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TOP STORIES FOR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2004
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McKenzie Man Faces Bio-Chemical Weapons Charge |
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Agents of the FBI, and TBI, along with officers of the
McKenzie Police Department, 24th Judicial Drug Task
Ford and Tennessee Highway Patrol, converged on the
Highland Drive property Monday to arrest Demetrius
"Van" Crocker.
Federal authorities have
charged a McKenzie man, who had a history of making
anti-government statements, with attempting to acquire
chemical weapons, explosives and weapons of mass
destruction to ''blow up'' government buildings.
Demetrius ''Van'' Crocker, 39, is accused of
attempting to obtain Sarin nerve gas (also known as
GB) and C-4 explosives, according to a federal
complaint filed in U.S. District Court Monday. In
announcing Crocker's arrest Monday, U.S. Attorney
Terrell Harris characterized Crocker as having
''hatred for the government and anti-Semitic and
racist views.''
Crocker is a 1983 graduate of McKenzie High School.
Crocker was arrested Monday after an undercover
federal agent met him in Jackson to deliver fake
explosives to Crocker, and what Crocker thought were
the ingredients for Sarin nerve gas, one of the
world's deadliest chemical warfare agents.
Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents Brian Byrd
and Joe Walker, assisted by members of the 24th
Judicial Drug Task Force, McKenzie Police Department,
and Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit
converged on the Crocker home at 17855 Highland Drive
(Highway 79) in McKenzie just after 1 p.m. Monday to
make the arrest and begin collecting evidence. The
Crocker property is posted with several "no
trespassing" signs.
Local farmer Ben Thomas Surber, who rents land
adjacent to the Crocker property, arrived to obtain
his farm tractor from a building. He was asked by
agents to leave the tractor so that the area and
equipment could be searched.
Crocker's arrest ended a federal investigation that
started April 1 with a tip to Tennessee authorities
that Crocker had inquired where he could obtain
nuclear waste and/or nuclear materials, according to
the FBI's affidavit for his arrest. The tipster
advised the FBI agent, who is currently assigned to
the Memphis Division's Joint Terrorism Task Force,
that Crocker wanted to obtain nuclear waste and/or
nuclear materials in order to build a bomb to be
detonated at a government building, particularly a
courthouse, either federal or state.
The witness told the FBI that Crocker ''had absolute
hatred for the United States government and had made
comments in the past to the effect that the country
needs to be taken back by the people.''
Authorities said a federal court decision prohibits
them from releasing Crocker's photo to the media.
According to the affidavit for his arrest, on Sept.
16, a witness cooperating with federal authorities
introduced an undercover federal agent to Crocker.
During their meeting, Crocker told the agent of his
dislike of the U.S. government and said, "It would be
a good thing if somebody could detonate some sort of
weapon of mass destruction in Washington, D.C., while
both the U.S. Congress and Senate were in session."
Crocker told the agent that he admires Adolf Hitler
and the Nazi party ideology, that he has a hatred for
Jewish people and believes that establishing a
concentration camp for Jewish insurance executives
"would be a desirable endeavor."
On Sept. 29, the agent again met with Crocker, who
asked about the undercover agent's ability to obtain
automatic weapons and chemical weapons to include
certain nerve agents to attack the government. Crocker
mentioned targeting an unspecified federal courthouse.
Crocker told the agent he enjoyed hearing the news of
the Sarin nerve gas attack on a Japanese subway system
a few years ago.
Crocker asked if the undercover agent had access to VX,
a nerve agent. The agent told Crocker he didn't, but
could get Difluoro, a precursor and key component for
Sarin nerve gas, stolen from the Pine Bluff Arsenal.
Difluoro is one of two components of Sarin.
Crocker told the agent that he had made a chemical
weapon, specifically mustard gas, in the past. He said
he had once worked at an electroplating factory and
had access to various chemicals from the factory.
Crocker told the agent that he had also produced
nitroglycerin and explained how to use it to construct
a booby trap to injure someone.
Crocker told the agent he had an AK47 and other
assault type weapons and would be willing to kill law
enforcement officers that try to take his weapons
away. He also discussed his ability to kill
''government people'' and racially identifiable
persons with his weapons.
