority that everyone has an excuse or is a victim and should be able to get their awards reguardless of how they behave. We have came so far as a society. We no longer let things like honor or respect get in the way. It is great that we have evolved to the point that we are no longer so childish and insecure that we expect our children to behave or compete within the rules. High achievers? Come on! That is so “Old School”. I’m so glad that we have reached the point that everyone is a winner and that success is guarnteed without having to experience failure. I so glad I lived long enough to be part of the “entitelment” generation.

  4. Jarrod Davison on June 1st, 2012 8:21 am

    Shame!

  5. another one of the four on June 1st, 2012 8:19 am

    We are the four that got arrested so we four are the only ones that really know what happend. We made mistakes as do most kids and this whole situatioin as taught me as well as all of us a big lesson. Having our picture on here and being arrested has been a lot for us believe it or not. I am very close to all of them they are more like family to me and I know how great of peaople they are and I will stand beside them through all of this. We are strong enough to get through this and as a family we will. No one is perfect and mistakes are made by everyone. Teenager or not I’m still a human and I’m sure I will make million more mistakes In my life but as for this one I have learned a valuable lesson it and I will pay for my consequence as I and all of us should. Each of us know what we have done and have no excuses are here I can promise you that. Out of all this I hope kids learn from our mistakes.

  6. David Huie Green on June 1st, 2012 5:29 am

    the danger with sarcasm is so many don’t recognize it.

    that’s why I’m always so serious

  7. bratt on May 31st, 2012 11:27 pm

    Been picked on before

    It don’t matter “IF” the teachers (were as you put it) “jealous” of this boy or not. Just because he can play football doesn’t mean he shouldn’t get into trouble by the law if he breaks the law…..that’s like saying my sister in-law who can sing really good and has been offered a country record deal shouldn’t have to pay the speeding ticket she got all because she has an amazing voice. Uhh no she has to pay the ticket cause she broke the law just like Brandon is being punished.. its called life. Stop making excuses.

  8. one of the4 on May 31st, 2012 10:57 pm

    We wasn’t gonna drink and drive.. we know better than that! We had our driver! And we hadn’t even drank.. the thingt was about full! The cop came over after we were getting out to go in..

  9. queen b on May 31st, 2012 10:17 pm

    @anonymous
    Would you be so willing to stand up for them if someone you loved was harmed by their actions? I am not saying they are bad kids. I hope and pray that they have learned their lesson. Maybe this will show them what choices they need to make in the future. I will pray for them and their families but this is a serious matter.

  10. Anonymous on May 31st, 2012 10:03 pm

    They probably are ashamed of the incident. However, they aren’t angry at it. They’re angry at you judgmental people bashing them. They’re all adults. They all knew their actions were wrong, and hopefully they’ll learn their lesson. But you can’t tell me that any of you do not do things every day that you know are wrong. Drugs, alcohol, it doesn’t matter. A wrong is a wrong, and a sin is a sin.

    I’m not defending their actions, I’m defending them from you vultures. Positive reinforcement is what you should learn how to give to these young men and this young woman. Get your acts together. And you call yourself adults? Act like it.

  11. queen b on May 31st, 2012 9:24 pm

    @one of the 4
    I’m glad that you’re admitting your mistakes…and you are right I wasn’t there. But…what about the alcohol? People could have been hurt. I would be more embarrassed about this situation rather than getting mad about it. I know you don’t care what any of us think about this but put yourself in other peoples shoes, you could have hurt or killed someone! What if a teenager that had been drinking or smoking spice/weed had hurt someone you loved? Would you stand up for them? I don’t think so I have had 3 family members killed by a drunk driver and people who drink and drive make me sick! So think about that before you start ranting about the bad choices you 4 made!!

  12. one of the4 on May 31st, 2012 5:57 pm

    We wasn’t just back there! We were at the getaway! A club in Pensacola … jeez you people really have no idea what really happened … i know what i did was wrong and im not trying to justify it.. but NONE of you have any idea .. so keep judging us.. idc.. i could care less what all 80 of you have to say.. i know who i am.. i made a mistake.. yea and im gonna take the punishment for it.. and learn and grow from it.. no excuses here.. just tired of people talking about us when you know nothing .. and for the record while yall are acting like we are druggies and alcoholics not all of us knew the spice was in there

  13. It was bound to happen sometime... on May 31st, 2012 5:16 pm

    Spice or Maijauna, who really cares?! The point is, is that they were caught, oh well, guess they shouldn’t have done it. And for everyone defending them? Really, the back side of a mall that is about to be torn down doesn’t seem the least little bit sketchy to you? They put themselves in that position, let them pay the price. And hopefully, their parents make all of the money from this ordeal that they have to fork out, come from each one of the kids pockets. Parents paying for it themselves might as well be a reward….

