Police Bust 22 Men For Soliciting Children
September 15, 2016
Twenty-two men have been arrested in an internet sting that targeted adults who traveled to a designated location in Pensacola to have sex with minor children.
“It is through the collaborating, partnering and building relationships that we protect our children and make the internet a safer place,” said Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III. “This effort of arresting and prosecuting these individuals helps to stop future abuse. This was five days of hard work for our officers, dispatchers, support personnel, and personnel from other agencies in addition to the planning of this operation.”
Operation Undertow took place September 7 to 11. Warrants were issued for all of the suspects after they contacted undercover agents via computer about arranging to have sex with teen-aged males or females. The agents posted information on various websites and began talking with the suspects once the suspects initiated conversation with them.
The suspects were taken into custody once they arrived at a designated location with intentions of having sex with minor children.
“This collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies demonstrates the cooperative spirit needed to keep our children safe,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. “As a father, I am at ease knowing our law enforcement personnel are successful in dealing with this issue. If these were real children in real conditions, these children would never be the same again, and it affects their entire life.”
Charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child and their last known address were:
- David Olmos, 24, of 8800 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola.
- Calvin Pearson, 31, of 320 W. Ensley St., Pensacola.
- Claudio Mistri, 56, of 7111 N. Blue Angel Parkway, Pensacola.
- Devin Gilchris, 21, of 200 Ruby Ave., Pensacola.
- Adelardo Gonzales, 51, of 233 Aquamarine Ave., Pensacola.
- Alfred Foster, 71, of 1250 S. Sutton Trace Court, Mobile, AL.
- Grayson Blanton, 18, of 440 Roberts Ave., Pensacola.
- Jackson Silliman, 21, of 3359 Silkwood Lane, Pace.
- Frank Rhobotham, 68, of 1508 E. Blount St., Pensacola.
- Darius Lambert, 33, 449 Evening Falls Dr., Pensacola.
- Alex Johnson, 19, 4848 Chumuckla Highway, Pace.
- David Hoppenjan, 52, of 5622 Thistledown Court, Pace.
- Charles Phillips, 53, of 9253 Bellingrath Road, Mobile, AL.
- Mison Johnson, 22, of 2917 Patch Ave., Crestview.
- Alexander Croyle, 22, of 440 Roberts Ave., Pensacola.
Also arrested and their last known addresses were:
- Jose Ramirez-Magos, 51, of 7081 W. Lee Sir, Irvington, AL. Charged with raveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, transmitting information harmful to minors, and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
- John Staples, 24, of 9566 Hay Meadow Road, Milton. Charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to solicit a guardian, and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.
- Jeff Harrison, 26, of 46 E, Pearl Ave., Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to solicit a parent/guardian for consent and traveling to meet using a computer to solicit a guardian.
- Erik Huber, 29, of 317 MacArthur Ave., Biloxi, MS. Charged with misrepresenting age using a computer to solicit/lure/seduce and traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child.
- Justin Hill, 28, of 706 E. Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. Charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child and transmitting information harmful to minors.
- Christopher Foster, 24, of 10171 Weldwood Dr., Meridian MS. Charged with using a computer to seduce/lure/seduce a child and traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child.
- Bradly Jones, 46, of 21278 Deer Circle, Lake View, AL. Charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of drug equipment.
This was the largest multi-jurisdictional internet sting targeting people wanting to have sex with children since Operation Blue Shepherd headed by the Pensacola Police Department. Operation Blue Shepherd resulted in the arrests of 25 men in June 2011 during a one-week period.
The Pensacola Police Department, in coordination with the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, worked the investigation with the following agencies: Escambia County, Walton County, Okaloosa County, and Brevard County sheriff’s offices; State Attorney’s Office; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Homeland Security; U.S. Marshal’s Service; Gainesville, Tallahassee, Gulf Breeze, Panama City, and Cocoa police departments; Escambia Jail; and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Warrants have been issued for several more suspects.
FDLE Chemist Sentenced To Prison For Stealing Drugs
September 15, 2016
Joseph Graves, a former Florida Department of Law Enforcement chemist charged with racketeering and other offenses, has pleaded guilty today and has been sentenced to 15 years state prison.
The case was brought in 2014 after Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators discovered that drug evidence in cases worked by Graves had been removed and replaced with over-the-counter pills.
FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office conducted an extensive investigation in the case and found missing drug evidence in more than 90 cases worked by Graves.
The drug evidence had been seized in criminal cases and was submitted to the FDLE lab for testing by more than 15 different law enforcement agencies. The missing drugs included opiates and benzodiazepines, controlled substances subject to abuse.
