15 Charged In Cocaine Trafficking Ring
December 18, 2014
A drug sting has resulted in 15 total arrests from the Pensacola and Houston areas. Of those, 13 were jointly indicted on federal drug trafficking and money laundering violations. They include:
- Rodney D. Butler, 48;
- Vernetta E. Harrison, 31;
- Aston Ingram, 49;
- Antonio Blackwell, 30;
- Anthony Fisher, Jr., 25;
- Terrance D. Goodman, 38;
- Dexter A. Locke, 26;
- Michael A. McCants, 27;
- Lamarcus D. Ries, 28;
- Rodney D. Ries, 26;
- Nastassja N. Sassau, 27;
- Charlie N. Steans, 47; and
- Terrance T. Stone, 33.
In conjunction with this 13 co-defendant indictment, Darius D. Williams, 24, and Marheem R. Smith, 23, of Pensacola, were separately indicted on related federal firearms charges. The
indictment was announced Wednesday by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The defendants are expected to face trial in February.
The indictments are part of a continuing investigation into the transportation of cocaine from Texas into Northwest Florida.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the Internal Revenue Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office; the Gulf Breeze Police Department; the Pensacola Police Department; and the State Attorney’s Office.
Computer Glitch Stops Thousands Of Escambia Semester Exams
December 18, 2014
A server problem prevented about 15,000 Escambia County School District students from taking or completing computer-based semester exams Wednesday, but the district has a make up plan in place.
The exams affected by the technical problems were all algebra, geometry, biology and U.S. history courses at the high school and middle school levels.. The problem, Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said, was an overloaded server operated by the Pearson company that crashed and was outside of the Escambia County School District’s network.
The impacted students will take the exams again on January 6 or 7. For their semester exam grade, students will receive the actual grade they earn in January, or average of the first and second nine weeks, whichever is higher.
“What we are trying to do is be fair and not create apprehension,” Thomas said.
Man Dies Two Weeks After Being Tased By Escambia Deputies
December 18, 2014
A man tased multiple times by Escambia County deputies has died.
About 6 a.m. on December 1, 28-year old Cody Robert Healey was on the campus of Sherwood Elementary School, exposing himself while wearing only a t-shirt. When deputies arrived, Healey reportedly became very aggressive and refused to follow multiple orders from the deputies. He was reportedly banging on vehicle hoods, turning flips and throwing himself into trees.
When a deputy attempted to handcuff Healey, he reportedly pulled away, elbowed the deputy and struck him multiple times. When a second deputy arrived, Healey became more aggressive and struck him in the chest and neck.
When Healey continued to ignore commands from the deputies, he was tased three different times. But he continued to fight deputies and was tased two more times, allowing deputies to take him into custody.
Healey then stopped breathing, and the deputies began CPR. Healey was transported to Baptist Hospital where he died two weeks later.
Investigators reported find “Kick Brains”, a brand of synthetic spice drugs, in Healey’s home.
Healey’s parents have spoken out, accusing the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office of their son’s wrongful death. They also said their son did not use spice.
Sheriff David Morgan said his deputies did not break any policies, and he said the toxicology report, expected to take several weeks, will tell the true story. According to court records, Healey has previously been charged with resisting arrest.
Florida Republicans Blast Obama’s Cuba Moves, Dems Cautious
December 18, 2014
President Barack Obama’s decision to re-establish diplomatic ties with Cuba sparked a firestorm of protest among Florida Republicans and caution among Democrats, proving that the future of America’s dealings with the island nation 90 miles away remains a sensitive issue in the state.
In a noontime speech Wednesday from the White House, Obama told the nation that he had decided to normalize the United States’ relationship with Cuba after the release of Alan Gross, an American who had been held prisoner on the island for five years. While the U.S. and Cuba traded the freedom of some intelligence agents as part of the multi-pronged deal announced Wednesday, administration officials said Gross’ release was done separately on humanitarian grounds.
Obama stressed in his remarks that the U.S. would still pressure Cuba, ruled by President Raul Castro, to improve its record on democracy and human rights.
“But I believe that we can do more to support the Cuban people and promote our values through engagement,” he said. “After all, these 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked. It’s time for a new approach.”
While Obama’s actions would ease some economic and travel restrictions toward Cuba, they would not end the U.S. embargo on the island.
