Evers, Senate Panel Satisfied After Fradulent Document Inmate Escape
November 5, 2013
.After the high-profile releases of two convicted murderers who used fraudulent documents to walk out of prison, the members of a Senate panel on Monday said they were satisfied with the progress made by law-enforcement and court-system officials toward a long-term solution.
“Everybody is doing the best job they can under the circumstances,” said Senate Criminal Justice Chairman Greg Evers, R-Baker. Evers represents the North Escambia area.
Authorities have been investigating the recent releases of Charles Walker and Joseph Jenkins from Franklin Correctional Institution. The two men, who were later caught in Panama City, were released because of bogus court paperwork that indicated their sentences had been reduced.
The state expects to begin using a “secure e-system” in February 2014 to transmit court orders so as to close the door on similar attempts in the future.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey told lawmakers his agency is still investigating how the inmates were able to walk out of the prison.
“To date we have found nothing to indicate any criminal actions by anyone inside Franklin Correctional or the clerk’s office in Orange County,” Bailey said. “However, without a doubt … there was a fraud ring going on among a group of inmates at Franklin CI.”
Authorities know of five other attempted escapes using the same method of faked documents, including two that were in process when discovered. One of the prior attempts was by Jenkins. The attempts occurred at the Franklin Correctional and Gulf Correctional institutions and the Pinellas County Jail.
Bailey said three of FDLE’s six crime labs are involved in the case. The agency is using DNA testing on the documents and examining thousands of electronic messages to and from Jenkins and Walker.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We have other arrests on the horizon.”
Department of Corrections Secretary Michael Crews told lawmakers he had brought 40 staffers to Tallahassee to review 9,400 court orders, with 5,400 completed as of Monday’s meeting.
“At this point, we’ve not had any others that have risen to the level that Jenkins and Walker did,” Crews said.
According to Lee Adams, chief of the department’s Bureau of Admission and Release, the agency had examined records dating back to Jan. 1, 2010, without finding any that were fraudulent.
Bailey commended Crews and Ninth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., for the steps they’ve taken to prevent further fraudulent releases.
Last month Perry issued an order changing procedures for criminal-court documents to try to prevent any other inmates from making similar escapes.
The forged documents used by Walker and Jenkins included the seal of the Orange County clerk of court’s office and signatures of circuit officials, including Perry and Orange County State Attorney Jeffrey Ashton.
Ashton also attended Monday’s committee meeting, telling lawmakers, “It might be helpful if the judge’s signature was not in the public domain.”
Because Perry and Ashton gained national fame through the 2011 Casey Anthony murder trial, their signatures have been readily available online.
The “secure e-system” will allow authorities to check an order with a judge “if it changes the sentences or looks fishy for some reason,” Ashton said after the meeting. “It’s sort of interrupting the bureaucracy to actually look at something and make sure it’s accurate and real.”
According to Karen Rushing, representing the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers, the “secure e-system” was already funded and being implemented when Walker and Jenkins escaped.
“We’re always going to be subject to the ingenuity of criminals,” said Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
ECUA Conducting Smoke Testing In Cantonment Area
November 5, 2013
Smoke testing for sewer system leak detection in the Cantonment area south of Muscogee Road began Monday morning.
ECUA’s consultant performing the work, Constantine Engineering, Inc., has previously notified the property owners in the area and the appropriate emergency response agencies. The smoke testing should take approximately two weeks to complete.
The smoke testing in Cantonment started Monday morning on the eastern side of the area depicted on the map and will work towards the west. Monday’s testing included the Ransom and Griggs street areas.
Pictured: Smoke testing area in Cantonment, click to enlarge.
Family Night Set At Jim Allen Elementary Book Fair
November 5, 2013
The annual Scholastic Book Fair at Jim Allen Elementary School is underway through Friday. Book Fair Family Night will be held today from 3-6 p.m. in the school’s media center. Jim Allen Elementary is located at 1051 Highway 95A North in Cantonment. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Valentino Pre-files To Run Again For Escambia Commission
November 5, 2013
Incumbent Gene Valentino pre-filed Monday to run for Escambia County Commission District 2 in the 2014 election.
Valentino was elected to the commission in 2006 and 2010 after running unsuccessfully for the seat back in 2002.
A democrat, Ray Guillory, pre-filed to run for the seat on July 1.
Southwest Airlines Arrives In Pensacola
November 5, 2013
Southwest Airlines launched service this weekend from Pensacola International Airport, creating more options for Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama air travelers. The conversion of the Dallas-based carrier’s service from wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways also marks the final phase in the integration of the two airlines’ domestic networks.
Southwest Airlines now offers twice daily nonstop service between Pensacola and Nashville and daily nonstop service between the airport and Houston Hobby, with additional same-plane or connecting service to nearly 70 total destinations served by Southwest Airlines’ all-Boeing 737 fleet.
On Monday the first weekday arrival of a Southwest jet was followed by a celebration and news conference in the departing gate area.
“This weekend’s conversion from AirTran to Southwest service brings bigger planes, with more than three thousand seats in and out of Northwest Florida every week,” said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines vice president of Airport Affairs. “And we’re increasing by nearly half the number of places that our Pensacola Customers may travel to and from with the Southwest network. We are honored to continue the AirTran’s history of quality, low-fare service here.”
“Pensacola International Airport is one of the city’s greatest economic development engines,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. “In addition to The Airport Commerce Park ramping up, we are thrilled to welcome Southwest Airlines to Pensacola. Southwest’s presence expands Pensacola International Airport’s routes through Houston and Nashville, making Pensacola more accessible to business and tourists across the nation. Together, we are competing and winning.”