Court records show that Graves was being prescribed the same type of drugs submitted to the FDLE lab for testing, but had been limited by doctors in the amount and number of drugs he could obtain.
Due to his position at the FDLE lab, Graves had access to drug evidence and authority to assign cases for testing. According to investigators, Graves assigned himself drug cases containing the same type of drugs he was using and removed some or all of the drugs from the cases after testing them.
Study: Escambia Drivers Could Save In No-Fault Elimination
September 15, 2016
Eliminating the state’s no-fault auto insurance system could save the average Escambia County motorists about $39 a year per car, according to a study released Wednesday by the state.
The $125,000 study by Illinois-based Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Inc. also found that premiums on personal-injury protection insurance coverage, also known as no-fault, dropped 15.1 percent statewide following a 2012 legislative effort to reduce fraud in the system.
However, the premium reduction is nearly 10 percent less than targeted for consumers. And the Pinnacle actuaries found that since 2014 there has been “a small erosion in the cost savings from this legislation.”
The study, commissioned by the state Office of Insurance Regulation in advance of the 2017 legislative session, doesn’t offer recommendations. A spokeswoman for the office said it is “carefully reviewing the results.”
The findings come as critics contend the 2012 reform attempt has failed to meet expectations and that bodily-injury coverage, which most motorists in Florida already have, should be a replacement for no-fault coverage.
The study, which used state records and data from six of the top auto insurers in Florida, projected that eliminating no-fault would save $272 a year per vehicle for motorists in Miami-Dade County. The savings would be $28 in Brevard County, $105 in Orange County, $130 in Broward County, $97 in Hillsborough County and $47 in Duval County.
Ashley Carr, a spokeswoman for state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, said the CFO’s office will need to thoroughly review the 416-page report “before any thoughts about possible recommendations can take place.”
Atwater, who along with Gov. Rick Scott backed the 2012 reform effort, last year said repeal of no-fault may be needed if consumers aren’t getting the intended relief.
Bills calling for the repeal of no-fault in the 2016 session (SB 1112 and HB 997) didn’t advance out of their first committees.
The insurance industry may not be ready to give up on no-fault, which was designed to streamline payments to injured people and reduce the need for lawsuits after accidents.
Logan McFaddin, regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, said the study indicates the 2012 reforms have reduced fraud while providing cost savings to Florida motorists. He added that the association, which represents numerous insurers, is open to talk about additional reforms.
“While PCI (the association) and our members are still reviewing the results of the study, so far we are pleased with the results,” McFaddin said in a statement. “Evidence shows PIP reforms enacted in 2012 continue to reduce fraud and abuse, protecting the hard earned premium dollars of the citizens of Florida. PCI and our members, however, are always willing to consider additional reforms to continue to reduce fraud and protect our policyholders.”
Under the decades-old no-fault system, motorists are required to carry personal-injury protection coverage that includes $10,000 in medical benefits.
The 2012 legislation (HB 119), aimed at reducing fraud, included capping non-emergency care at $2,500 and requiring people seeking PIP medical benefits to receive initial care within 14 days of accidents.
In advancing the law, state officials claimed the number of no-fault claims had increased 28 percent from 2006 to 2010, with the dollars paid by insurers in that time growing 66 percent, from about $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Century Chamber Plans October Fall Festival, Vendors Needed
September 15, 2016
The Century Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a Fall & Craft Festival & Car Show for Saturday, October 15 at Showalter Park.
The event will feature craft booths, family fun, food, a car show and entertainment featuring The Horseshoe Halo Band and Michael Peterson.
The chamber is currently seeking vendors, entertainment and sponsors for the event. For a vendor booth application, click here. For sponsorship or other information, call Kim at (850) 256-3208 or email kgodwin@centuryflorida.us.
The festival is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured: NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Jay Elementary Goes Gold For Childhood Cancer Awareness
September 15, 2016
Wednesday, Jay Elementary School went gold for childhood cancer awareness, with the entire student body and faculty wearing gold (or yellow) to show support.
Every year, there are an estimated 250,000 new cases of cancer in children under the age of 20 worldwide. Jay Elementary has set a goal to bring awareness to childhood cancer and underfunded research.
Jay Elementary is asking for people, schools, churches and businesses in Jay and the surrounding area to join the school in their awareness efforts.
So far this month, Jay Elementary has placed gold bows around campus, held donation drives for the Sacred Heart Pediatric Oncology Unit/Nemours Infusion Center, placed awareness posters around campus and shared videos and posters about childhood cancer.
