in the Sun This web site nor it’s Webmaster, while fully supporting the Bob Carr Legal Defense Fund, is not involved in the collection or management of the Bob Carr Legal Defense Fund.
Announcement of the Bob Carr Legal Defense Fund
Robert E. Carr
21221 Covington Avenue
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Phone: 941-764-0015 FAX: 941-764-8475
November 20, 2001
Dear Friends,
I have been placed in the unfortunate position to ask for your help in a legal defense fund to defend myself from vindictive and vicious criminal charges initiated by the new Sheriff’s regime.
Many of you have followed the story of Five-O-Deuce during its restoration. This project was to provide a public service aircraft to be utilized by the Sheriff’s Office for benefit of the citizens of Charlotte County, Florida and, as a by-product, resurrect a flying memorial and icon of the Vietnam War. Many of you participated in or followed our mission to Fort Campbell and other public service missions, including support to the Secret Service Presidential Protection Detail during the President’s visit to South Florida.
Then the unthinkable happened: a slap in the face to the citizens of Charlotte County and Vietnam Veterans, the new Sheriff of Charlotte County sanctioned the cannibalization of our public service aircraft and war memorial. Many of you have joined the fight against the Charlotte County Sheriff to stop his vicious attack on me by desecrating our beloved memorial. Many have joined together to form a non-profit organization to preserve the Five-O-Deuce legacy so our families, friends and future generations can share in its spirit and healing power. I urge you all to continue this battle and assure you that I will do my best to see Five-O-Deuce fly again.
Today, I face a new battle surrounding the restoration of the Five-O-Deuce. I have personally been accused of wrongdoing that amounts to serious criminal charges. The criminal charges allege that I misused or misappropriated government surplus parts to accomplish the restoration of Five-O-Deuce as a public service aircraft and as a memorial. I want to assure you that every action I took in acquiring parts and services for the Five-O-Deuce and other public service aircraft utilized by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office was within known policies and guidelines and without regard for personal gain.
The bottom-line, I did what I did without criminal intent, without personal gain and with the intent to save the taxpayers of Charlotte County a great deal of money and provide needed service and equipment at minimal cost. This was done in accordance with available regulations pertaining to disposition of acquired military property and as a benefit, we had the pride and pleasure of resurrecting and restoring a true hero of the Vietnam War, the Five-O-Deuce.
At this point, I don’t know how to defend myself without the help of friends, so a legal defense fund has been set up at Tarpon Coast Bank. Please help if you can in this new battle with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s regime. Donations, although not tax deductible, will be greatly appreciated. If you wish to contribute, send your donation to Tax Savers, 812 Tamiami Trail, Suite 1, Port Charlotte, Florida 33953, attention Beth Culbertson, who will serve as trustee. Please make checks payable to Bob Carr Legal Defense Fund. Thank you for your support.
With kindest personal regards,
Robert E. Carr
|
Five 0 Deuce
in the Sun
Anyone that has any questions about the defense fund can contact
Beth Culbertson, PHONE # (941) 625-1925.
Media Links on the persecution of Robert Carr
Prosecutor named in sheriff case
posted 11/28/01
CHARLOTTE COUNTY-- The governor's office appointed a
special prosecutor in Fort Lauderdale to investigate a complaint that Charlotte
County Sheriff Bill Clement offered a job as political payback.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/2news.cfm?ID=56924
Agents search helicopter shop 12/12/01 State checks for 'stolen' military surplus
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/121201/tp2ch19.htm?date=121201&story=tp2ch19.htm
Agents seize helicopters, parts
posted 12/12/01
The equipment is believed
to have been illegally distributed from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/2charlotte.cfm?ID=57858
Helicopter rebuilder
questions search 12/25/01
Sheriff left
parts, copters behind, says Hill
http://www.sun-herald.com/Newsheadline.cfm?headline=1789&banner=1
Former captain sought defense fund
help posted 12/25/01
CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Before federal
agents searched a hangar this month for nine missing Sheriff's Office
helicopters and thousands of parts, the man at the center of their
investigation was already asking his friends for help.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/2charlotte.cfm?ID=58694
Two charged in missing helicopters
posted 01/09/02
The
former Charlotte County Sheriff's employees were arrested on suspicion of
stealing helicopters and parts.
http://www.newscoast.com/frontpage/story.cfm?ID=59678
http://www.heraldtribune.com/realmedia/CCarr1.ram
Former Sheriff's captain arrested
01/09/02
PUNTA
GORDA -- The tables have turned. More than 15 years after testifying during the
theft case against then-Charlotte County Sheriff Glen Sapp, former Capt. Bob
Carr was arrested Tuesday on 11 felony charges -- including grand theft.
