4A Enterprise-Recorder www.greenepublishing.com Law enforccmcnt & Regional Crime Friday, December 25, 2009 Bern Smith cont from Page 1A Class. His career with the USDA Soil Conservation Service (later to become the Natural Resources Conservation Service) began as a soil conserva- tionist in the Green Cove Qnr'ing and Sl tq+rk fiAld~ offices. He transferred to the Madison field of- fice in May of 1981, was promoted to district con- servationist there in 1987, and is retiring after 35 years of federal ser- vice. His retirement will htonnm- nffioil nn Tan He is married to Madison native Jan Had- den and has one son John Mack, who is a ju- nior at Florida State University After retire- ment, he will continue to lirv in t/diorl orn xwhara he will keep busy on the farm growing perennial peanut hay and pine trees, try to keep several old tractors and a Model A Ford running, and do volunteer work with the USDA Earth Team and in hic rnhurlh Ebberson cont from Page 1A also an adjunct professor with the Criminal Justice Academy at North Florida Community College. "I couldn't have done it without my beautiful wife, Beth, my son, Seth, and my daughter, Anna, putting up with me doing the work to get the degree," Ebberson added. Ebberson is one of the candidates for the police chief's position vacated by the retiring Rick Davis. Former Broward County School onCoun... Jeffrey H. Sloman, Acting United States Attor- ney for the Southern District of Florida, and John V Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, announced the fil- ing of an Indictment charging Beverly Gallagher, 51, of Pembroke Pines, with committing extortion un- der color of official right, bribery in programs re- ceiving federal funds, and wire fraud by depriving the citizens of honest services, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951, 666, 1341, and 1346, respectively. Gallagher was arrested on Sep- tember 23, 2009 on a criminal complaint in connec- tion with these charges. She was released on a $100,000 personal surety bond. As set forth in the Indictment, the charges are a result of an FBI undercover investigation. The un- dercover FBI agents posed as asset managers who claimed to represent contractors seeking to obtain contracts with local government entities, including the Broward County School District. Specifically, the undercover agents claimed to be acting on behalf of a client who owned a glass company and a project manager for a large construction company Both companies were purportedly seeking to obtain con- tracts from the Broward County School District. According to the allegations in the Indictment, from approximately November 2007 through June 2009, Beverly Gallagher used her official position, in exchange for the unlawful receipt of property, in- cluding money and other things of value. Specifical- ly, Gallagher allegedly agreed to act as an undisclosed "consultant" and to use her influence working "behind the scenes" to obtain contracts or other favorable actions from the Broward Country School District for contractors associated with the undercover FBI agents. Gallagher allegedly insisted that she be paid in cash and for her personal benefit, instead of to her political campaign. In total, Gal- lagher allegedly accepted $12,500 in cash and other property, including boat trips and the payment of restaurant bills. In exchange for the cash and other remuneration, Gallagher is alleged to have used her official position to benefit contractors who were at- tempting to become pre-qualified before the Broward County School Board and obtain various projects and subcontract work on projects from the Broward County School Board. Acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman said, "Elected officials are held to a high standard of con- duct because of the special position of trust given them by the public. We, as citizens, have a right to hold them to this standard, and to demand that they be held accountable. In this case, Gallagher's actions fell far short of this standard. She used her office for purely personal gain, and must now face the conse- quences of her actions. Good governance requires no less." FBI Special Agent in Charge John V. Gillies stat- ed, "Beverly Gallagher betrayed the trust placed in her by the citizens of Broward County by using her position as a school board member for her own per- sonal benefit. As the top criminal priority of the FBI, we will continue to work with our partners and devote all necessary resources to address public cor- ruption where we find it." Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service, Crimi- nal Investigation Division, in connection with the investigation of this matter. The case is being prose- cuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey N. Kaplan and Neil Karadbil. An Indictment is only an accusation and a de- fendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty 12/16 Delma Allen Blair - VOP (circuit) Joseph Keith Platt - Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, harassing telephone calls Freddie James Morris, Jr. Fleeing, invalid drivers license Michael Antone Hill Possession of a firearm in the commis- sion of a felony, fleeing or attempting to elude, driving while license suspended, attaching a tag not assigned Justin Lee Jones - Driving while license suspended 12/17 Jimmy Joseph Dunigan Failure to appear for arraign- ment Samuel Lee Gallon - Disorderly intoxica- tion Bonita Monique McQuay VOP (coun- ty) Stacey Lynn Deeter VOP '12/18 Rickey Ellis Rober- son Failure to appear Alisha Janae Robinson VOP Xavier Octavies Brown Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, improper ex- hibition of a deadly weapon 12/20 Frederick Ernest Marshall Driving while license suspend- ed, fleeing and attempt- ing to elude 12/21 Jerrell Donche Tyson Failure to ap- pear Tegwyn Lynette Flournoy False infor- mation to law enforce- ment officer Johnny Anthony Marshall VOP (coun- ty), out of county war- rant 12/22 Deanna Lee Williams Retail theft Larry William Reed Failure to ap- pear for arraignment William Calvin Crumity Failure to appear, writ of bodily attachment William Dewayne Darby Driving while license suspended with knowledge FBI Presents Director's Community Leadership Award To The Anti-Defamation League Special Agent in Charge (SAC) John V Gillies, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announced today that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Florida office, is the recipient of the 2009 Director's Community Leadership Award. The ADL was presented the award at a ceremony held to- day at the FBI's office in Miami. Established in 1990, the Director's Community Leadership Award is presented each year by FBI field offices to an individual or organization who has exhibited exemplary leadership within the com- munity and whose leadership has assisted the FBI and local law enforcement personnel in making safer communities. These individuals or organiza- tions, whose achievements in the areas of crime pre- vention, drug deterrence, or similar educational programs, have made a positive difference in their communities. The ADL was founded in 1913 to stop the defamation of Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. It fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry in the United States and abroad through information, education, legislation, and advocacy. Listed below are several initiatives which warrant recognition: L.E.A.R.N.: The Law Enforcement Agency Re- source Network website is a comprehensive and reg- ularly updated database which tracks actionable information on extremist activities for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Information on hate symbols, extremist incidents and arrests, and training can also be found on this website. A World of Difference Institute: This initiative provides anti-bias education and training with cur- riculum and materials for Pre-K through university level students, community groups, civic associa- tions, and religious organizations. Bearing Witness Program: A partnership with the ADL and Catholic schools to provide educators with the training and resources necessary to teach students about the historical relationship between Jewish and Catholic communities. This program is also responsible for maintaining relationships and dialogue with international, national, and local reli- gious leaders of all faiths. The ADL's commitment to scrutinizing and ex- posing extremists, hate groups, fostering interfaith relations, and developing educational programs that support this cause are exemplary and merits recognition by the FBI. Special Agent in Charge John V Gillies stated, "It is such an honor to present this award to the Anti-Defamation League. Over the years, the FBI has relied on their extensive research and training expertise to assist us in carrying out our mis- sinn The AD, Florida office is an outstanding partner in every sense of the word and is truly de- I Photo Courtesy of FBI From Left to Right: SAC John Gillies, ADL Florida Regional Director Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL Southern Area Legal Counsel David Barkey, and Community Outreach Specialist Jeff Green. serving of the Director's Award for Community Leadership." Past winners include: Handy, Inc.: a non-profit organization found- ed in 1985 to address the fundamental needs of Broward County's Foster Care Children. National Black MBA Association, Inc.: founded in 1987 to provide mentoring, leadership development, and scholarship opportunities for socio-economically disadvantaged students who are interested in attending college. Ms. Shirley Taylor-Prakkelt: the former Di- rector of Housing for the Town of Davie, Florida, who was responsible for implementing neighbor- hood revitalization programs to reduce crime, drugs, and gang violence in her local community. Her Youth Scholarship Award Fund was high- lighted as a positive ini- tiative which encourages students to take part in activities w m which would positively impact their local com- munity. Board Member Indicted On Public Corruption Charges Law Offices of Monica Taibl, P.L. 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