DOJ Launches Investigation Into ‘Anything For A Buck’ Operation
February 21, 2014
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has launched an investigation into four ATF storefront stings around the country, including “Operation Anything For A Buck” in Escambia County, Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz said Thursday.
One of the key findings made by the OIG in its 2012 report, A Review of Operation Fast and Furious and Related Matters, was that ATF had failed to exercise sufficient oversight over activities that posed a danger to the public or otherwise presented special risks. As a result, the ATF established the Monitored Case Program in July 2011.
Following more recent allegations regarding ATF’s use of storefront operations, the OIG has learned that four such operations – in Milwaukee, Pensacola, St. Louis, and Wichita — continued or began after the inception of the Monitored Case Program, the agency said. T
The investigations center around ATF activities in the undercover operations; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office nor any another local agency is being investigated.
The OIG has now initiated a separate review that will examine these four operations for possible systemic deficiencies in ATF’s storefront operations policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Monitored Case Program as an oversight tool in these operations.
The investigation was launched following a detailed Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation that, according to the newspaper, “exposed foul-ups and failures in undercover government operations across the country”.
The newspaper’s investigation found “the ATF used mentally disabled people to promote operations and then arrested them for their work; opened storefronts close to schools and churches, increasing arrest numbers and penalties; and attracted juveniles with free video games and alcohol.”
One Operation Anything for Buck Escambia County case investigated by the newspaper was that of mentally retarded 24-year old Jeremy Lee Norris who lived in poverty with his parents and fiancee. His IQ, according to court documents was just 76, and he was often further impaired by drug use.
“He is naive, but charming, and completely dependent on his fiancee and family to help him navigate through life. In short, Jeremy Norris was no match for the team of undercover law enforcement officers who injected themselves into his life in the spring of 2011,” his attorney, Jennifer Hart, wrote in federal court documents.
Videotapes show Norris always assisted by a family member, even led around by the back of his shirt by his fiancee.
Norris place an ad in local Pensacola newspaper The Shopper advertising a handgun and shotgun for sale. The ad was answered by ATF agents who had established pawn shop “Anything for a Buck” operated by ATF agents and deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The operation was lauded as being successful, with hundreds of firearms taken off the streets and dozens of defendants facing criminal charges.
Guns were purchased by felon Gary Renaud at the Escambia County storefront, which would result in charges if the person selling the gun knew he was a convicted felon.
Court documents show Norris did not know Renaud was felon when he sold his first gun, but Renaud told him before he sold subsequent weapons. Anything for a Buck was paying so much for weapons that Norris, his fiancee and his parents would buy firearms at other gun stores and resell them at a profit to undercover officers.
Due to his low IQ, Norris was sentenced only to probation.
To read the full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation click here.
Pictured: “Operation Anything for a Buck” is announced during November 2011 during a joint press conference at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Pictured below (courtesy WEAR): The “Anything for a Buck” storefront in Brownsville following the undercover operation. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Today Is Deadline For Registering Barnyard Animals In Century
February 21, 2014
Today is the deadline for Century residents to register their non-conforming barnyard animals with Town Hall.
As of December 23, it became illegal to keep a horse, mule, donkey, goat, sheep, or cow within the town limits except in areas that are zoned agricultural or rural residential. Hogs were already prohibited in all areas of the town.
One horse or cow is now allowed for every two acres, one donkey or mule per acre and one goat or sheep per one-half acre. The animals and their pens must be 200 feet or greater from a dwelling or property line.
Anyone with the regulated animals in an area not zoned agricultural or rural residential within the town limits, was required toregister their animals at the Century Town Hall withing 60 days from the passage of the ordinance. Anyone with nonconforming animals must apply for and be granted a variance from the town council within six months or get rid of their animals.
Pictured inset: Council member Jacke Johnston reads the new animal control ordinance during a December 23 meeting. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
New Members Inducted Into National Beta Club At Northview
February 21, 2014
Almost two dozen new members were inducted into the National Beta Club Thursday afternoon at Northview High School. The new sophomore members are: (front, L-R) Niki Coleman, Brittney Ward, Madison Weber, Jadlyn Agerton, Bethany Reynolds, Savanna Roux, Lawrence Douglas, (middle) Tyler Houston, Harmoni Till, Jacob Dunsford, Jordan Taylor, Moriah McGahan, Haylee Weaver, Courtney Weekley, (back) Jason Perritt, Trevor Levins, Bradley Van Pelt, Leah Fischer, Jessica Amerson, Abbie Johnson and Jordan Helmken. Not pictured: Ben Preston and David Thorpe. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
‘Warning Shot’ Bill Zips Though House
February 21, 2014
The House Judiciary Committee voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve what has become known as the “warning shot” bill, readying it to go to the full House.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Neil Combee, R-Polk City, would grant immunity to people who threaten to use force, including displaying weapons or firing warning shots, in self-defense. The Judiciary Committee voted 15-2 to approve the bill, which also would allow people to have records expunged if they were never charged or if charges were dismissed in situations where they showed weapons or fired warning shots.