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/010902/tp2ch16.htm?date=010902&story=tp2ch16.htm
Carr discusses Tuesday's
arrest 01/09/02
Former Sheriff's Capt. Bob Carr tried to mask many of the emotions he's experiencing after being arrested on 11 felony charges Tuesday. But the nervousness, surprise and pride are still visible.
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/010902/tp3ch17.htm?date=010902&story=tp3ch17.htm
A friend in Charlotte County was charged, but officials say there is no evidence of wrongdoing by Pasco sheriff's deputy Richard Worch.
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/01/09/news_pf/Pasco/Deputy_s_friend_charg.shtml
Letters to the Editor
From: Alvarado, Gilbert
To:
morghan.martell@heraldtribune.com
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 5:53 AM
Subject: Agents Seize Helicopter Parts
Your article on the federal and state agents investigation into thousands of parts and nine helicopters missing from the Charlotte County Sheriff's office (12/12/01) is misleading, and an excellent example of media manipulation. As a professor of criminal justice, I search the web for articles such as yours to use as examples in my criminal justices classes to demonstrated to my students on how the public can be orchestrated to accept written words as fact. Through the use of such words and phrases as "believed to have illegally distributed," "is a potential suspect," and "could result in criminal charges ranging from official misconduct and tampering with official records to grand theft," imparts a perception of guilt before the investigation has conclusively determined that laws were in fact violated. The identified italicized words in your comments are prime examples of media writers who purposely insert descriptive words in their stories that allow the piece to be published without having to explain the deeper meaning or background to the story. Very cursory; yet, meets the intent of the press or those who control the media. Remember, anyone can be arrested, even you. Anyone can be charged with a violation of a written criminal law, despite the fact the person didn't commit any crimes. There are numerous examples of such incidents, where law enforcement officials initiate an investigation against a person or groups of people, based on personal and political motives, and not necessarily on the conduct of a crime. Therefore, it is incumbent and imperative for the safety and well being of all of citizens, in accordance with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, that the institution of the press, provide unbiased, factual, and accurate representation of the facts, background, and circumstances to their stories. Especially, stories that involve possible criminal actions which have the potentiality to destroy the lives of those individuals being persecuted; not necessarily prosecuted. If Sheriff Carr is a suspect, explain why he is a suspect. Also, do some background investigation as to why a respected law enforcement officer is being identified as a potential suspect. This story has the makings a great series (Pulitzer Prize material). As part of your duties and responsibilities as a reporter, you should ask the authorities initiating the potential charges for the probable cause factors that initiated such actions. American law enforcement officials cannot operate without impunity. This is one of the reasons the United States fought WWII (Hitler), and sent its forces to Kosovo. Throughout American justice, there are numerous incidents where law enforcement officials have misconstrued the facts (lied), perjured themselves (lied), constructed false evidence (lied), and planted false and misleading information about the case to strengthened their accusations against the potential defendant.
The statement in your article, " Although the donated helicopters and parts are 30 to 40 years old, they are serviceable and could conceivably be used by terrorists, he said," is an excellent example of planting false and misleading information. A box cutter may be 30 to 40 years old, serviceable, and could conceivably be used by terrorists (11 September 01 WTC and Pentagon). Is there a nationwide search for people with box cutters? If so, every person working in a warehouse right now is a potential terrorist and criminal suspect. Point being, anything could conceivably be used by terrorists. Responsible journalism, in any matter, is a must. The freedom and protection of the press has always been a high priority of the American people. Without honest, reliable, accurate, and ethical journalists, this country would be like any other third world or oppressive country. But we're not. A lot of thanks going to the press. Ask the tough questions, keep the public informed, and remember - you too can be charged and arrested; yet, it's the freedom of the press that keeps that from happening. If Robert Carr is guilty of all charges, potential or real. Be there to report the facts, do the research, and come to your own conclusion. The people have the right to now the truth behind the actions, it's their resources that are being spent. Respectfully, Gilbert Alvarado
Dear
Editor,
I am sad to
read the accusations and the investigations that surround Bob Carr. Those who
know Bob knows he made a life out of serving his nation, the communities he
resided in and those he worked for as long as they were not crooks.