On Oct. 7, Crocker met with the agent and gave him
$500 cash to obtain Sarin nerve gas or its precursor.
The undercover agent also told Crocker he could
deliver stolen C-4 explosives to him, for which
Crocker stated a strong desire to obtain.
On Oct. 25, in Jackson, the agent delivered to Crocker
what was represented as a container of Difluoro. The
container was the same as that used to store Difluoro,
but was filled with an inert substance. The agent also
delivered to Crocker a block of substance identical in
appearance to C-4 explosive materials, but which was
predominantly inert material. Crocker stated a strong
desire to obtain the C-4 explosives.
Sarin nerve gas (also known as GB)
* Sarin is a human-made chemical warfare agent
classified as a nerve agent. Nerve agents are the most
rapidly acting and toxic of the known chemical warfare
agents.
* Nerve agents are similar to certain kinds of
pesticides (insect killers) called organophosphates in
terms of how they work and what kind of harmful
effects they cause. However, nerve agents are much
more potent than organophosphate pesticides.
* Sarin is a clear, colorless, and tasteless liquid
that has no odor in its pure form. However, it can
evaporate into a vapor (gas) and spread into the
environment.
Sarin and other nerve agents may have been used in
chemical warfare during the Iran-Iraq War in the
1980s. It was used in two terrorist attacks in Japan
in 1994 and 1995.
- Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Charges
Demetrius ''Van'' Crocker, 39, of McKenzie has been
federally charged with the following charges:
* Attempting to obtain chemical weapons. It is
punishable by a term of imprisonment for any number of
years and a $250,000 fine.
* Attempting to receive explosives in interstate
commerce with the intent that they will be used to
damage and destroy a building and real property. This
charge carries a maximum of ten years in prison and a
$250,000 fine.
* Receiving stolen explosives. This charge carries a
maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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Election is November 2 |
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By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com |
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Carroll County voters may cast their ballots between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
November 2 at their designated precinct. Eligible
voters should present a signature identification card
and voter registration card to the election officers.
Precincts include: Lavinia, Trezevant, Christmasville,
McLemoresville, Cedar Grove, Clarksburg, Macedonia,
Civic Center, Huntingdon City Hall, Yuma, Buena Vista,
Bruceton, Hollow Rock, Vale, Westview, Atwood,
McKenzie Senior Citizen, Cannon/Mixie, Concord,
Westport, Bethel College, and McKenzie City Hall.
McKenzie voters should take not of the change from
Bethel's fieldhouse to the Waddle Recital Hall, and
McKenzie Middle School to McKenzie City Hall.
Elections in Carroll County include: President, U.S.
House of Representatives, Tennessee House of
Representatives, Bruceton City, Hollow Rock City,
McKenzie City, Huntingdon City, and a referendum on
package liquor in Bruceton.
President
Five candidates appear on the ballot for president.
Possibilities include: ( in order of appearance on the
ballot) democrats John F. Kerry and running mate, John
Edwards; republicans George W. Bush and running mate,
Dick Cheney; independents Michael Badnarik and running
mate, Richard Campagna; independents Ralph Nader and
running mate, Peter Miguel Camejo; and independents
Michael Anthony Peroutka and Chuck Baldwin.
Congress
U.S. Congressman John Tanner(D-Union City) is being
challenged by James L. Hart (R-Buchanan). The
Republicans have denounced Hart's candidacy.
Tennessee House of Representatives 79th District
Freshman Chris Crider, (R-Milan) is being challenged
by political newcomer Harris Jones (D-Milan) for the
79th district, which spans one-half of Carroll County
and all of Gibson County. Crider unseated incumbent
Paul Phelan (D-Trenton) two years ago after Phelan
barely emerged with the party's nomination after a
brutal primary battle.
Tennessee House of Representatives 76th District
Mark L. Maddox (D-Dresden) is unchallenged in his bid
to return to the House of Representatives. The
representative was first elected in 1996. Two years
ago, he was challenged by Tom "Redneck" Gardner.
