THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
PAGE 8 - March 17, 2010
New Developments in Yearty,
Parker Bribery Case
Several new developments have arisen in the federal case of former Levy County
Commissioners Sammy Yearty and Tony Parker
Sentencing for Yearty, who was convicted on Dec. 5th of conspiracy to solicit
bribes from FBI agents and also of lying to a federal (FBI) agent, has been delayed until
May 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Gainesville. His sentencing was originally
scheduled for April 5, but Yearty’s attorney, Rod Smith, is scheduled to be in circuit court
in early April on another case. The delay was granted by Chief Judge Stephan P. Mickle.
Tony Parker, who was also convicted of conspiring to solicit bribes on Dec. 5 in
the same case, is still scheduled for sentencing on April 5.
Parker s attorney, Gloria Fletcher, filed a motion on Feb. 25 notifying Judge Mick-
le that one of the jurors told her son in a grocery store parking lot in Newberry, Florida that
the jurors discussed the case outside the courtroom during lunch breaks and some had made
comments indicating they had already decided on a guilty verdict before all the evidence
had been presented.
As the Northern District, which includes Levy County, does not have a rule gov-
erning contact with jurors to determine potential misconduct, Fletcher asked for permission
to interview the juror because such misconduct would leave questions as to the fairness of
the proceedings and raise doubt that Parker was afforded his constitutional right to a fair
and impartial jury.
Beth Evans, newly appointed manager of Buddy and Freds hardware stocks a shelf,
Yearty s attorney, Rod Smith also filed a motion asking Judge Mickle for permis-
putting the finishing touches on the store's move from its location on Hwy 40. The hwy 40
sion to participate in an interview of the juror who made the allegation.
location has been home since it's beginning nearly 27 years ago. (inset photo) Taking a
The prosecutor in the case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg McMahon, said he op-
break in the work of relocating Buddy and Fred’s Hardware Store from Hwy 40 W are Beth
poses any attempt to locate and interview the juror, because the Federal Rules of Evidence
Evans, Carol Spence, Fred Clacher and Beth’s daughter Tina Evans. Fred moved the store to
bar jurors from testifying about any matter or statement that occurs during the jury’s de-
the Food Ranch Plaza, one door down from Buddy & Fred’s II, into the former Florida Video
liberations. McMahon said that the motions filed by Fletcher and Smith do not fall under
space, opening the doors this past Monday.Fred said “Grand Reopening” is planned for
the three exceptions to the rule: when extraneous prejudicial information is brought to the
April 1st. Maybe Fred will have recovered by then. While taking this break, he said he him-
jury s attention, when there is undue influence (jury tampering), or when a mistake is made
self had put in 14 straight days of 12 hours a day getting the store ready and making the
when entering the verdict on the verdict form. He cited a 1987 case, Tanner vs. United
move. Moving up town will give more visibility to the hardware store that meets the needs
States, that upheld the denial of a hearing into a juror’s allegations of alcohol use, drug
of many residents. If you have never been in Buddy & Fred’s II you are missing a real treat.
abuse, and the sale of marijuana between juror. The district court’s ruling was upheld by
the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.
R&M
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Fax Line 447-6040
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Hours:
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Mon-
U.S. 19 - Inglis
Friday
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U.S. 41 - Dunnellon
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Just North of Powell Rd
Yankeetown General Store
Buddy & Fred's Hardware
Randy Alumbaugh
6611 Hwy. 40W • Yankeetown • (352)447-2532
42 Hwy 19 N. - Inglis,FL - 352-447-2600
Construction, Inc.
LAST STOP BEFORE THE GULF
Buddy & Fred's Hardware
Across from Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
New Homes - Renovations - Additions
is Now Doing Business
Now Open 7 Days
Serving Marion, Levy & Citrus Counties
at the New Location
Serving Breakfast-Lunch
www.alumbaughconstruction.com
Licensed & Insured CRC058012
Live Shrimp & Pinfish
42 Hwy 19 N. Inglis
Gas & Ice
Chicken, Subs & Beer
Office: 352-447-0655 - Inglis
Randy Alumbaugh
50
Food Ranch Plaza
Low Ethanol Gasoline - Fried Chicken - Subs - Beer
Fax: 352-447-3013
Cell: 352-266-7113