I don't
know if Bob Carr will be able to survive this political battle, not because he
is guilty--because he is NOT. However he will not do what appears to be the
popular thing and that is to lie about his opposition and those who will go to
the pits to destroy him. It seems that Bob Carr comes from an all but lost
generation that believes in working hard, for those he serves, along with being
honest and trustworthy. I think we
would call that "character" and it is slowly beginning to appear to
resurface throughout America in the political arena and many are threaten by
it.
Although,
there may be many politicians and servants who want to do right, they are
surrounded by a generation of vipers who have made a political career not on
their accomplishments but rather the failures or the unfounded accusation of
their opposition.
I hope Floridians
are sick and tired of those we elect who make a career out of lying to us and
those they work with. If these dirt bags have misused the power entrusted to
them to destroy good families and assassinate honest servants of the community.
How are they different from those they put behind bars that we hope are guilty?
How can they get away with this? Easy, because it is legal. Those in power can
use their power on the just as well as the unjust and this should not be.
Bob Carr
may survive these terrorist tactics, not because of his innocents but rather
because it is going to take his life savings (acquired working as an honest and
faithful servant) and everything once a proud man can beg and borrow to answer
the lies. Lies by the way cost nothing for those who promote them because we
the taxpayer pay for them. A good deal for those who elect to abuse the power
entrusted to them.
When the
truth finally comes out it will probably be in the back pages and as usual the
damage is done. This is what those who lack character are counting on. Us Floridians should get rid of the dirt
bags who will participate in these terrorist tactics in assassinating a good
and faithful servant who they know has done no wrong.
This
political assassination of a good and honest servant of the community should
not be tolerated and go unanswered. However the unfounded and implied
accusations of Bob Carr and the political terrorist tactics used by those
entrusted to protect our society should also be held accountable when the
accusations are revealed to be false.
I believe
Floridians will soon be on top of this garbage and will get rid of the rift
raft as they rise above dirty politics. Why not reward those who will do what
is right by the community rather than what is popular or convenient for
themselves.
Sincerely,
Frank A
Tigano
Comanchero
11
SOA 1754 GA
Mr.
Butterworth
Attorney
General
State of
Florida
In regards to the investigation to the
improprieties Sheriff Sapp has accused Bob Carr of. "Misappropriation of helicopters and parts", that the
US Government donated to the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office while Bob Carr
was head of it's aviation section a couple of years ago.
The directives of this investigation from
Sheriff Sapp is not to get at the truth. It was written to "See what we
can charge Bob Carr with". It is a witch-hunt.
It all stems from Bobs previous tenure
with the Charlotte County Sheriffs Dept in which improprieties occurred and Bob
Carr brought charges against the now Sheriff Sapp who was convicted of
absconding with county funds, although it was over turned on appeal.
Sir, this is nothing more than a vendetta
and has no business being as it is part of Sheriffs Sapps normal operating
procedure.
If the county officials can use taxpayer
money to ruin people’s reputation on innuendo, false newspaper articles loaded
with circumstantial accusations, and not a shred of proof. This is misuse of
county and state funds since it is a state investigator doing the head hunting.
It is in my opinion an investigators job is
to investigate. To collect facts, and then let the blame fall where it may. It
is not their job to have one specific goal in mind. Hang something that will
stick on Bob Carr. These henchmen tactics are unconstitutional, infringes on a
persons Civil Rights and is abuse of power of the Sheriffs Department.
I ask you for every Veteran in this country
to look into this issue and do the right thing. If Bob Carr is guilty of
anything let the proof of the investigation and facts show that.
If he is innocent this has been a blatant
attempt to discredit and slander a man of honor for political reasons that has
served this country, the state of Florida, and Charlotte County proudly in the
past.