  14. What!!!! on May 31st, 2012 4:55 pm

    To inform everybody Spice is now an illegal substance to be in possession of. The DEA has listed it on the list of banned controlled substances such as coke, marijuana, meth,etc……Synthetic cannabinoids (Spice) are now classified as a “Schedule I” hallucinogen meaning there is a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in the state of Florida. The sale, possession, manufacture or delivery of “synthetic cannabinoids” will be a third degree felony. However, possession of less than 2 grams will be a first degree misdemeanor.

  15. me on May 31st, 2012 12:09 pm

    Everything could of been easily prevented by simply making better decisions.Nobody was out to get anyone it doesn’t matter who you are everyone gets caught eventually. They went to jail for not admitting to there being marijuana, well spice is not marijuana and cops should be able to tell the difference. As for the alcohol no child under the age of 21 should be in possession of alcohol and they will pay for that as anyone should. People make mistakes let’s just hope these four learn from them. I hope all teenagers look at this as an example bad things happen to people who do bad things. It doesn’t make any of them bad people. Maybe this whole thing has opened the eyes of all teens that want to grow up too fast.

  16. queen b on May 31st, 2012 10:12 am

    @really
    I read a comment you wrote on here regarding another young man who was caught with drugs….you did not cut him any slack at all for his bad decisions. So why cut these four any? They also made their own choices. Maybe their families can get them help now before they hurt or kill someone. I have people I love on the same highways they drive on and I do not want them harmed by these kids who drink and drive or smoke weed or spice. I hope you would feel the same way if you have someone you love that could have been hurt by their choices.

  17. Been Picked on Before on May 31st, 2012 8:36 am

    @ Bratt… for the record I didn’t mention the coaches. They fought hard to keep Brandon elgible. It is obvious his leadership both on and off the field is the template all Northview students should follow. They know the quality of leader he is and fought to keep the over-bearing teachers off his back so he could remain elgible. Reference all of the comments on the article when the FHSAA suspended him. It is obvious that he is a victim in this whole thing. We all know he represented Northview in all the right ways. He was targeted and singled out by jealous teachers and students. He is an outstanding reprensentative of NHS. I for one am glad he had those with his best interest in mind to keep some of the teachers at bay that had it out for him. Northview’s example on how to keep students like this on the field is to be commended. Stop and think what type of football team NHS would have been stuck with if we had to settle for someone more concerned with their GPA or work ethic. Face it. wins are much more important to the NHS community than the oversold value of hard work or character. I envy Brandon. He understands how the system works and made it work for him.

  18. hellooo on May 31st, 2012 8:00 am

    OKAY PEOPLE the comment left by “been picked on before” was sarcasm. They were not serious. Move on. Brandon and everyone else knows that’s not what happen.

  19. DEJ on May 31st, 2012 6:00 am

    To say that everyone was “out to get him” is asinine. The police officers who caught them were doing their job and I commend them on it. Time for these kids to grow up and I hope that this will serve as a learning experience for them. Time to be big boys and girls and own up to what you’ve done. And please people stop trying to make it seem like they were in the right here, they were clearly in the wrong and were caught because of so. Doesn’t matter if its pot or spice, spice has been banned by the federal government making it illegal. Still a crime punishable by law. Have a nice day.

  20. concerned on May 31st, 2012 1:17 am

    Being a fine Quarterback has nothing to do with this, or being the homecoming queen,,( Jus Saying ) When your Young your mother and father teacher you RIGHT from WRONG as a Child then you carry that through life with you ( unless your parents don’t care OR do it with you,,, Now days that seems to be the case…… What ever the case is YOU WERE IN THE WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now you done the CRIME so stop trying to cover up and do the TIME,,you still have time to turn your life around,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

  21. anonymous on May 30th, 2012 10:48 pm

    I’m just gonna say. I know all of them and actually ALOT of people do drugs and drink etc. AND still manage to graduate and make anlife for their self. Alot of people do quit eventually in life. Stop giving them crap on here. Most people are bound to try it or do it

    Its life.

  22. bratt on May 30th, 2012 8:42 pm

    To “Been picked on before”

    Maybe the teachers n coaches road the boy cause maybe juuuussst maybe he was doing stupid stuff before this and they thought riding him would make him straighten up….I see it didn’t help. The cops don’t know more care about if this dude is a quarterback than nothing…..GET A CLUE!!

  23. ???? on May 30th, 2012 8:11 pm

    If spice is illegal then why can people still buy the mess at the gas station from century to pensacola.

