The County Record

BY KELLI PEACOCK DUNN
News Editor

Three correctional officers have been arrested for allegedly taking money from families and girlfriends of Calhoun Correctional Institution inmates in exchange for protection, special treatment and contraband.

Colonel Sammy John McAlpin, 43, of Sneads, Officer Stephen Pickron, 34, and Officer Nicholas Hansford, 24, both of Blountstown, have all been charged with unlawful compensation for official behavior. McAlpin has also been charged with official misconduct.

According to the arrest affidavit, numerous cash transfers to the CaCI officers were made through Western Union during 2010 and 2011. McAlpin, who served as chief of security at CaCI, allegedly orchestrated the scheme.

The investigation began after the husband of a former correctional officer discovered an estimated 40 letters at his home written to his wife by a CaCI inmate. Not only did the letters suggest a staff-offender relationship, but also referenced illegal activity going on at the institution. One of the letters referred to the inmate paying Col. "Big Daddy" McAlpin $500 for protection and the use of a cell phone.

Several thousand dollars were allegedly exchanged during the scheme.

The three officers were booked into the Calhoun County Jail Wednesday and have all been given a conditional release. More details on this case in next week's print edition.

The Blountstown Lady Tigers traveled to Liberty County Thursday and brought home a 21-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-23 win. [Full Story »] 

The Blountstown Tigers and Port St. Joe Sharks met Friday night in Port St. Joe for the district opener for both teams. [Full Story »] 

Blountstown High School has already started gearing up to celebrate their 2012 homecoming which will take place the first week of October. This year, they have chosen to tie in the homecoming theme with the year of the Olympics! [Full Story »] 

by Cole Miller
[Full Story »] 

Joyce Ann McCardle, 78, of Malone, Florida, passed away Friday, September 21, 2012, in Dothan, Alabama.
[Full Story »] 

Sally McCrory of Blountstown, Florida, passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at the age of 78.
[Full Story »] 

Mrs. Clara Irma Nobles, 90, of Blountstown, FL, passed away early Monday morning, September, 24, 2012, in Blountstown. [Full Story »] 

Rae Palmer Summers Shuler, 83, of Bristol, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2012, in her home. [Full Story »] 

Mr. Phillip Tyre, 39, of Tallahassee, FL, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 21, 2012.
[Full Story »] 

CALHOUN COUNTY
Sept. 19: William Mendez Alvarez, disorderly intoxication
Sept. 21: April Middleton, attempt to manufacture meth, possession of listed chemicals; Luetta Deal, disorderly intoxication; Brandon Dickerson, dealing in stolen property, petit theft; Arthur Goodwin, principle to dealing in stolen property, attempt to manufacture meth, poss. of listed chemicals, petit theft; Mark Watson, domestic battery; Stephen Ragston, state VOP; Sabrina Allen, state VOP; Brandon Dickerson, burglary of structure, petit theft; Blake Godwin, hold for LCSO warrant
Sept. 23: John Layfield, aggravated assault with deadly weapon [Full Story »] 

Legal Notice [Full Story »] 

Folks came from near and far to get down and dirty at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Swamp & Stomp Mud Run. [Full Story »]