Sincerely
Ron Leonard
Diamondhead
085
Webmaster
25th Aviation Battalion
http://members.tripod.com/ronleonard/index.htm
-----Original
Message-----
From: Jerry
Turner
To:
morghan.martell@heraldtribune.com;
morghan.martell@heraldtribune.com;
editor.letters@heraldtribune.com
Cc:
ag@oag.state.fl.us
Subject:
THE CARR VENDETTA
To Whom it
May Concern;
I've read
with interest the latest in the Bob Carr saga (vendetta), the two articles
posted on 12 December 2001. One by
Morgan Martell, "Agents Seize Helicopters And Parts" and the other
by Greg
Martin, "Agents Search Helicopter Shop", both articles appear to
judge and convict Mr. Carr without benefit of a trial or having any
justification other than circumstantial evidence, rumors, and innuendo provided
by the High Sheriff and his henchmen.
This really
goes back to Sheriff Clement and Major Sapp losing the last round in the fight
for Helicopter 502, (which by the way is not over), that they methodically destroyed
simply because Mr. Carr was connected to it.
They did not take into account the power of a thousand Vietnam Veteran's
voices being raised in objection to the High Sheriff's mistreatment of a living
Icon and Memorial to those who served their country with dignity and honor.
Now, in
their frustration, they've apparently set out to destroy Mr. Carr, both
personally and politically. That being
the case, they should be forewarned that they are not just defaming Mr. Carr,
but they are also defaming literally thousands of Veterans that are standing
shoulder to shoulder in support of Bob Carr.
It appears that they want a fight, that being the case, by God they will
get one!
Mr. Carr,
by all accounts is a fine, honest, upstanding citizen of the United States of
America, the State of Florida and the County of Charlotte. Mr. Carr has demonstrated his character by
serving his Country, State and County in a dedicated and honorable manner for
over twenty years.
It's strange
that his accusers are all men who have been charged with crimes in the past or
are currently under investigation for alleged criminal activity, yet Mr. Carr
has never, in all the time he served, been charged with any illicit activities. That is, until this group of charlatans took
power in Charlotte County, the very same people who have questionable
reputations and motives. A reasonable
person would have to say that "Something is rotten in
Denmark"!
(Or in this case the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office). Am I the only one who who thinks that this
is strange?
If there is
evidence of Mr. Carr's wrong doing, then bring it forward, charge the man and
let him defend himself and face his accusers.
If there is not, then stop this vendetta against Mr
Carr and
shine the light of investigation into the dark corners of Mr. Clement's
administration to find out why he and his henchmen (Mr. Sapp) wants to
persecute and destroy this honest, dedicated former soldier and public servant.
You may
publish this letter, if you wish
Sincerely,
Edward
G.(Jerry) Turner
1116
LondonDerry Avenue,
Friendswood,
Texas
77546
(281)-482-3192
114th AML
White
Knight
Vinh Long
RVN
1965
A Co.
101st. Avn. Bn.
Warrior 25
Soc Trang
RVN
1965-66
-----Original
Message-----
From: Jerry
Turner
To:
gmartin@sun-herald.com
Cc:
AG@oag.state.fl.us; arnold@sun-herald.com;
morghan.martell@heraldtribune.com
Subject:
Helicopter rebuilder questions search -12/25/01
Mr. Martin,
thank you for your article on the "Missing Sheriff's Helicopters". It's good to see that the "other
side" of this saga is getting some ink.
If Southwest's statements can be backed up with documentation and proof
as is stated in your article. Then it appears that Mr. Carr is indeed the
victim of a personal/political vendetta originated and sponsored by Mr. Clement
and Mr. Sapp of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
May I
suggest a in-depth review of the Sheriff's Department Aviation Section records
to either refute or substantiate these apparently unfounded charges and
"witch hunt" sponsored by the High Sheriff and his henchmen. Further, I would suggest that a
"Special Prosecutor" be appointed by the States Attorney General or
other such legal authority to fully investigate this matter. I suggest this in light of the apparent
political influences and overtones of this sorry saga of character
assassination, and personal/political agendas obviously being brought forward
by some of Charlotte County's highest elected officials.
