Escambia Man Sentenced To 40 Years On Child Exploitation Offenses
October 16, 2017
Danny Ray Murphy, 37, of Milton, was sentenced today to 40 years in prison, after being convicted on June 14 of conspiracy, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography involving a minor under age 12. As part of his sentence, Murphy will be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During the trial, the jury reviewed three months of online communications between Murphy and a co-conspirator, including images and a video of the co-conspirator sexually assaulting a three-year old child. These communications along with forensic evidence from Murphy’s cellular telephone, revealed he was attempting to gain personal access to the three-year-old for the same purpose.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Children’s lives are easily influenced by their early experiences, and they trust adults to keep them safe. As such, it is especially horrific that this long-lasting harm was inflicted upon a vulnerable child. My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to pursuing these child predators to protect our communities and to rescue defenseless children.”
HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero said: “HSI special agents will continue to investigate these crimes and ensure the criminals are brought to justice for preying on our kids.”
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office for the 1st Judicial Circuit, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
Taking A Bite Out Of Hunger: Peanut Butter Drive Underway
October 16, 2017
The UF/IFAS Extension Annual Peanut Butter Challenge is in full swing to help feed the hungry.
In an effort to boost the supply of the most requested food pantry item, peanut butter, UF IFAS Escambia County Extension is teaming up again with the Florida Peanut Producers Association to help “Take a Bite out of Hunger” by participating in a local peanut butter drive.
Residents are asked to help meet the challenge of collecting the versatile food by donating unopened jars of peanut butter at one of five locations now through November 22. All peanut butter collected will be donated to local food pantries in December.
Drop-off locations:
- Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
- Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road
- Escambia County Farm Bureau,153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
- Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive
Since 2012, the volunteers and UF/IFAS Extension faculty have collected jars of peanut butter from residents, volunteer groups and businesses in 16 Northwest Florida counties. Last year, UF/IFAS Extension county offices received 3,236 jars of peanut butter, said Libbie Johnson, agricultural agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County and co-organizer of the challenge.
In addition to these donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association also contributes, supplying more than 3,000 jars each challenge, Johnson said. They hope to surpass that total this year, and citizens of Escambia County are asked to help.
“The Peanut Butter Challenge not only raises awareness about the important contribution of North Florida’s peanut growers to the state peanut industry, but also helps provide a healthy, locally produced product to food-insecure families in northwest Florida,” Johnson said.
Supervisor Of Elections Schedules Candidate Workshop
October 16, 2017
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David H. Stafford will conduct a candidate workshop on Tuesday, October 24, for anyone interested in running for office or learning more about the process. Candidates, campaign staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend.
The workshop will be held from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Escambia County Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place, Room 104.
Attendees may register with the Elections Office by email at qualify@escambiavotes.com, by phone at (850) 595-3900 or by mail at PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591. Include your name, the campaign you are affiliated with (if any), how many in your party will be in attendance and your email address. This event is open to the public.
If you have any questions, please contact the Candidate Qualifying Department at (850) 595-3900.
Escambia Man Gets 10 Years On Federal Meth, Weapons Charges
October 16, 2017
Anthony J. Fountain, 23, of Pensacola, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty on July 20 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distributing methamphetamine.
In May 2017, an undercover agent purchased approximately 57.3 grams of methamphetamine from Fountain for $1,800.
Several days later, the agent purchased a firearm from Fountain, a previously convicted felon, for $150. The next day, the agent purchased approximately 70.3 grams of methamphetamine from Fountain for $2,350. Upon completion of the last methamphetamine transaction, law enforcement officers approached Fountain, who fled and began to throw potential evidence into Pensacola Bay. The discarded evidence was retrieved, and Fountain was arrested.
Woman Charged With Death Of Child; Two Others Arrested
October 16, 2017
Three Escambia County residents were arrested in connection with the death of a child.
Deputies responded to the 300 block of Bryant Road Saturday afternoon. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said a child was transported to a local hospital and later died there. Deputies arrested Veronica Posey, 64, Grace Smith, 69, and James Smith, 62, all of Pensacola in connection to the child’s death.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, a nine year old girl’s relative, Grace Smith, called upon family members to help discipline her child. Grace’s niece, Veronica Posey, sat on the child while disciplining her, according to the report. Smith reportedly weighs in excess of 300 pounds.