  24. Big Dog on May 30th, 2012 8:09 pm

    Been there done all that a long time ago and it was not legal then either ! When your young there’s all ways those that fall into the substance abuse group for many reasons, seeking acceptance , peer pressure, problems at home and at school, there to many to list ! First and fore most lets thank God that this story is about 4 teens that got caught drinking and drugging, not died in a car wreck from drinking and drugging ! Thank you Lord that these teens get another chance to know your son Jesus and live a life free of all the junk this world and friends tell them is awesome and cool ! Way back when I was a 3rd generation substance abuser I saw good friends die and others fry their brains and destroy their live and others as well ! Back then over 20 years ago we didn’t have all the synthetically made poisons the people are selling for what their calling drugs ! I have been clean 20 year and for the last 15 been leading substance abuse meeting and counselling ! I can tell you I have seen many lives destroyed and families torn apart over drugs and alcohol , have seen them die and seen them delivered . But never have I seen anyone that did not at some point have major regrets over ever going down the path that lead to their down fall ! As for the legal aspect of this. alcohol is legal, but has killed millions, real marijuana I have never seen or heard of anyone overdosing and I can tell you I drove more careful when stoned than drunk It’s a whole different feeling ! Now yes It’s NOT legal and the only reason I put this in here is that many adults say ; It’s legal for me to buy and drink alcohol then drink and wind up getting behind the wheel and killing someone ! My point is laws will never replace strong convictions and good sense! There are many of our youth watching Us, and following the example set by their parents and family ! Were quick to blame many things and people , but first look in the mirror and see what kind of example are You to the young ones you have influence over ! You can say I have and show self control , OK but to abstain would be better and just might save the life of the ones you love the most ! Today there are no drugs out there that are natural as harvested unless self grown and you know every thing that was used to help it grow , most are synthetically made, and destroys your brain even worse than the old stuff, and our food is not much better this world won’t be happy till they have killed us all! But making it better starts with the person looking in the mirror to make a better world for our kids and grand-kids should be our goal !! Also Please read the comment by Psych Nurse Shes telling you the truth ! Every body stay away from all this legal stuff like bath salts ,spice, to name a few ! If you don’t think drugs are bad think about this! When you watch a commercial on TV the list of benefits last 10 seconds and the next 50 seconds their telling you how many ways it can kill you! And this stuff is made by people that went to collage and have degrees in their field of study ! Never meet anyone that cooked crack or crystal that smart and people will use this junk and and gripe about the side effects of prescription drugs!

  25. friend on May 30th, 2012 7:49 pm

    Dang Brandon you would think you were the main topic on here. I know you know what you did was wrong and you will move past all this. Why because your better than this. You will not carry a record for a misdemeanor first offense. You will go on to college and not be a repeat offender like some are. Don’t let the negative comments get you down buddy just keep your head up and strive to do better I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  26. Sidney on May 30th, 2012 7:38 pm

    I do not know any of these people involved in this incident but I am a cop, and speaking from a cops perspective let me just say I could care less if you were getting ready to sign a multi million dollar NFL contract or searching garbage cans for your next meal, If I had caught them they would still be in the same position they are in right now. Illegal is Illegal regardless of what you were caught with. Marijuana is Illegal, Underage drinking is Illegal, go to jail, end of story. If these individuals were such good people, then that doesn’t change, the only thing that changes is now they have a record.
    ALSO If you think marijuana is gonna be legalized then you are crazy or high.

  27. Let's be serious guys on May 30th, 2012 7:11 pm

    @ Been Picked on Before. If he is such a fine young man why was he behind an old mall with alcohol and drugs?! Not everyone is out to get him. And a good leader drinks alcohol, uses drugs, and has to change schools just to get enough credits to graduate, right? Haha, NO!

  28. The truth. on May 30th, 2012 4:50 pm

    There’s people at Northview who doesn’t do any of this crap but nobody cares cause we’re not “cool” and we’re “goody goods.” :P Yeah, I don’t care if some of us might get picked on for not doing this, I’m not gonna be the one eventually going to jail for this crap. Get smart, pass school, get a life other than drugs. I can get picked on all my high school career for not being “cool” but I have so many more years out of high school. I’m not screwing my life up like they almost did or did do. Some people need to hear this. Don’t make stupid mistakes. You have a whole life to keep living. Remember this when you’re about to mess up your life.

  29. Rufus Lowgun on May 30th, 2012 4:28 pm

    There is no way an air compressor is used to smoke pot with a pipe made from a beer can. Just saying.

  30. dnutjob1 on May 30th, 2012 4:18 pm

    Pretty simple to me, if you don’t want to do the time, don’t do the crime. The excuses are just that excuses.

  31. Nhs Student on May 30th, 2012 3:51 pm

    Just so everyone not all Northview students are like this, some actually care about their future…like me :)

  32. JimD on May 30th, 2012 3:49 pm

    What a way to end your high school years, and start your life as an adult. It would serve all of the right, if the principles of those that were still in school suspended them from attending graduation.

    Have to agree with TW too..
    “Yes, it is 2012 and guess what…..Marijuana is still illegal and by the way so is underage drinking”.

    Reguardless of underage or not, they were not in their home area, which means someone had to drive from Pensacola to the north end of the county. What is worse, getting caught and having their picture here or having their picture here where the four of them had been killed in a car accident; driving under the influience.

    Keep saying the same thing……stupid is as stupid does…..and in most case stupid wins; as in the case of these kids.

  33. good grief on May 30th, 2012 3:38 pm

    Haven’t people heard of DUIs!!! It is a little more than a little pot and rolling papers….they had an open bottle of alcohol. Were they tested for intoxication! Gee, what would every body be saying if they had killed someone. It wouldn’t be so minor then, would it! University Mall is a long long way from home.

    I have to say, job security for my husband! Oh, and once an offender, usually always an offender….. just saying.

  34. Sara E on May 30th, 2012 3:36 pm

    I wonder if these teens had been driving under the influence of alcohol & weed- which, YES! is still illegal in 2012!!- & accidentally killed another human being if everyone would be making excuses for them & accusing the police of wasting our hard earned tax money hmmmm?? What happened is exactly what needed to be done IMO.

  35. Brain Cell on May 30th, 2012 3:13 pm

    Having grown up around here (in the seventies) I can attest to some facts.

    A LOT of people in this area smoke pot. A hell of a lot. Always have. And whether you want to believe it or not, those pot smokers are not the ones that are causing the car crashes you read about almost every single day on this website (oh look there’s another one).

    Alcohol is a completely different problem, and Spice needs to be in its own category of dangerous. But many of the people you grew up with smoked pot, and many of them that you would NEVER guess still do. The reason you would never guess is because they are the owners and managers and CEO’s of businesses here and around the world.

    You never smoked pot. Good for you. But that makes you no better than the people who have. It just means you are willing to abide by one particular law that others are willing to ignore.

  36. Kelster on May 30th, 2012 2:37 pm

    “Been picked on before” I desperately need to know if you are being sarcastic…I think so but I can’t tell for sure…hope you are!

  37. Good Grief People! on May 30th, 2012 2:23 pm

    What does it matter if it was marijuana or “spice”??? Both are illegal and actually the effects of “Spice” are WAY more intense and worse than the side effects caused by street level weed, Every patient I have dealt with at work that is high on spice is completely detatched from reality and has an intense sense of impending doom (they literally feel they are fixing to die).
    Reguardless of who the people involved were, they were somewhere they shouldn’t have been and doing things they shouldn’t have been doing and got caught. Now it’s time to be an ADULT and own up to your mistakes and learn from them. This officer did his job by making contact with a suspicious vehicle and happened to find illegal substances after he was given consent to search. I can only imagine the fit throwing that would be going on had this officer ignored the suspicious vehicle and it ended up being a rape/murder/etc.

  38. paint party on May 30th, 2012 1:57 pm

    None of you have no idea what you’re talking about.. You are talking like we are are all alchaholics and addicts … You dont know us.. really we were just going to the get away to the paint party that was going down.. we wasn’t sitting there drinking or smoking .. i didnt even know the spice was even in the car.. and the alcohol was almost full .. im not justifying anything that went down bc in the end i put myself in that position .. i take full responsibility for it.. i chose to ride with them.. But dont sit here and down us over something you know absolutely nothing about.. our image is ruined enough .. We dont need the comments .. to my parents.. im soo sorry i put yall through this embarrassment.. thats what sucks the most..

  39. someguy on May 30th, 2012 1:36 pm

    “@Someguy……You are using politicians as examples of true leaders? Now that’s funny right there!”

    Define what exactly a true leader is, and I can give you an example of someone who either uses or has used some form of drugs.

  40. someguy on May 30th, 2012 1:34 pm

    “So yes having a drug user or an alcoholic as a leader is a fantastic idea isn’t it.”

    You would be surprised if you knew how many presidents were actually alcoholics. You would also be surprised if you learned that some of the most notable presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln just to name a very select few, would have been considered “no life stoners” in today’s society.

  41. Sara on May 30th, 2012 1:08 pm

    First of all, drinking & driving is dangerous to everyone on the road. No one should operate a vehicle impaired by any substance. I grew up in the era of the 70’s when drugs & rock & roll were the norm. So their bout with crime seems pretty tame to me. Back in the day, this sort of thing would have been worked out between the teen-agers’s parents & “the law”. It seems that the police are intent on making arrests (public) to gain points for themselves & political reasons. They should be punished in some way, but making it so public & giving them a permanent criminal record for the rest of their lives seems over the top, in my opinion. I know most people in this are are God- fearing, law-abiding citizens & they see everything in black or white. The drinking age used to be 18, now it is 21, which means it is illegal for a soldier risking his life in a war to have a beer. That, to me, is ridiculous. If you are old enough to serve your country in a war, vote in an election, then you should be able to drink @ 18 years old. (at home, not driving) Another matter is the marijuana laws, it should be legalized as soon as possible. Several states have already approved it for medicinal purposes. It is putting people in prison for non-violent crimes & overcrowding the prison system. If marijuana were grown, sold & taxed, the country would have plenty of tax dollars. Unlike tobacco & alcohol, I have never heard of anyone dying from marijuana. P.S. Please do not be afraid to post this; everyone should be allowed to express their opinion on here, even if it differs from the conservative majority in this area.

  42. Think! on May 30th, 2012 12:59 pm

    I can’t believe some people are defending this just bc it happened to “good” people..
    Bad things happen to good people all of the time..
    What if they would have drank the alcohol then got behind the wheel(maybe not drunk) an wrecked and killed or seriously hurt themselves or someone else.. Then what would some of you be saying?
    That they are being “picked” on??
    Get it together!! Whether it spice or marijuana.. It would still be used to get the same effect which would make them impaired to get behind a wheel..
    This small crime could have lead to something more serious, so they are actually lucky they got caught before it did!

  43. Bell on May 30th, 2012 12:58 pm

    Some of these comments blow my mind. Weather it was marijuana or spice, doesn’t matter. BOTH are illegal. Lower the drinking age. Are you effen serious? Come on. Thank the good Lord above they were found. It is a long drive back to the north end of the county from where they were caught. The officer potentially saved not only their lives, but mine and my loved ones also. This story could have had a lot worse ending to it. We are all human and make mistakes, but when you know what you are doing is wrong or illegal it is no mistake. PERIOD.

  44. Are you kidding me on May 30th, 2012 12:57 pm

    First off no one is wasting their time by “going after” one kid and his friends. The police were just doing their job. And the alcohol was open container in a vehicle either way no matter if you are of age or not you are still gonna get charged for it. And the simple fact is they were just stupid. You can say how good they were but the facts speak for themselves. And about the “true leaders” thing. @ someguy: Your defense is that the last three presidents used drugs so that must mean that good leaders can use drugs… Look at the shape our country is in. We are trillions of dollars in debt and everyone is at each others throats about it. So yes having a drug user or an alcoholic as a leader is a fantastic idea isn’t it. Just to wrap this up and make things clear. What these kids done were wrong, their actions were stupid, they need to be punished, the police are just doing the job they get paid to do, and drugs are bad.

  45. Psych Nurse on May 30th, 2012 12:55 pm

    I work in a psychiatric unit where we care for acutely psychotic patients as well as substance abuse patients who are undergoing detox. Lately the majority of our unit it’s made up of young adults ages 18-24 who are experiencing substance induced psychosis due to spice use. The problem with spice is that while the psychosis clears within a few days many people suffer long term residual effects of the synthetic drug causing permanent brain damage. Several times I have seen 20 something patients who started smoking around 15 & are now mentally retarded. THAT it’s the reality the teens need to see. Spending a few hours in county and then having mom and dad ground them for a few weeks after posting bail is not scary enough apparently.

  46. Sandra on May 30th, 2012 12:49 pm

    @Someguy……You are using politicians as examples of true leaders? Now that’s funny right there!

  47. Former Coach on May 30th, 2012 12:41 pm

    I hope Brandon learns a lesson from this. He has alot going for him. Yes he is a talented athlete with from what I have heard a chance to play juco football. To all four of the young adults learn a lesson from this and don’t put yourselves in this type of situation again. Remember life is always a learning lesson everyday. Learn from this and better yourselves to become better citizens. Also it is a very good thing that they didn’t hurt anyone from doing this it could have been a lot worse

  48. someguy on May 30th, 2012 12:37 pm

    “I think the cops should know the difference between spice and marijuanna.”

    You do realize that, even though it might have been spice, it is still illegal, right? Even if the specific chemical used to make the spice isn’t on the list of controlled substances, there is also something called the Federal Analogue Act; which means that any substance similar in chemical makeup to another substance already scheduled is to be considered scheduled as well. They can sell it because it isn’t a banned chemical and is labeled “not for human consumption” but when it is obvious that it is being consumed, such as having a home-made smoking device with residue of the product on it, being rolled into joints, etc that there is a reasonable assumption that it is being smoked and not as incense.

  49. Person on May 30th, 2012 12:16 pm

    They got arrested because they had no knowledge of tthe marijuana. There was no marijuanna! I think the cops should know the difference between spice and marijuanna.
    .

  50. Tired on May 30th, 2012 12:04 pm

    Ok, Ok, the 1st time they get caught, their just kids…..We should all give them that. But the 2nd or more, then their just fools looking to go to jail……

  51. A "Concerned for Our Youth" Mom on May 30th, 2012 11:58 am

    My opinion is that drugs, sex and alcohol have been so glamorized in the teen and 20 age group that even though they know it is wrong and/or that it is illegal, the “everyone is doing it” mentality prevails. So often they do it to escape trying to figure out what to do with themselves and have no true direction in life. It is that fear of not knowing what to do with their life or the fear of failure that often drives them to do stupid stuff just to try to fit in and feel better. All wrong reasons for doing the wrong things but just a perspective that I have seen all too often. I certainly hope that they all learn from this mistake and will not do it again. If they would turn from the advice of their friends and others who are making the same bad choices and find a trustworthy, loving adult who cares about them to help give them guidance, they would find their way in life much more successfully. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

  52. molino jim on May 30th, 2012 11:46 am

    Poor Brandon—driven into a life of crime by the Fla. Athletic Board. For the “lawyers” who are asking and commenting if the LEO advised them of their “rights”– you must have been taking a nap during the “rights” and “search” classes you took. If the LEO ask to look in the vehicle and is given permission to look and find drugs– no rights are involved. If the owner says NO you can bet the LEO will call for a drug dog and build his PC on that. As to lowering the drinking age—it was lowered to 18 and then put back to 21 because of the accidents involving 18 year olds. No matter what the state of Fla. does on weed– the DEA is telling the states that it is still a violation of federal law.

