Gage Michael Griner, 17, of Southport, who was charged with Second-Degree Felony Murder under Florida’s felony murder statute, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading no contest, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Griner, 14 at the time of the death, was charged due to his involvement in an apparent drug rip-off style robbery of Savien Craven, another juvenile. Prosecutor Peter Overstreet presented testimony at Craven’s February trial that showed a scuffle broke out during the robbery and Griner was stabbed multiple times by Craven. Jacob Adam Revis ran and made it about 110 yards with Craven chasing him before tripping and falling in a ditch. Craven stabbed Revis to death in the ditch.

Craven was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder at his February trial and sentenced to 65 years in prison.

Griner was also sentenced to 5 additional years in prison for Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Facility following his arrest in the 2021 murder. Circuit Court Judge Dustin Stephenson ordered that sentence to be served consecutive, or separate from, the 30-year sentence.

Griner was charged with Second-Degree Felony Murder under Florida’s felony murder statute. Florida’s felony murder statute punishes individuals who commit certain enumerated felonies, such as robbery, where a human being is killed during that felony, by a person other than the person engaged in the perpetration of or in the attempt to perpetrate such felony. Examples would be two bank robbers who attempt to rob a bank and one of the robbers is shot and killed by a police officer as they try to get away. Florida’s laws punish those who commit these dangerous felonies and lives are lost as a result.

“This case shows the abundant dangers involved in the use and purchase of any illegal narcotic,” Overstreet said. “Five families’ lives are changed forever and one life was lost, which is why we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove illegal drugs from our streets, prosecute those who sell them, and keep them out of the hands of our children.”

RELATED NEWS: Craven sentenced to 65 years in Lynn Haven murder

RELATED NEWS: Man who strangled friend sentenced t0 40 years

Basford thanked the Lynn Haven Police Department for its thorough investigation, and the witnesses who came forward to testify.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

A man who strangled his friend and then had sex with a woman in the room during a trip to Panama City Beach was sentenced to 40 years in prison Thursday, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Scottie Jay Black, 43, of Tonalea, Ariz., was found guilty as charged of Second-Degree Murder last month in the Oct. 3, 2021 death of Tyrell James Sagg, 41, of Rock Point, Ariz. Both areas are part of the Navajo Nation, where Black was ultimately picked up for questioning.

The case began Oct. 3, 2021, when the defendant and the victim’s girlfriend reported finding him dead on the floor of their Panama City Beach hotel room. The three were here for vacation. There were no visible injuries on the victim.

An autopsy showed internal injuries consistent with strangulation. The Panama City Beach Police Department’s investigation showed Black used the victim’s ATM card after his death and fled. Prosecutors Peter Overstreet and Nadia DeAbreu presented the case to jurors.

Prosecutor Peter Overstreet told Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark that while no one knows exactly how events unfolded that night in the hotel room, the defendant did some good things in his life and was not the typical repeat offender. However, he also noted the defendant declined to take responsibility for his actions, that death by strangulation is painful, and that the defendant was indifferent after the fact.

Specifically, Overstreet pointed out that after the defendant committed the murder, he had sex with a woman on an adjacent bed.

“And then he just went on living life as if nothing had happened,” Overstreet said. “Those are pretty aggravating circumstances after someone’s dead.

“But I think Mr. Sagg’s family is right: the defendant’s family can pick up the phone and call him in prison, they can have visitations, maybe one day he’ll get out, but they’ll always have a connection,” Overstreet said. “Mr. Saggs’ family won’t. They’re left with memories, with his children not having their father to see their accomplishments.

“I think a sufficient time for Mr. Black, based on his age, is 40 years in prison.”

After hearing from the defense and the defendant, who apologized to the family for his actions, Judge Clark handed down his sentence. He said the most important event of that night was clear.

“I do know there’s one thing that happened in that room that night – a person lost his life,” Clark said. “He didn’t take it from himself. And the defendant’s actions right after that are suspect at best.”

RELATED NEWS: Woman pleads No Contest to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from business

RELATED NEWS: 25-year sentence for meth trafficker

Clark, saying he weighed the words of the victim’s family, the defendant and the prosecutor, agreed that a 40-year sentence was appropriate.

Basford thanked the Panama City Beach Police Department for its thorough and lengthy investigation, which took them all the way to the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Sentencing is set for February for a woman who pled No Contest to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Pamela Lynn Wilson, 66, of Panama City, pled No Contest Monday to Grand Theft over $100,000 and Organized Scheme to Defraud (more than $50,000). Wilson entered an “open plea,” meaning there is no agreement regarding her sentence, which will be decided by the judge.