It was hard to tell immediately how the surprising decision might play in Florida, where Cuban-Americans remain a vitally important voting bloc. Once staunchly Republican, refugees from the island and their descendants have recently begun to more evenly split their ballots between the GOP and Democrats.
Nonetheless, the state’s Republican politicians — and particularly those of Cuban descent — tore into the president’s announcement.
“It is a victory for the oppressive Cuban government, but a serious setback for the repressed Cuban people,” said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., at a press conference in Washington, D.C. “The White House has conceded everything and gained little.”
Rubio, considered a possible contender for his party’s presidential nomination in 2016, said he would look at ways to try to block Obama’s actions as he took over chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Western Hemisphere subcommittee.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican who has begun to formally explore a bid for the presidency, also knocked the move.
“The Obama administration’s decision to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba is the latest foreign policy misstep by this president, and another dramatic overreach of his executive authority,” Bush said in a post to his Facebook page. “It undermines America’s credibility and undermines the quest for a free and democratic Cuba.”
Gov. Rick Scott and Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, believed to be the first Latino to hold that position, also joined in.
“I am relieved for Alan Gross and his family,” Lopez-Cantera said. “However, Cuba has a brutal dictatorship and the Obama administration’s actions only legitimize their oppressive behavior and make it harder for the people of Cuba who are fighting for democracy.”
Some Cuban-Americans, though, painted their opposition less in terms of ties to the island and more in terms of what it said about the nation they now call home.
“I’m really insulted, and not because my parents were political exiles, and not because I come from a long line of family (members) that fled the island, but as an American, as an American who values freedom and who values all our principles and what this country was founded on,” Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, said.
Even some Democrats were cautious.
“The Cuban regime continues to brutally imprison political dissidents, block access to the Internet and the free flow of information, and deny the people of Cuba free and fair elections,” said Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch, who holds a South Florida seat. “As Congress reviews the president’s proposals in the weeks and months ahead, I will do everything I can to make sure these critical human-rights issues remain front and center in this debate.”
Some Democrats, though, were more supportive of the president.
“As Americans, we fought two wars with Germany, experienced a terrible conflict with Vietnam and have been able to move forward each time based on concerns for the people of those countries,” said Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who represents a Tampa Bay-area district. “It is long past time that we do the same for the people of Cuba.”
A senior administration official, speaking to reporters on a conference call ahead of Obama’s remarks, noted that attitudes among some Cuban-Americans about the U.S. approach to the island are changing.
“The Cuban-American population, particularly younger generations of Cuban-Americans have increasingly supported greater openness,” the official said. ” … There’s been a continued evolution of public opinion, of opinion in the Cuban-American community.”
State Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Cuban-American Democrat from Miami seen as one of the rising stars in his party, said the objective was getting democracy for Cuba.
“U.S. policy toward Cuba hasn’t achieved that in 50 years,” he said, before saying he would have preferred a more deliberative approach. “It really feels rushed. A lot is happening very quickly.”
He pointed to the likelihood that a Cuban embassy would soon be set up in Washington.
“What does the cause of (Cuban) liberty get in return for that?” Rodriguez asked.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Bratt Second Graders Present ‘A Place In The Christmas Choir’
December 18, 2014
Bratt Elementary School second graders recently presented their Christmas musical “A Place in the Christmas Choir”.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos by Blair Scott for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scottish Rite Winterfest This Weekend At Equestrian Center
December 18, 2014
The first annual Scottish Rite Winterfest will be held Friday and Saturday the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Mobile Highway.
The event will include two full days of festivities, live music, cajun food, dancing, kids activities and vendors. Free Parking and admission for kids under 12.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday December 19
- 9:00 AM Gates open for Vendors and Stage Crew setup, ticket agents and ushers
- 11:00 AM Gates open to Public
- 11:30 AM Opening Ceremonies
- 1:45 PM Exit 105 Band
- 2:30 PM Kids Hip-Hop dancers
- 3:00 PM Brooke Woods
- 4:15 PM Brooke Woods
- 5:00PM Belly Dancers
- 5:30PM Emerald Coast Blues Brothers
- 6:15 PM Break and announcements
- 6:30 PM Emerald Coast Blues Brothers
Saturday December 20
- 10:00 AM Gates open to Vendors and S.R. W.F CREWS
- 10:00 AM Gumbo Cook-Off start warm up of Gumbo
- 11:30 AM Gates open to Public
- Noon Opening Ceremonies
- 12:30 PM Hula Dancers/ Gumbo judging begins
- 1:00 PM C and L Band
- 1:45 PM Brooke Woods Students
- 2:15 PM C and L Band
- 3:00 PM Brooke Woods Students
- 3:30 PM Shades of Blue Band
- 4:15 PM Gumbo Cook-Off Trophy Presentation
- 4:45 PM Shades of Blue Band
- 5:30PM Present Thank You Plaque to County
- Commissioner Wilson Robertson
- 5:45PM Nouveau Cajun Xpress
All-Star Football Game Is Tonight; Tate’s Douglas Leads West
December 18, 2014
Tonight, the best seniors from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties will play in the 11th annual Subway High School All-Star Football Game at Niceville High School.