  53. someguy on May 30th, 2012 11:33 am

    ““TRUE LEADERS” don’t use drugs and alcohol.”

    So pretty much, the last 3 leaders of the US; who openly admitted to using marijuana and cocaine, just happened to stumble into the White House in their drug-crazed stupors? I mean, no matter what people think about what kind of job they did, you don’t just become the leader of the free world by being a bad example of how ‘not’ to do things. Who says you can’t use drugs and become successful? Steve Jobs was a VERY avid drug user in his youth and then went on to become the CEO of one of the most influential companies the world has ever seen.

  54. ha on May 30th, 2012 11:31 am

    To the truth, he never dropped out of school, he goes to charter, get you facts straight

  55. Teacher on May 30th, 2012 11:26 am

    I think any person can look at the arrest photos above and see that these four young adults are ashamed, scared, and regretful. They used bad judgement. Being a teacher of 16 year olds, I hear about these situations all the time. The school system and the police department have made the public fully aware of what is allowed and what is not allowed. These four knew what they were doing was wrong. I hope their parents turn this in to a powerful lesson by making the kids own up to their mistake and pay the fines. If parents keep cleaning up their kids mistakes, they probably won’t develop into responsible adults who weigh their options before doing something careless.

  56. Worried about our youth on May 30th, 2012 10:53 am

    in reply to “Been picked on before”
    “TRUE LEADERS” don’t use drugs and alcohol. True leaders are good examples for their peers. I am mother and it upsets me daily how people make excuses just because its “ONLY” marijuana. Do you not realize we have kids dying everyday. Our teens are drinking themselves into blackouts and their so called friends are leaving them to “sleep” it off and they never wake up. Parents and friends that care you need to wake up to this ever growing problem. It’s not OK just because it’s only a little alcohol and marijuana. It could mean your childs life!

  57. LOL on May 30th, 2012 10:21 am

    They have been caught, there isn’t nothing you can do now but wait on a court date. If its there first offense then look forward to a slap on the wrist with about a month or two of probation and $700 to $1000 court fines. Hope they learn from this mistake.
    P.s. it’s that simple

  58. joe johnston on May 30th, 2012 10:20 am

    Such a waste of taxpayers money. Lower the drinking age; then legalize and tax marijuana (talk about some added revenue to a meager economy). How much of your taxpayer dollars are going to be wasted on this incident alone? Ten thousand dollars, maybe twenty? We must remember all of the processes that these young people will go through until they are done with this idiotic event. All of the people (judge, lawyers, court personel, deputies, etc.) will have to be paid somehow… good guess taxpayer dollars. How much longer are we going to fight a battle with marijuana?

  59. the truth on May 30th, 2012 10:18 am

    to “been picked on before”…teachers and cops are not out to get him, he is not graduating at all so forget the “high honors”…he dropped out of school.

  60. SHO-NUFF on May 30th, 2012 10:09 am

    Quote:
    “Brandon is such a fine young man. Everyone is out to get him. They are jealous of his Intelligence and leadership ability”

    Charles Manson was also considered a great leader and highly intelligent, Not judging, just saying………..

  61. David Huie Green on May 30th, 2012 10:05 am

    REGARDING:
    “For those who say they haven’t are either lying or was very sheltered.”

    Then I was very sheltered.
    Shame on my parents for teaching me to avoid drugs.
    Who did they think they were? PARENTS?!?

    David disputing the “everybody does it” concept

  62. PWS on May 30th, 2012 9:57 am

    Honest officer, I don’t know how those drugs got in my vehicle. Someone must have put them in my car when I stopped to get gas, because I left my doors unlocked ,and they probably put them in my car when I went inside to pay for gas.That sounds like a logical explanation, wouldn’t you beleive someone if they had this for an answer ?? NOT !!

  63. just a grannie from the 60's on May 30th, 2012 9:49 am

    THEY ARE YOUNG AND MADE A MISTAKE. HAVING THEIR PICTURE POSTED IS PRETTY HARD FOR THEM!!!

  64. Kim on May 30th, 2012 9:45 am

    @ JT
    That is the funniest comment I have read in a long time. Lol!

  65. Girl on May 30th, 2012 9:43 am

    These kids made the choice to do this, and these choices will affect their future, as they now have a record! I can honestly say I have never experienced any illegal drug use, and i am 32 years old! Also, I did not participate in under-aged drinking. I’m not lying, and I did not live a very sheltered life either. There are still some responsible teens in the world. I’m so thankful now because I might not have my current job had I did this in the past. There is a time, place, and age for alcohol, but the drugs, unless medically necessary, should not be experienced. If illegal drugs are experienced, then the people doing them should be ready to own up to the punishment. That is the cost of doing the drugs! In other words, you’ve made your bed, so now you have to lie in it! Kids need to think of their future as well, rather than just the here and now. I know people make mistakes, but everyone is responsible for their own actions, and one has to think about what will happen if they are caught doing something illegal.

  66. joe on May 30th, 2012 9:35 am

    wow lots of views from the gallery. everything from “they are out to get them and they are all good kids. now I do not know any of these kids but some people never learn and never will.
    parents who condone this by saying we were all young etc. and everyone “has done it”, well you are wrong!
    EVERYONE has not done this, and I am not did not grow up sheltered, I grew up making good decisions and not being around this kind of stuff.
    the law is the law if you don’t like it work to change it, otherwise you have to pay for the violations of those laws.
    Kids do what they are allowed to do and what is tolorated or they can get away with.
    It comes down to one thing alone, they need to make better decisions.

  67. scott on May 30th, 2012 9:30 am

    Re: Mnon

    It is true that not all young people have consumed alcohol and used drugs. One need not have been sheltered to make such choices. The key here is “making choices.”

    Many young people make better choices than others. We just do not read about them in newspaper or online.

  68. DJC on May 30th, 2012 9:27 am

    To all of the WE WERE ALL YOUNG ONCE COMMENTS:

    You are correct WE WERE ALL YOUNG ONCE and we were incapable of making smart decisions. We are lucky that we are still here to say “WE WERE ALL YOUNG ONCE” and didn’t hurt anybody else in the process of being YOUNG ONCE. If you are going to condone this kind of behavior teach them to be responsible enough to stay off of the streets while doing it. Also, if marijuana was legal what do you suppose the legal age would be to possess it, 15? I DON”T THINK SO. These kids are not 21 so they would still be breaking the law!

  69. Julie on May 30th, 2012 9:15 am

    In reference to the comment made by “been picked” – Yes, he is a leader alright. He is certainly NOT the kind of leader I want my children to follow!!!

  70. Hahaha! on May 30th, 2012 9:14 am

    No one is out to get Brandon! He should know better! It’s his own fault! You can’t blame the cops! All they did was catch him and arrest him! It’s not like they went up to him and gave him the drugs and alcohol! C’mon people! It was his choice to do that and now he’s paying the consequences! The only person that should be blamed in this situation is the people in the four pictures above!

  71. Mnon on May 30th, 2012 9:02 am

    We were all young once, and most of us has either done this or have been in the same situation. For those who say they haven’t are either lying or was very sheltered.

    Hopefully these kids learn from this experience and move on to be responsible adults. My guess 1-2 out of the bunch will not and we will see them again in a future news article.

    Marijuana is still illegal, but it is just a matter of time when it won’t be. States are already passing laws for medicinal use. Maybe here in the Bible belt it is hard to wrap your heads around the idea, but times are changing and you either change with it, or become bitter old people still stuck in the past.

    I see none of them were charged with a DUI or DWI, so maybe they were smart enough to not be driving while intoxicated and just had it in their possession. I pray they are smart enough to just stick with the marijuana if they must use and not move on to crack or meth and totally ruin their future. Yes I know its hard to believe but you can still be a responsible citizen and smoke marijuana if that is all you do.

  72. CDM on May 30th, 2012 9:00 am

    *For Any Age:

    Decisions you make have consequences, make good decisions your good
    make bad decisions you have to deal with the consequences.

  73. jeeperman on May 30th, 2012 8:54 am

    Been Picked on Before,
    That is some good sarcasm there.

  74. unknown on May 30th, 2012 8:48 am

    Sticking up for people who obviously do wrong is so gross. “Brandon Sheets is a fine young man and everyone is out to get him”…. seriously like the police from pcola even know him. If you have marijuana and are drinking under the age of 21 you are dumb and thats being a bad role model. Not much of a leader if you ask me. They knew exactly what they were getting into. This is not just picking on Brandon it is referring to all of them.

  75. JT on May 30th, 2012 8:35 am

    To “person” it is illegal to posses spice as well. To “Been Picked on Before” I think you are right. There is a huge conspiracy to “get him.” I’m sure the officer was patrolling behind University Mall and said hey there is that very talented and intelligent quarterback from Northview. I am so jealous. I’m glad I got the message that we are “out to get him.” The law enforcement can not win around here. They are the bad guys if they do and the bad guys if they don’t. But I don’t think the regional conspiracy will be a good defense in court.

  76. SaddleUpNRide on May 30th, 2012 8:31 am

    There are no excuses, you can’t blame the police for doing their duties, no one is out to get Brandon… you can’t blame is parents… Brandon was raised in a fine home with loving and caring parents that Did teach him right from wrong!! Brandon is a good kid of age who knows better that did something very stupid, as we all do. One day he will look back at this and say to himself, as we all do, why did I do something so dumb?? Don’t criticize…”Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”, no one should be throwing stones, none of us are perfect, no not one.