Circuit Court Judge Shonna Young Gay set sentencing for Feb. 7. Each crime is a First-Degree Felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Prosecutor Peter Overstreet was prepared to present witnesses and evidence proving the defendant orchestrated false payouts, over a period of years, that the victims believe totaled between $800,000 and $1 million.

RELATED NEWS: 25-year sentence for meth trafficker

RELATED NEWS: Follow our Facebook page for updates

The evidence would have shown two business owners traveled to the Panama City Police Department in 2022 to report a theft by their primary bookkeeper. The two described the defendant as a trusted employee, but they discovered about nine checks they had not authorized totaling more than $20,000 written to another business.

Further investigation of the company’s finances showed hundreds of suspicious payouts – almost always $2,500 – to the same business. That business’ records, maintained back to 2018, showed it had received no payments from the victim. The victim’s books showed about $400,000 in payments during that same period.

Basford thanked Panama City police for their work on the case, and the victims who provided valuable information to the investigation.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

A man found guilty Oct. 31 of Trafficking in Methamphetamine (more than 28 grams) has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Conrad Raymond Forrence, 36, of Panama City Beach, will serve the first 7 years of that as a minimum-mandatory sentence under Florida’s enhanced drug trafficking statutes.

Prosecutors sought for the defendant to be sentenced as a Habitual Felony Offender based on previous convictions for Trafficking in Amphetamine, Burglary, and Possession of Methamphetamine. At the Nov. 12 sentencing, Circuit Court Judge Brandon Young also ordered a $100,000 fine.

Prosecutors presented 6 witnesses and evidence at trial proving the defendant drove to Pensacola on July 11, 2023, to pick up the methamphetamine and bring it back to Bay County. The evidence showed the defendant expected ¼ ounce of the drug as payment.

RELATED NEWS: Man with meth hidden in engine compartment found guilty

RELATED NEWS: Bookmark our archive of press releases

Bay County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division pulled over the defendant for speeding and other traffic violations that night. Inv. Doug Cummings’ K-9 “Fila” conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle and alerted for the presence of narcotics.

During a search of the car, Lt. Doug Smith noticed smudges on the cover near the “air handler” under the hood. Investigators focused their search and found a black bag attached to the firewall with a strong magnet. In that bag they found 5 packages, each holding about 1 ounce of methamphetamine.

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for its work.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

A football injury propelled Andrew Eppling into the field of law, and he hasn’t looked back as he joins our team of prosecutors at the State Attorney’s Office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A native of both Florida and Georgia, Eppling initially planned on joining the military before going into law. His trajectory changed in high school, however, when a back injury sustained while playing football shifted his focus toward the legal field.

Determined to serve his community in a new way, Eppling obtained his law degree and began his search across the southeast. When he interviewed with State Attorney Larry Basford and his team, Eppling knew he’d found the right fit.

“When I got on the call with Mr. Basford and his team, I was talking about what I thought a prosecutor could do and my vision of justice,” Eppling said. “I listened to what they wanted to do and how they approach the law, and it really lined up with how I feel. I knew that this is where I wanted to be. I have felt great peace about it ever since.”

RELATED NEWS: Florida native puts roots in Bay County as new prosecutor

RELATED NEWS: Former correctional officer guilty of smuggling meth into state facility

Eppling’s path to the State Attorney’s Office included experience as a law clerk in two different prosecutors’ offices, where he gained firsthand insight into the criminal justice system. Clerking exposed him to real-world exposure to inmates, police officers, judges, and attorneys. Through that, Eppling developed an understanding of the system’s many layers and the importance of remembering that everyone is human and deserves to be treated fairly.

“These experiences taught me that for our system to work, all its components must strive to operate as effectively as possible,” Eppling explained. “I also learned that the human element cannot be forgotten. The criminal justice system is dealing with people’s lives and freedoms. We must pursue excellence not just in our technical work but in the human aspect as well.”

Eppling earned his law degree from Liberty University School of Law.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850–381–7454.

 

Port St. Joe, FL — It was not a long drive, but Jarred Patterson has returned to his home of Gulf County to serve as the Chief Prosecutor, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Born and raised in Port St. Joe, Patterson returns to 14^th Judicial Circuit with the experience gained serving about 16 years as a prosecutor in Franklin County, part of the 2^nd Judicial Circuit. For 12 of those years he served as the Chief Prosecutor for Franklin County.

“It is really good to be back home,” Patterson said. “I have this opportunity to work in the community where I live, where my children go to school, and help keep it a safer place for everyone. I’m a lifelong resident here, as were my parents and grandparents.”

This new role marks Patterson’s return to the 14th Judicial Circuit, where he began his career.

Having grown up in Port St. Joe and now raising his own family here, Patterson is committed to fostering justice and safety in the community. He said his deep-rooted ties to the area give him a unique perspective on the values and needs of residents.