Pictured top: Southwest Airline’s first weekday flight arrives at Pensacola International Airport Monday. Pictures inset: Southwest’s terminal inside the airport. Pictured below: Water cannons welcome the flight to Pensacola. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 29, Highway 97 Crash
November 5, 2013
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash Monday at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Three people were in a Suzuki SX4 that crashed into a culvert just before 10:30 p.m. One person was transported to an area hospital by ambulance, while two people refused treatment at the scene.
Exactly how the crash occurred remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not been released. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Veterans Day Programs Planned Across Area
November 5, 2013
Special Veterans Day programs are planned for next week at Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill and at the Veterans Wall in Century.
Jay High School Veterans Program
Jay High School’s SGA is inviting all local veterans and active duty personnel Wednesday for doughnuts and coffee in the Media Center at 10:00, to an assembly at 10:30 in the auditorium, and to free lunch in the cafeteria at 11:30. Matt Dobson will be the keynote speaker. Please come and allow us the chance to say “Thanks”.
Ernest Ward Veterans Program
The Ernest Ward Middle School Annual Veterans Day Program will be held Thursday, November 7, at 9:30 am. All the veterans in the community are invited. The program will include patriotic music, dance, and presentations. The guest speaker will be Robert Doss from the Escambia County School District. Refreshments will be served following the program. The program will be held in the school gym, with parking behind the gym due to construction.
Molino Park Elementary School
Molino Park Elementary School’s “Melodic Minors” will present “Of Thee I Sing.” Performance time is 6:00 p.m.; the event will be held in the school’s cafeteria.
Northview High School Veterans Program
Northview High School will have its annual Veterans Day program on Friday, November 8 in the school’s theater. There will be two programs with the first program starting at 9:35 a.m. The second program will start shortly after the completion of the first program at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The guest speaker will be Mr. Gary Welch, an Army Veteran who served in Vietnam. He is also a retired teacher from Northview High School.
Century Veterans Celebration
The Town of Century will hold a veterans celebration on Friday, November 8 at 10 a.m. The program will be held at the Veterans Wall in the Nadine McCaw Park on Highway 29. Seating will be provided. Guest speaker will be Congressman Jeff Miller.
Bratt Elementary Veterans Program
Bratt Elementary School will hold a Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 8 at 1 p.m.
Northview Quarterback Club Meets Tonight
November 5, 2013
The next meeting of the Northview High School Quarterback Club is tonight at 6:30 in the Northview Media Center. All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend.
Families can support the Chiefs by joining the Quarterback Club for just $10 per family per year. All of the proceeds go directly to help the school, the football program and the students.
Emma Ruth Wasden Cannon
November 5, 2013
Emma Ruth Cannon, 88, of Jay, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2013, at Jay Hospital.
Emma Ruth was born in Brewton to J.M. and Josie Wasden, and grew up in the Jay area. She overcame an early childhood illness and never allowed that to handicap her. She graduated from Jay High School and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Troy State Teacher’s College. She began her teaching career in Santa Rosa county and retired in 1976, after a stellar career of 27 years teaching first and third grades. During her career, she held various offices in the teachers’ organizations and was named Santa Rosa County Teacher of The Year in 1974. She was also proud of her membership in Delta Kappa Gamma. After her retirement, she and her husband, Bud, spent much time traveling the country, visiting many states in their motor home. They also enjoyed spending time at their camp on Blackwater River fishing, boating, and entertaining family and friends. Emma Ruth was an active member of the Jay First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed many hobbies including crocheting, quilting, knitting, painting, reading, and flower gardening. She especially loved her roses, which she generously shared. But she never forgot her first love-that of her students. She took great pride in remembering their names as well as those of their families.
She is predeceased by her husband, Grady Clyde “Bud” Cannon, to whom she was married for 48 years. She is also predeceased by her parents, her sister, Drusilla Campbell and her brother, Randolph Wasden.
She is survived by her son, Grady Herbert “Herb” Cannon and his wife, Helen; three grandchildren, Jonathon (Kelley) Cannon of Arlington, VA, Jennifer Angeron of Milton, and Joel Cannon of Atlanta; two precious great-grandchildren, Reese Angeron and Isla Jane Cannon; sisters, Bobbie Whitley of Pace and Mary Alice (Bobby) McHenry of Jay; and brother, Mack (Mary) Wasden of Jay and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend thanks to her special caregivers, Bernice Barlow, Polly Harrison, Kim Acker, and Christine Fowler. They would also like to express their gratitude to Dr. David Smith, Dr. Bascom Raney, Dr. Jeff Kelley, and the nurses and staff at Jay Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at Jay First United Methodist Church with Rev. Laura Weant officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her nephews, Mahlon and Gary Campbell, Terry and Johnny Wasden, Beau and Steven McHenry, Bill Wasden and Barney Whitley.
Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at Jay First United Methodist Church. The family is accepting floral condolences or, if preferred, contributions may be made to the Jay Historical Museum, P.O. Box 265, Jay, Florida 32565. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Alvin Respress
November 5, 2013
Mr. Donald Alvin Respress, 57 of Atmore, passed away November 3, 2013, in Mobile. He was born June 12, 1956, in Atmore to the late Amon and Evon Dannelley Respress. He was a farmer most of his life and is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Thomas A. Respress and Tony Respress.
He is survived by his sons, Douglas Respress, David (Julie) Respress and Adam Respress all of Atmore; one brother, Michael (Joyce) Respress of McCullough and three sisters Jean (Jerry) Mason of Atmore, Janice (Larry) Kyser of Pensacola and Susan (Frank) Maguire of Atmore; and grandchildren Taylor, Preston, Kayleigh, Kaitlynn, Kristina, Sean and Addison.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 7, 2013, at 2 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Grindle officiating. Burial will follow in McCullough Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 1 PM until service time at 2 PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.