The West team, comprised of Escambia County seniors, will be coached by Tate High School’s Ronnie Douglas with assistants from other high schools. The East team, representing Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, will be coached by Chafan Marsh who will be assisted by representative from each participating school.
WEST TEAM
- Catholic — Antione Barker — DE
- Catholic — Daniel Byrd — WR
- Catholic — Antwain Adams — WR
- Escambia — Logan Walden — Safety
- Escambia — Jamal Bynum — LB/DE
- Escambia — Demarcus Mckenzie — LB
- Escambia — Gerold Bright — QB
- Northview — Nick Lambert — WR/SS
- Northview — Cameron Newsome — RB/WR/FS
- Northview — Keondre Lett — RB
- Pensacola — Roy Albrition — OL/DL
- Pensacola — Aaron Jordan — DT
- Pensacola — Roy Colum — WR/DB/QB
- Pensacola — Hakeem Wilson — DB
- Pensacola — Michael Gainey — LB
- Pensacola — Marquez Emerson — LB
- Pensacola — Kevon Abrams — RB
- Pensacola — Eddie Shoots — WR
- Pensacola — Curtis Theis — K
- Pensacola — Keshawn Sanders — OL
- Pensacola — Jarell Dortch — OL
- Pensacola — Slade Jarmon — QB
- Pine Forest — Trevon Anderson — DE
- Pine Forest — Oliva Wright — OLB
- Pine Forest — Tracy Jackson — OL/DL
- Tate — Chris Terrell — DE
- Tate — Devekyo Lewis — DB
- Tate — Marquis Cass — LB
- Tate — Atteberry — OL
- Tate — Travoris Hunt — OL
- Washington — Kevin Kyles — DT/DE
- Washington — Erick Cook — FS/WR
- Washington — Blaire Gilley — P
- Washington — Griffin Ricketson — OL
- Washington — Joe Pohiva — LB
- West FL — Keandre Prim — WR
- West FL — Cameron Ball — DT
- West FL — Albert Moore — DL
- West FL — Devon Gibson — C
- West FL — Dakota Milstead — Long Snapper
- West FL — Noah Banks — OL
- West FL — Kyle Harrison — O
EAST TEAM
- Baker — Johnathon Gatewood — DE/TE
- Baker — Austin Martin — OLB
- Choctaw — John Hicks — RB
- Choctaw — Patrick Keefe — FB
- Choctaw — Teric Fuller — OT
- Choctaw — Dustin Whisman — C
- Choctaw — Daniel Moon — DT
- Choctaw — Brandon Thomas — DB
- Choctaw — Carlos Leon — K/P
- Crestview — DJ Stewart — RB
- Crestview — Nathan Gerard — OL
- Crestview — Tyrone Baker — DE
- Crestview — Amp Seals — LB
- Fort Walton — Chris Hunt — OL/DL
- Fort Walton — Kavika Cozier — DB/S
- Gulf Breeze — Josh Irby — FB
- Gulf Breeze — Garner Currington — WR
- Gulf Breeze — Jacob Kubick — WR
- Gulf Breeze — Sam Covell — S/CB
- Jay — Tucker Harrington — OL
- Jay — Troy Mandris — OL/DL
- Milton — Dominique Craig — RB
- Milton — Damian Sagiao — DL
- Milton — Dondre Johns — OLB
- Milton — Tye Green — CB
- Navarre — Quentin Randolph — WR
- Navarre — Chris Hering — OG/OT
- Navarre — Matthew Webb — QB
- Navarre — Kyle Arrasmith — TE/DE
- Niceville — Austin Willis — CB
- Niceville — Colby Tuthiy — QB
- Niceville — Alex Echols — DT/TE
- Niceville — Billy Sagar — DT
- Niceville — Chase Outzer — CB
- Niceville — Bryson Houston — LB
- Pace — Chris Clarke — OT
- Pace — Davin Smith — C/OG
- Pace — Dillon Draughn — ILB
- Rocky Bayou — Josh Preston — WR
- Rocky Bayou — Zackary Payne — WR/DB
- Baker — Josh Mayhew — K
- Niceville — Trevor Olds — OL
Final game rosters are subject to change.
