WCSO announces checkpoints, ABT hits Bay County

Washington County Sheriff’s Office announces checkpoints for the month of May

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting driver license and vehicle inspection checkpoints during the month of May 2008 in Washington County at one or more of the following locations:

Holmes Valley Road, William’s Road, Elkcam Blvd., Sunny Hills Blvd., Deltona Blvd., Hwy 77, Hwy 79, Hwy 90, Hwy 166, Hwy 170, Hwy 173, Hwy 179, Hwy 273, Hwy 276, Hwy 276A, Hwy 279, Hwy 280, Hwy 284, Miller’s Ferry Road and Hwy 277. Checkpoints will include, but are not limited to, these locations.

Recognizing the danger presented to the public by defective vehicle equipment, deputies will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated with defects such as, but not limited to, bad brakes, worn tires, and defective lighting equipment. In addition, attention will be directed to drivers who violate the driver’s license laws of the State of Florida.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has found these checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing the equipment and drivers license laws of Florida while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

ABT hits Bay County bar

Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Cracks Down on LaRoyale

Panama City – The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) obtained warrants for nine defendants involving 12 different charges.  The charges include sale of a controlled substance, unnatural and lascivious acts, exposure of sexual organs, sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21, and possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21.  ABT agents had LaRoyale, located on Harrison Avenue, Panama City Beach, under surveillance for months.  

 “DBPR is dedicated to maintaining the safety of our citizens and visitors in Florida’s licensed establishments,” said Interim Secretary Chuck Drago.  “I thank the Bay County State Attorney’s Office for their partnership and assistance with this important enforcement action.”

ABT received an anonymous tip that lewd and lascivious behavior, narcotic activity and underage possession of alcohol were taking place at LaRoyale.  ABT agents, along with investigators from the State Attorney’s Office, began an undercover investigation into the establishment.  Agents were able to purchase different types of illegal drugs, observe the use of illegal drugs, and observe several accounts of lewd and lascivious behavior as well as alcoholic beverages being served to underage persons. 

The Division intends to file administrative charges against the alcoholic beverage licensee.  The individuals arrested in conjunction with the investigation are listed below.  Two defendants have not been located. 

Michael Griffin (Patron)
Unnatural and lascivious acts

Walter Whatley (Employee karaoke)
Sale and Delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine)

Travis Mosley (Patron)
Possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 years of age

Jason Arthur Driver (Employee dancer)
 Sale and Delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine)

Jon Michael Schaefer (patron)
Sale and Delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine)

Dennis Yefko (patron)
Sale and Delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine)

James J Imbierowicz  (employee bartender)
Sale and Delivery of a controlled substance (Lortab)
Sale and Delivery of a controlled substance (Xannex)
Sale and Delivery of a controlled substance (Lortab)
Sale of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age