RELATED NEWS: Man with meth hidden in engine compartment found guilty

RELATED NEWS: Former CO guilty of smuggling meth into state facility

Basford said Patterson’s return to Gulf County reinforces the SAO’s commitment to bringing the highest level of expertise and integrity to its work.

We look forward to the positive impact Patterson will make in his new role.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Bay County’s newest prosecutor is a born-and-raised east coast Floridian with a desire to provide compassion and justice – and enjoy the family atmosphere and variety of outdoor activities the area provides.

Jada Watkins, 24, was born and raised in Melbourne She is familiar with Florida’s beaches along the Atlantic coast.

But a Spring Break trip here when she was an undergraduate at Florida State University stuck with her. After graduating from the Barry University School of Law and passing the Florida Bar, she decided her next move would keep her in Florida and near the beaches – with a bonus.

“I was somewhat familiar with the Panhandle and its beautiful beaches, and I knew I wanted to work ‘back up north’ because I loved my time in Tallahassee,” she said. “This is just a perfect environment for me because it has the beaches, and as an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast the trails here are wonderful.”

RELATED NEWS: Follow our Facebook page for instant updates

RELATED NEWS: Bookmark this link to our archived press releases

Watkins said those attributes were a bonus to what she discovered during her application and interview process: “This office was the one gracious enough to have me come out and meet everyone before I even accepted the job. That was one of the main reasons I accepted the job, the hospitality I was shown and how welcome everyone was when I came here.

“I felt like I was already part of the family before I even joined it.”

Watkins’ goal is to make a positive impact on the community and learn.

“I want to embrace this job understanding that everyone deserves individual attention, every case is different,” she said. “I wanted to be somewhere where I felt included and where I could learn and would get guidance and support. And this is where I felt I could get that.”

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas atmike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850–381–7454.

A man arrested after a traffic stop led to Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputies finding about 5 ounces of methamphetamine hidden with a magnet in the engine compartment was found guilty of trafficking Thursday, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Conrad Raymond Forrence, 36, of Panama City Beach, was found guilty as charged of Trafficking in Methamphetamine (more than 28 grams). Circuit Court Judge Brandon Young set sentencing for Nov. 12.

Prosecutor J.P. Ferreira is seeking to have the defendant sentenced as a Habitual Felony Offender. Forrence faces a minimum-mandatory 7 years sentence but could get up to life in prison under Florida’s HFO statute.

Ferreira called 6 witnesses and presented evidence that the defendant drove to Pensacola on July 11, 2023, to pick up the methamphetamine and bring it back to Bay County. The evidence showed the defendant expected ¼ ounce of the drug as payment.

Bay County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division pulled over the defendant for speeding and other traffic violations that night. Inv. Doug Cummings’ K-9 “Fila” conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle and alerted for the presence of narcotics.

RELATED NEWS: Former CO found guilty of smuggling meth into state facility

RELATED NEWS: Fentanyl trafficker headed to prison

During a search of the car, Lt. Doug Smith noticed smudges on the cover near the “air handler” under the hood. Investigators focused their search and found a black bag attached to the firewall with a strong magnet. In that bag they found 5 packages, each holding about 1 ounce of methamphetamine.

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for producing another case where a large amount of drugs were seized before they hit the street. He also commended Lt. Smith for noticing the smudges that led to finding the drugs.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

A 34-year-old former state prison correctional officer was found guilty Wednesday of smuggling more than 200 grams of methamphetamine into the facility, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Priscilla Frances Hall, of Springfield, was found guilty as charged of Trafficking in Methamphetamine (more than 200 grams but less than 400 grams). Circuit Court Judge Timothy Register set sentencing for Nov. 12. Under Florida drug trafficking statutes, Hall faces a minimum-mandatory sentence of 15 years and could receive up to 30.

Prosecutor Jeff Moore called six witnesses and presented evidence proving the defendant was in possession of the drugs when she reported for work at the Bay Correctional Facility, a privately operated state prison.

RELATED NEWS: Fentanyl trafficker headed to prison

RELATED NEWS: Jury recommends death in murder of Sgt. Kevin Kight

The evidence showed Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigators were called to the facility March 22, 2023, after the defendant reported for her morning shift.

During a routine contraband check by her supervisors, she was asked to let down her hair, which was up in a bun. Supervisors found two bundles consistent with smuggling narcotics. Ultimately the defendant was found to be carrying four packages of what later tested positive as methamphetamine. Together the drugs weighed about 222 grams.

In a statement the defendant gave at the time that was played for jurors, she said an inmate had asked her to smuggle in the packages and she agreed.

Basford thanked Bay Correctional Facility officials for their diligence in discovering the drugs before they made it to the inmates, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.