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DEFUNIAK SPRINGS - The FBI is investigating Walton County's sheriff and his
brother, a state trooper, over the delayed seizure of 750 pounds of marijuana on Interstate 10, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed. The investigation of Sheriff Ralph Johnson and his brother, Trooper Charlie Johnson, began after Mike Newborn, fired in August as the Panhandle county's chief narcotics investigator, took a list of complaints to federal prosecutors. One allegation is the brothers used their positions to delay the drug arrest July 2 until a truck carrying the marijuana got to Walton County so a portion of any money seized or proceeds from selling confiscated items would go to the Walton Sheriff's Office. "I was told we would get on the interstate and stop big trucks carrying drug money," Newborn said. "We were going to funnel the money through the sheriff's office." Newborn also accused the sheriff and his brother, who has been on administrative leave since Dec. 3, of racial profiling, harassment and tampering with evidence. The FBI declined to comment, but highway patrol Lt. Tommy Moore acknowledged FBI agents were investigating. He said the highway patrol also was investigating. The sheriff and others in his office denied knowledge of a formal investigation and declined to comment. Charlie Johnson has an unlisted telephone number and could not be reached. Jorge Machado of Hialeah was arrested after his truck was stopped during a run from Texas to Miami. Newborn said deputies were told to be suspicious of Mexicans driving new trucks and pulling older trailers typically used to haul produce. Reports filed after the arrest indicate officers were looking for a particular company's trucks. A Department of Transportation officer spotted a truck matching the profile at a rest stop in Okaloosa County, but Newborn said the sheriff's brother ordered that it be stopped only after reaching Walton County. The DOT officer followed the truck about 10 miles before pulling it over in Walton County. Charlie Johnson soon appeared. Newborn and the sheriff arrived after U.S. Customs officials had taken over the investigation. Newborn was fired after an internal investigation found he told reporters about the drug arrest although federal agents told him not to. Newborn said the sheriff tipped off reporters. Newshawk: JohnC, The November Coalition http://www.november.org/ Pubdate: Tue, 25 Dec 2001 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Section: Metro, page 3 Copyright: 2001, The Tribune Co. Contact: tribletters@tampatrib.com Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 Author: The Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption) |
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