  77. Been Picked on Before. on May 30th, 2012 8:06 am

    This is crap. Brandon is such a fine young man. Everyone is out to get him. They are jealous of his Intelligence and leadership ability The Cops, The High School Refs, Teachers have been out to get him for years. He is a true Leader and don’t deserve this harrasment. Even NorthEscambia knows how wronged he was during his playing career! I’m sure he will graduate with High Honors this week! Just ask all of those who have defended him and pointed out everyone else’s faults who have had the nerve to question his great contributions to his school and community!

  78. Laughing but not funny on May 30th, 2012 8:06 am

    Yep, we all have made mistakes – nope, we all didn’t have the potential and talent that some of these kids do so some have more to lose than others – whether you agree or not it is the law – I for one don’t want adults of any age drinking liquor behind the mall and then getting on the streets behind the wheel..

    KIDS – just wait, 21 comes and goes so fast you will wonder what the hurry was…don’t put your future in jeopardy over something like this – what is a slap on the wrist now may keep you from getting that really cool/great job in 20 years – ask me how I know……….

  79. Darned if you do, darned if you don't!!! on May 30th, 2012 7:53 am

    The police just can’t do their job right…

    Either they are ‘picking’ on someone, they are wasting our tax dollars, or they aren’t going after the right ones. He didn’t know what was in the car when he approached these kids. He found what he found. So what was he supposed to do? Say ‘oh this is just weed, I know it’s illegal but since it isn’t the hard stuff…” well then when that got out, he would be bashed for that. He was doing his job. That is part of what is wrong nowaday…people cutting corners and not doing their ENTIRE job. He approached what looked suspicious and found what he did. He can’t help who it was. I know everyone (or most) in this area personally know these kids and you want to stick up for them BUT making excuses isn’t the way to help.

  80. huh on May 30th, 2012 7:50 am

    Legalize it and tax it, and stop wasting tax dollars on victimless crimes

  81. Hello!! on May 30th, 2012 7:41 am

    I will wright this real slow so some of the blog can follow, IT IS ( AGAINST THE LAW)
    REALLY!!!!!!!!!

  82. TW on May 30th, 2012 7:35 am

    Extra Extra Read All About It

    Yes, it is 2012 and guess what…..Marijuana is still illegal and by the way so is underage drinking…Really!!!

  83. Dissapointed on May 30th, 2012 7:28 am

    So much talent.. And they throw it away.

  84. Re to Really? on May 30th, 2012 7:24 am

    In reply to “Really”

    Yes. People are still arrested for breaking the law and just because there are other laws being broke doesnt mean you should overlook this particular crime.

    Example: Should I be allowed to punch you in the face since someone somewhere is murdering people?

  85. me on May 30th, 2012 7:16 am

    All 4 put themselves in a position that didn’t have to be. As many teens and adults do daily. Even if it was spice they still would have been charged with the alcohol that should have not been in that vehicle to begin with. And as far as bad comments go if you are a parent don’t think your kids have not or will not do something they shouldn’t. And to other teenagers think twice before u decide to do something. Let’s just hope they learn a lesson from it. I for one am glad there was not good news coverage like this when I was growing up. I made my share of mistakes learned from them and didn’t allow them to ruin my life. God be with all of you.

  86. Really? on May 30th, 2012 7:12 am

    We are still arresting people for Marijuana possesion in 2012?!?! How is this possible? People are using and selling Methamphetamine and our officers are wasting everyone’s time and money to prosecute four adults for smoking weed.

  87. Been Young Once on May 30th, 2012 7:12 am

    We were all young & dumb at one time……now most are too old to remember that! This is a misdemeaner charge , they will get slapped on the hand pay lots of fines and go on their merry way. How many of you never made a mistake…..I didn’t think so!

  88. LeeAnna McCall on May 30th, 2012 7:11 am

    Everyone makes mistakes… Some learn from them… Very few do not repeat them. These young people knew exactly what they were doing, and knew it was wrong. I sincerely hope they are they few that learns and are not repeat offenders. For this to happen I truly believe they must be punished… In a way by them getting caught and punished could make them see the error in their ways… I thought that was the point…

  89. Briarroot on May 30th, 2012 6:18 am

    20 years ago, they would have been remanded to their parents’ custody for punishment.

  90. Nudo on May 30th, 2012 6:01 am

    Nope…the changes will be dropped and might get probation. This type of thing goes unpunished now.

  91. Oversight on May 30th, 2012 5:51 am

    These four are all adults and now will pay the price for their actions. Let this be an example and life lesson for other teens both in and out of high school who like to ride that proverbial fence and dabble with drugs and alcohol. Remember, “Just say NO!”

  92. person on May 30th, 2012 5:50 am

    Well to bad the cops didn’t read them there rights or test the so called pot because it was spice, I mean come on what kinda person just leave pot sitting out in the open really ? But they got right and they wasn’t read to them so maybe if they test wat they found the cop would fill dumb

  93. Nudo on May 30th, 2012 5:04 am

    Here comes the excuses…….