Tickets are $8 at the gate and $6 with a canned good item donation. The PSA is teaming with Manna Food Bank for a canned good drive and encouraging everyone to help families by bringing a canned good item.
Cantonment Disturbance Ends With Gunfire
December 17, 2014
There were no serious injuries in a disturbance that ended with gunfire Tuesday night in Cantonment.
Just before 6:30 p.m., Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shots fired disturbance in the 900 block of Muscogee Road. Upon arrival, deputies determined several individuals had been fighting in front of the residence and a handgun was discharged in the air in an attempt to stop the fighting, according to a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.
One person was later transported to the hospital with very minor injuries sustained in the fight.
Further details have not been released.
Progress Continues On New Escambia 4-H Facility; Barn Contracts Let
December 17, 2014
Progress is continuing toward the completion of the new Escambia County 4-H facility on Chalker Road in Molino, with the Escambia County Commission recently approving a contract to construct six pole barns on the property.
Six companies bid on the on the installation of one 40×60-foot, two 30×60-foot and three 24×48-foot pole barns on the 4-H property located at Chalker Road and Highway 99. Low bidder on the project was J. Miller Construction Company at $82,196.91. Other bids ranged from $91,500 fro Trammell Construction to $140,000 from Dominguez Design-Build.
The site includes two parcels — a 79.5 acre lot that already includes a covered barn and will be home to most 4-H activities and a 28.7 parcel that will be used for livestock activities.
Construction should be complete within one to three years on facilities set to include restrooms, a small classroom, nature trails, campsites for tent camping, fire pit for outdoor cooking and group events, bird blind, archery area, low ropes course, a horse arena, and livestock facilities for shows, clinics, animal science seminars and field days. The facility will also allow 4-H’ers to study astronomy, meteorology, animal science, plant science, soil science, water quality, health sciences, environmental science and more.
In 2012, the children and teens on the 4-H County Council voted to sell their 240 acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal Credit Union.
Pictured: An open house was held at the new Escambia County 4-H property in Molino last June. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Home For The Holidays: A Christmas Surprise
December 17, 2014
Two Escambia County elementary school students received a special surprise Tuesday. They thought their uncle was still deployed overseas in Japan, but he had a Christmastime surprise for second grader Penelope Saxton and her brother, kindergarten student Riley Saxton.
They were together in a classroom at Scenic Heights Elementary School when their uncle, Airman Ean Van Gemerden, popped in from an adjacent room. After a brief pause, they off running into the arms of their “Uncle E”.
Penelope was in tears, but she assured everyone that they were happy tears because her hero was home for the holidays.
Van Gemerden has been deployed on the USS George Washington homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, for the past two years and is home for Christmas with his family.
The family members had been in touch via occasional phone calls and Facebook posts, but this was his first chance to see – and hug – his little loved ones in a long time.
Ean Van Gemerden also attended Scenic Heights Elementary School, so having the reunion at the school seemed like a fun idea to his sister, Ayla Van Gemerden. Principal Mary Ellen Wiggins and staff were happy to assist her in the coordination of the surprise.
After the holidays, Airman Van Gemerden will be returning to Japan to crossdeck from the Washington to the USS Ronald Reagan. While Van Gemerden has enjoyed his time in the Navy so far, he said, “When when you travel far from home, you realize what you have been taking for granted and you really wish you were home.”
Pictured top: Ean Van Gemerden shares a welcome home hug with his niece and nephew, Penelope and Riley Saxton. Pictured inset: Penelope and Riley’s mother, Ayla Van Gemerden (holding their little brother),and Ean Van Gemerden’s mom, Sara Exner, look on. Pictured below: Van Germerden visits helps with a gingerbread project. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