The child told Posey that she could not breathe. The responding deputy found the child unresponsive upon arrival. The girl was taken to Baptist Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Posey has been charged with homicide and cruelty towards a child. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Grace Smith was charged with child neglect for failing to report the incident and also cruelty towards a child. And James Smith charged with child neglect for failing to report the incident.
Posey is being held on a $125,000. James Smith is being held on a $50,000 bond. Grace Smith is being held without bond.
The Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation. Further details have not been released.
VFW Essay Contest Winners Named
October 16, 2017
Junior Zachary Prosser has been named Northview High School’s winner of the Atmore VFW Post 7016 Voice of Democracy essay contest.
Second and third place winners of the “American History: Our Hope for the Future” themed contest were sophomores Marissa Rothrock and Will Beach. Other students who made it into the Top Seven were Gracen Brook, Abigayil Mascaro, Nicholas Trump, and Kayla McKillion. Sophomore English teacher Vicki Baggett organizes the event for Northview, and selected teachers grade the essays. Prosser will now advance to the district level of competition against other high school students.
Pictured top: Zachary Prosser, Marissa Rothrock, teacher Vicki Baggett and Will Beach. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County’s Tinker Named State 4-H Parliamentarian
October 16, 2017
Escambia County 4-H member Michelle Tinker was appointed the Florida 4-H state parliamentarian.
Tinker has served in 4-H for many years at the local, district and state levels. She has complete projects in many areas, including swine, leadership, citizenship and public speaking. She currently serves as vice president of teh Escambia County 4-H Council, has served as the group’s president and was vice president of the District 1 4-H Council. She also served as the Florida 4-H State Council Reporter in 2016-2017.
Michelle has honed her skill at public speaking in years of 4-H. At this year’s 4-H University, she placed first, along with her sister Danielle Tinker, in the state plants and gardening team demonstration competition. Michelle was also selected to represent Florida 4-H at National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. next April.
Michelle Tinker is the daughter of Bill and Angela Tinker.
Bicyclist Killed In Highway 95A Crash Saturday Night
October 15, 2017
The Florida Highway Patrol reports a bicyclist was killed Saturday night in a vehicle crash.
The accident happened just before 10 p.m. in the 3000 block of a South Highway 95A, near Pensacola Ready Mix and directly adjacent to Highway 29. A silver-colored Ford Focus driven by 19-year Thomas Barrow of Pensacola was on Highway 95A when a bicyclist entered his path.
The bicyclist, identified as 19-year old Alexander Cox of Pensacola, was pronounced deceased on the scene. Cox was not wearing a helmet, troopers said.
No charges were filed in the crash.
File photo.
ERC And Southwest Alabama Football Scores
October 15, 2017
Here are Saturday scores from ERC and Southwest Alabama youth league football:
ERC Senior Scores
Flomaton-26, Straughn-8
Excel-2, Uriah-0
Jay-32, Baker-8
NWE-2, Poarch-0
Brewton-50, Neal-14
ERC Junior Scores
Straughn-33, Flomaton-6
Uriah-6, Excel-0
Baker-31, Jay-6
Poarch-41, NWE-0
Brewton-14, Neal-0
ERC Sophomore Scores
Flomaton-14, Straughn-12
Excel-13, Uriah-12
Jay-26, Baker-0
Poarch-12, NWE-6 3OT
Neal-25, Brewton-14
ERC Freshman Scores
Flomaton-3, Straughn-0
Excel-40, Uriah-0
Baker-6, Jay-0
Poarch-38, NWE-0
Brewton-39, Neal-0
Southwest Alabama Youth Football League
Mighty Mites (4-7 year olds)
Century 62 Castlberry 42.
Tyson Phifer rushed for 242 yards and 5 touchdowns to lead the Century Blackcats Mighty Mites over Castleberry 62-42.
Tiny Mites (8-10 year olds)
Century 20 Castleberry 0.
Jaden Santiago rushed for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Century Tiny Mites cruised passed Castlberry 20-0.
Per Wees (11-13 year olds)
Castleberry 32 Century 0
Pine Meadow Elementary Holds Fall Carnival
October 15, 2017
The annual Pine Meadow Elementary School Carnival was held Saturday at the school on Omar Avenue. The day featured plenty of games and activities, food, fun and a themed basket auction Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