During the rest of September, Jay Elementary will collect items to donate to the Sacred Heart Pediatric Oncology Unit/Nemours Infusion Center. While children are in hospital and/or getting treatments at the infusion center, there are many needs and financial burdens on families.T he following items are needed: K-cups for Keurig machines, gift cards (Wendy’s, Subway, iTunes, gas cards, generic Visa cards), coloring books and crayons, new small toys, and individual snacks (crackers, chicken noodle soup, chips). Students may make their donations to their teacher; community members can drop donations by the Jay Elementary School office.
Pictured: Jay Elementary School went gold for childhood cancer awareness on Wednesday. Photo courtesy Photos by Fischer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IMPACT 100 Announces Finalists For Over $1 Million In Grants
September 15, 2016
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a local philanthropy group, has announced 15 grant finalists selected for 2016. Ten of these 15 finalists will receive a grant of $108,200 at the IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 16.
The 15 finalists selected by IMPACT 100’s Focus Committees are as follows:
ARTS & CULTURE
Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society, Inc.
Project: Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Historical Center
The Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe, Inc.
Project: Native American Cultural Center
St. John’s Cemetery Historical and Educational Foundation, Inc.
Project: The OUTDOOR MUSEUM at St. John’s Historic Cemetery
EDUCATION
The Arc Gateway, Inc.
Project: Jeff’s Corner Garden at The Arc Gateway
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Inc. dba IHMC
Project: IHMC High IMPACT Interactive Displays
Milk and Honey Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Project: Building Precious GEMS
ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION& PRESERVATION
Northwest Florida Marine Education and Discovery of Gulf Ecosystems, Inc. (EDGE)
dba Navarre Beach Marine Science Station
Project: Coastal Conservation Corp
The Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association, Inc. dba The First Tee of Northwest Florida
Project: Golf and Life Skills Training Facility
The Pensacola Rowing Club, Inc.
Project: Youth Rowing Program
FAMILY
Goodwill Industries-Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, Inc. dba Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast
Project: YES: Youth Excelling for Success
MANNA Food Bank, Inc. dba Manna Food Pantries/MANNA
Project: Fighting Hunger – Better, Faster, Stronger!
Studer Community Institute, Inc.
Project: IMPACT Brain Bags
HEALTH & WELLNESS
PACE Center for Girls, Inc.
Project: Go Reach
The EscaRosa Coalition for the Homeless, Inc.
Project: Street Outreach Housing First Accessibility Project
Escambia Search and Rescue, Inc.
Project: Sea, Air and Land Capabilities Improvement Initiative
Woman Charged With Threatening Her Ex-Girlfriend During Burglary
September 14, 2016
An Atmore woman is facing a felony charge for allegedly threatening her ex-girlfriend during a burglary in Century.
Samantha Nicole Brown, 21, was charged with burglary with assault or battery. She remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
Brown allegedly entered the home on Hudson Hill Road that belongs to the current girlfriend of the victim. The victim reported that someone was banging on the house, screaming for her to come outside. As the victim started to exit the home, Brown allegedly walked through the front door holding a baseball bat. The victim reported Brown raised the baseball bat over her head, threatening to hit her before leaving the premises.
A witness corroborated the victim’s statements, according to an arrest report.
Century Continues Application Process For $1.3 Million In Grants
September 14, 2016
The Town of Century is moving forward with applications for grants totaling just over $1.3 million for tornado recovery.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has made $600,483 in emergency funding available for recovery efforts following the February 15 EF-3 tornado. The application process for Century is basically a formality…the state has announced that Century is the only local government eligible to apply for the funds.
At this week’s meeting of the Century Town Council, members voted unanimously to apply for the funds, with their application due by September 28.
The application process is currently also underway on a $700,000 small cities Community Development Block Grant for housing rehabilitation and replacement.
Pictured: Century Mayor Freddie McCall. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
September 14, 2016
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending September 8 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Despite unfavorable conditions offshore, Officers Allgood, Cushing and Trueblood were able to patrol federal waters over the weekend. Crew members issued five federal citations to persons on board two different vessels. Violations included possession of greater amberjack and red snapper during the closed season.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Petty, Roberson, Ramos and Cushing responded to Coldwater Creek to the report of an overdue tuber that missed the take out. Santa Rosa Fire Rescue found the missing tuber and returned her to safety.
Officer Jones was conducting fisheries inspections at the Navarre Fishing Pier and issued citations to two different fishermen for being in possession of multiple undersized Spanish mackerel.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
Third Zika Case Reported In Escambia County
September 14, 2016
A third travel-related case of the Zika virus has been reported in Escambia County by the Florida Department of Health
The Escambia County case was one of 13 new travel related cases announced Tuesday and the only new case reported in the Florida panhandle. There have been a total of 634 travel related cases reported in Florida, and 70 cases that were not travel-releated.
The health department urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple of drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors.