FBI INVESTIGATES SHERIFF, BROTHER

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)