Maddox took a decisive victory against Redneck,
winning every precinct. Representative Maddox
represents one-half of Carroll and all of Weakley
County.
McKenzie
Three councilman seats will be decided. In Ward 1,
incumbent Wade Allen is unopposed. In Ward 4,
incumbent James Knolton is being challenged by Jill
Holland and Van Ramsey. In this race, all three also
hold positions on school boards; Knolton on the county
school board, and Holland and Ramsey on the McKenzie
school board. In Ward 6, incumbent Darra Adkins is
being challenged by Jimmy Patterson.
Huntingdon
Incumbent Dale R. Kelley is being challenged by
political newcomer Brose Park for the office of mayor.
Five candidates are seeking the four open council
seats. Incumbents Gary Hatch, Jeanie Newman, and Tim
Tucker are seeking re-election, while former
councilman Clarence Norman is seeking a return to the
board. Political newcomer Brian McDowell is seeking to
fill one of four seats.
Hollow Rock
Three aldermen will be elected during balloting at
Hollow Rock. Incumbents Michael A. Smith, Ray H.
Waters, and Rob Woods are seeking re-election. Charles
(Rip) O. Hill and Joey Richardson are also seeking the
seats.
Bruceton
Three incumbent aldermen are seeking re-election for
the three open seats. Candidates include Joe Bishop,
Steve T. Pinkston, and Ernest Thorne.
Bruceton residents will also vote in a referendum "to
permit" or "not permit" the sale of package liquor in
the city.
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Banner to Post Election
Returns on Web |
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The McKenzie Banner will once again post the election
returns on the Internet as soon as all election
returns are available in Carroll County. Election
returns should be posted by 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
November 2 at www.mckenziebanner.com.
Returns will include contests in the presidential,
congressional, state representative, and municipal
elections in McKenzie, Huntingdon, Bruceton, and
Hollow Rock, and the package liquor referendum in
Bruceton.
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Health Department to Give Flu
Shots November 1 |
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The Carroll County Health Department has received 256
does of influenza vaccine for high-risk groups only.
The vaccine will be administered beginning at 8:30
a.m., November 1 on a first-come, first serve basis.
Additional shipments of vaccine are expected in early
December and clinics will be scheduled at that time.
In accordance with the Centers of Disease Control
(CDC) guidelines, the vaccine will only be
administered to the following groups this year:
* All adults age 65 and over.
* All children aged 6-24 months.
* Children 2-18 who must take aspirin regularly.
* People age 2-64 with chronic health conditions such
as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney
disease, metabolic disease (such as diabetes), anemia
or other blood disorder, weakened immune system due
to: HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the
immune system, long term treatment with drugs such as
steroids or cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.
* Pregnant women.
* Residents of nursing homes and long-term care
facilities.
* Caregivers and those who live with an infant less
than six months (too young for vaccine).
* Health care workers who provide hands-on patient
care.
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John Barham, Morrisett Family Honored at Annual
Chamber Banquet |
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John Barham was honored as Carroll Countian of the
Year and the Morrissett family claimed the Business
Person of the Year Award at the Carroll County Chamber
of Commerce's Annual Membership Banquet Monday
evening, October 22.
Barham is a resident of McKenzie while the Morrissett
family has members in both Huntingdon and McKenzie:
Romie and Laverne live in Huntingdon while James lives
in the county and Phillip resides in McKenzie.
Romie and Laverne established Morrissett Tire Service
in Huntingdon on April 5, 1976, a move that ultimately
brought the family together. Previously, Romie had
worked selling tires for B.F. Goodrich for 13 years.
He had experience as both a commercial salesman and
store manager when, says Laverne, longtime friend and
owner of the Huntingdon Retread Store, Dayton Pierce,
who was ready to retire, advised Romie, "You should
buy this store."
He did, and the Morrissett family has been selling
tires in Carroll County ever since.
At the time, son James was a student at Jackson State
while working full time as a service manager at
K-Mart. In 1977, when K-Mart wanted him to move to
Louisiana, he opted to join the family business
instead.
