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Joe Francis a No Show for Court Proceeding
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Bay County, Fla:
A hand-out puts suspected criminals in handcuffs. Fake stimulus funds lured them into the custody of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
“Money is one of the roots of all evil,” said Sheriff Frank McKeithen.
To set up the scenario, the Sheriff sent out this letter, to people with warrants issued in the last six months. The mail reeled in 39 people across Gulf, Bay, and Jackson County to collect a phony check of nearly $700.
“Most of them are feeling stupid,” said McKeithen.
Law enforcement from all over the panhandle took part in the play. The cast of characters included take down deputies, search officers and what they call “village people.”
To set the stage suspects meandered through three rooms of deputies in disguise, but it was the finale that really hit home.
“Obviously these people came to get their money, and they got a little bit more than that,” said McKeithen.
Upon arrival in the fourth room, they realized the jig was up. The sight of deputies signaled their fate was sealed.
“They lost, today we won,” said McKeithen.
Anger, surprise, and laughter lined the faces of the freshly arrested. After a full search, a forced smile and foot shackles they went off to the Sheriff’s Office and on to jail.
“We planned for everything that we could think of that could have happened,” said McKeithen.
To make the stimulus hoax a success, the sheriff paid strict attention to detail. His team created an internet site, an encouraging slogan and realistic signs.
“It worked out great, this time, it worked out great,” said McKeithen.
Even though no stimulus money was passed out, it got these people with charges that range from petty theft to battery off of the streets.
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