It's my
belief that once a fair and unbiased investigation is completed, Mr. Robert
Carr will be found to be a victim of an unprecedented campaign of character
assassination, and political cover-up by a group of narrow minded, self-serving
political hacks. Your County and it's
people deserve to know the complete and unadulterated truth, and deserve to
have people that are honest, responsible and true public servants serving in
their elected offices, especially in the Law Enforcement Arms of their
Government.
Events of
11 September, 2001 demand that only the best serve in our Police Agencies, so
as to uphold the honor of those Police and Firemen, who unselfishly gave their
lives in the performance of their duties to "Protect And Serve".
You may
publish this letter if you wish, thank you.
Sincerely
Yours,
Edward G.
(Jerry) Turner
1116
Londonderry Ave.
Friendswood,
Texas
77546
A Co. 101st
Avn. Bn.
Soc Trang
RVN
1965-66
Warrior 25
-----Original Message-----
From: Reynolds Kamakawiwoole [mailto:rnakooka@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 4:46 AM
To: Richard Bittle
Subject: Re: Charlotte Herald-Tribune
To All:
After 30
years I met with my old buddies, at the reunion at Fort Campbell, and rode
the 502, an aircraft which I worked on personally (Avionics) from
1968-1969.
I was so proud
of the Men who restored this Mother Ship and memories flow right to the time of
the conflict.
For the
Men of the 101st Airborne, A Co. Aviation Battalion, support Robert Carr,
with whatever you may have, including prayers, because he truly is admired for
his commitment.
My
prayers goes out to you Robert Carr and Family, that God will provide
you with the support and encouragement during these times.
My
family, the KAMAKAWIWOOLEs fully support Robert with prayers..
Mele
Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou (Merry Christmas & Happy New Year)
in Hawaiian.
IMUA ( Go
Forth) Robert.....
Aloha
Pumehana,
Reynolds
Kamakawiwoole(The Eye of the Brave)
From: DM
Thompson & Associates
To:
Morghan Martell
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 3:37 PM
Subject: Herald tribune articles
With regards to your articles in the Heraldtribune, I'm providing you with a little information to improve the accuracy of such.
The defense letter I have, was written by Bob Carr dated in November. The letter was prompted by the States Attorneys investigator Ralph Cunningham making contact with Mr. Carr's attorney back in September, 2001. Your recent article gives
me and other readers the impression that Mr. Carr wrote the defense letter before knowing he was the focus of an investigation. That's not true and I think you need to be fair to Mr. Carr and correct this innuendo.
Also, you give the readers the impression that Bob Carr's duties were solely that of Aviation Commander. If my memory serves me correctly, he spent very little time involved with aviation activities. Records will indicate that he did very little flying. Mr. Carr's main functions were administrative and his title was Administrative Commander.
You have told readers that Mr. Carr was demoted in December 2000 amid questions about misuse of equipment during restoration of Five-O-Deuce. Mr. Carr actually retired on January 2nd, 2001 as a Captain. It was not an issue of a pay cut that caused him to retire. He was never offered a full-time
job with the new administration. You can guess that a part-time job was not going to be a pay raise.
Sheriff Clement is quoted as saying, "One of our helicopters is now flying, the last we knew, in Chile". If that is true, someone should be held accountable. What helicopter is he referring to? Is their someone in the Federal Government from the Department of Defense, FAA or U. S. Customs not doing their job properly?
I know Mr. Carr kept detailed records on every helicopter received. Every helicopter has a tail number and if there were nine helicopters missing, what are the tail numbers?
We veterans are surprised to hear Sheriff Clement make the comment, "I don't think that the sheriff before me should ever have granted permission for his captain to refurbish this particular aircraft". We want to know why not and why did he order the cannibalization of the Five-O-Deuce? Mr. Carr and many veterans restored that helicopter to vintage condition as a flying memorial and a tool to aid in the healing of 30-year-old wounds. It had a value near one million dollars before it was needlessly dismantled. The Sheriff also stated that the Five-O-Deuce is slated to be returned to the Federal Government. In what condition might that be? Vintage or cannibalized!
Respectfully,
James A. Thompson
Formerly Kingsman 22
Bco.101st AVN BN
Vietnam ' 68-' 69
Copyright © 1998-2003 A/101 AVN. All rights reserved.
Revised: 09/11/04.