The bill earlier was approved by the Criminal Justice Subcommittee and has not been assigned to any other committees.
Atmore Man Claims $3 Million Lottery Prize Ticket Sold In North Escambia
February 21, 2014
An Atmore man cashed in a winning $3 million prize scratch-off lottery ticket at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee.
Marcus Knowles, 36, purchased the winning $20 Gold Rush Tripler ticket at the State Line Gift Shop, 11208 Highway 97 in Davisville. He chose to receive his winnings in a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1,950,000.
“I enjoy playing Florida Lottery Scratch-Off games,” said Knowles. “I have won a few smaller prizes in the past, but nothing this big!”
Pictured: Marcus Knowles poses with his over-sized check after claiming his $3 million Gold Rush Tripler prize at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Report: Florida Agriculture Remains Strong
February 21, 2014
The United States Department of Agriculture released Thursday the preliminary results of the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The census tracks the number of farmers, farms, farmland, value of agriculture products and the demographics of the farmers themselves. The census revealed Florida agriculture remains an economic engine and job creator in Florida, with an increase in farmers, farms and farmland since the 2007 census.
“Despite expected setbacks as a result of the effects of greening on citrus and the collapse of the housing market on nurseries, the census confirms agriculture’s place as a vital and enduring part of Florida’s economy,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “The census noted the number of farms in Florida holding steady at approximately 47,000, and the average age of farmers ticking slightly upward, while growing more diverse, ethnically.”
- 9,548,342 acres of land in Florida farms, up from 9,231,570 in 2007;
- 47,740 farm operations in Florida, up from 47,463 in 2007;
- $161,368 is the average sales per farm, down from $164,027 in 2007;
- 200 acres is the average Florida farm size, up from 195 in 2007; and
- $7.70 billion in value of products sold, down from $7.78 billion in 2007.
The census provides a agricultural snapshot every five years.
Pictured top: Peanuts are harvested in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Making Florida Sexual Predator Laws The ‘Toughest In The Nation’
February 21, 2014
With Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, vowing to quickly pass the measures when the legislative session starts in March, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved four bills aimed at strengthening laws dealing with sexual predators.
The Appropriations Committee approved bills which put the proposals in position to go to the full Senate on March 4, the first day of the legislative session.
Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican who is sponsoring SB 526, said the goal is to make Florida’s laws dealing with sexual predators the “toughest in the nation.”
Broadly, the package of bills would lead to closer tracking of sexual predators, more severe punishment and closing loopholes that have allowed predators to commit more crimes.
The bills were crafted after reports in the South Florida Sun Sentinel that nearly 600 sexually violent predators had been released only to be convicted of new sex offenses. Those offenses included more than 460 child molestations, 121 rapes and 14 murders.
by The News Service of Florida
Jimmy Musgrove
February 21, 2014
Jimmy Musgrove, 74, of Pensacola, passed away on February 19, 2014. Jimmy was born December 2, 1938, in Altha, FL. He moved to Pensacola in 1961 to work at Chemstrand/Monsanto where he retired 1993. He married Rita Coward in January 1962 and they resided in Pensacola until they returned to Altha to enjoy his retirement. Jimmy was preceded in death by his loving wife Rita Musgrove; mother and father Rachal & Jesse Musgrove, brother Tommy Phillips, and grandson Nolan Musgrove.
Jimmy is survived by his son, Kevin Musgrove of Altha; daughter, Melissa Murphy (Hudson) of Pensacola; brother, J.B. Musgrove of Altha; two special sisters-in-law, Pat Harris and Glenda Bozeman both of Blountstown, FL; brother-in-law, Jerry Coward of Baton Rouge, LA; three grandchildren, J.K. Musgrove of Altha, Brooke Schamens of Altha, and Stephanie Warren of Kingsland, GA; three great-grandchildren with one on the way; and his beloved pet Trouble.
Memorial visitation will be Monday, February 24, 2014, at Faith Chapel North from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a second memorial visitation on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at The Church of God in Altha, FL from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 28, 2014, at 3 p.m. at The Church of God in Altha, with burial following at Chipola cemetery.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Faith Chapel Funeral Home North and Peavy Funeral home in Blountstown.
Missing Teen Located In Good Condition
February 20, 2014
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office says a missing endangered juvenile has been located in good condition.
Tristan James Pace, 14, was late seen Wednesday at 11 p.m. on Acy Lowery Road in Pace. He was located just before 4 p.m. Thursday. Further details have not been released.
Slight Risk Of Severe Storms Tonight
February 20, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 49. South wind around 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Friday: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 64. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
- Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.