The following year, second son Philip, whose daughter
Jill was about a year and a half old, was looking to
leave Memphis, where he worked for a wholesale
company. On a visit home, the family was dining out in
McKenzie when Philip noticed Stanton Tire Company was
for sale. At his suggestion, Romie bought the
business, thus expanding Morrissett Tire Service to
McKenzie.
A corporation was formed in 1995 with Romie president,
James and Philip vice presidents, and Laverne as
secretary-treasurer, an arrangement that continues
today with James managing the Huntingdon store and
Philip managing the business in McKenzie. Between the
two, the business employs 15.
Over the years the business in Huntingdon added
alignment and brakes to their repertoire of services
while the McKenzie store has been remodeled and offers
truck and road service. Morrissett's has been a
Michelin dealer for 26 years and offers other brands
including B.F. Goodrich ands Uniroyal.
Through the Uniroyal company, Morrissetts has been
able to offer money grants and soccer balls to the
McKenzie and Huntingdon soccer programs. They also
donated soccer balls to a local mission team who
delivered them to a grateful youth population in a
South American country.
James is the father of daughter Jamie and son Joseph
while Philip and wife, Carol, are the parents of Jill
Renfro, who along with husband, Zach, are the parents
of four-year-old Emma and four-month-old Nolan.
"We appreciate the friendships and customers over the
past years and hope to continue serving their needs in
the future," said Romie.
Carroll Countian of the Year, John Barham, is an Army
veteran who, after his discharge in December 1957,
attended Bethel College, studying business
administration while working days at the Milan
Arsenal. After four and a half years working for the
Arsenal's contractor, which at the time was Harvey
Aluminum Company, he transferred to the civil service
department where he remained until his retirement on
May 1, 1995.
Among various roles he played over the years at the
Arsenal were industrial specialist (monitoring
production capability and operations), then quality
assurance. When he retired, he was chief of the
quality requirements branch.
John was "very active" in the Arsenal's suggestion
program which reportedly saved the company between
$500,000 and $1 million. As a result, he was inducted
into the "Economy Roll of Champions" for which his
photo was displayed in Washington, he also received a
letter from President Lyndon Johnson, and was awarded
a substantial monetary award.
He says one of the main blessings of retirement is the
time he has been able to spend with his children, Lee
Michael and Jana.
He joined the Elementary and Middle School PTOs and
became active in helping the children in their
fundraisers, for example, helping Jana sell 732 boxes
of Girl Scout cookies one year.
For the last five years, John has worked during
weeklong field day activities at the elementary
school. He was a leader in bringing the sport of
soccer to McKenzie and, until recently, was the
unofficial president of the McKenzie Soccer League. In
addition to coaching soccer, he has coached Little
League baseball, softball, and basketball.
He is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club and a
member of the VFW and First Baptist Church in
McKenzie.
In 1999 he was voted 'Volunteer of the Year' by the
McKenzie Elementary PTO and received the 'Modern
Woodmen of America Award for Volunteer Community
Service' in 2000. Also in 2000, he was awarded the
'Virginia Claire Edwards Community Service Award'.
Said John upon accepting the award, "If you see
something that needs to be done, don't sit around and
say 'What they need to do is...', just do it."
Past chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors,
Melissa Powell, was presented a plaque for her service
by emcee and new chairman, Bob Rutledge.
Brooke and Leslie Cooper provided vocal and
instrumental entertainment and Mike Creasy led the
assembly in singing God Bless America. Earlier, Henry
Simpson performed the national anthem.
Teri King announced the tenth annual Carroll County
Business Expo, scheduled for Thursday, November 4,
will be held at the Carroll County Civic Center.
Previously held at the First Baptist Life Center, the
event was relocated to accommodate both the needs of
the church and growth of the Expo.
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These stories and more exclusively
in the print edition: |
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- Crocker to Undergo Mental Evaluation
- Petition Circulating to Halt Wheel Tax
- Storm Delivers Document More Than 100 Miles
- William T. (Bill) Burke Overpass Celebrated
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Phone (731) 352-3323 or Fax (731)
352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com
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