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Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Miami Herald
Man bonded women out of jail, then forced them into prostitution in FL, feds say
A man pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking charges in a scheme in which prosecutors said he bonded women out of county jails, then forced them to work as prostitutes in Alabama and Northern Florida. Chad Cornelius Seymore, 49, of Dothan, Alabama, worked with others during the alleged trafficking conspiracy that spanned four years, including Kimberly Robinson Gandy, 47, of Gulfport, Mississippi, according to prosecutors. Seymore and Gandy are accused of forcing women into commercial sex acts along the Florida Panhandle in Destin and Panama City Beach, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida said in a June 20 news release. In January 2024, Panama City Beach police officers interviewed one of the women at a Wyndham hotel after an employee called 911 about a 'suspected trafficking victim hiding in the lobby,' prosecutors wrote in court filings. The woman said she was 'brought to Panama City' against 'her will after having been bonded out' of the Houston County Jail in Dothan, Alabama, according to a statement of facts. Then she revealed Seymore, known as 'Circle City Pimp,' and a woman she called 'Boss Lady,' who investigators identified as Gandy, 'forced and coerced' her into commercial sex acts with people she said were Seymore's customers, the filing says. Seymore and Gandy would transfer money tied to forced prostitution through online platforms, according to prosecutors. On June 18, a federal jury found Gandy guilty of a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Tallahassee criminal defense attorney Richard Higdon Smith, who was appointed to represent Gandy, declined a request for comment from McClatchy News. Seymore's court-appointed federal public defender, Joseph F. DeBelder, declined McClatchy News' request for comment June 23. Before Gandy's jury trial, the U.S. Attorney's Office said that Seymore pleaded guilty June 9 to five charges: Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercionSex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercionReceiving benefits from sex trafficking Interstate travel in aid of racketeeringMoney laundering Seymore is accused of physically abusing the women he sex trafficked. He 'recruited women suffering from drug addictions at hotels and through online advertisements,' prosecutors said. Multiple state and federal agencies investigated Seymore and Gandy, including the Leon County Sheriff's Office in Florida and the Dothan, Alabama, police department, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. In an undercover sting operation by the Leon County Sheriff's Office, in June 2023, investigators met a woman Seymore is accused of trafficking in Fort Walton, Destin, Panama City and Dothan after responding to an online advertisement on a website called Skip the Games, court documents say. After speaking with the woman, the sheriff's office contacted police in Dothan for potential leads and received 'extensive information' on Seymore, according to prosecutors. Dothan police previously investigated Seymore in relation to human trafficking and 'received ongoing leads that Seymore used female inmates to recruit other inmates for (him) to bond out and pimp,' prosecutors wrote in court filings. 'Seymore would tell the bonded females they would have to work off the bonds,' court documents say. 'He was also known to keep the money and, if the girls didn't do what he wanted, would have the bond revoked sending them back to jail.' In one year, investigators found more than $80,000 tied to Seymore's alleged involvement in sex trafficking, based on a financial analysis, according to prosecutors. In a statement, U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said, 'Thanks to the tireless efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case, and the tenacious work of the federal prosecutors and support staff in my office, we have dismantled this sex trafficking conspiracy and obtained justice on behalf of its victims.' Seymore's sentencing hearing in Tallahassee federal court is set for Aug. 15, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Gandy is set to be sentenced a month later, on Sept. 15.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
5-Star Recruit Immanuel Iheanacho Names His Top 4 Schools
5-Star Recruit Immanuel Iheanacho Names His Top 4 Schools originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Five-star Class of 2026 recruit Immanuel Iheanacho narrowed his list to the top four schools heading into the summer on Friday. Advertisement Iheanacho is an offensive tackle for Georgetown Preparatory School in Baltimore, Maryland, and is considering the Auburn Tigers, LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks and Penn State Nittany Lions as his options, according to On3 reporter Keegan Pope. The four schools are the only ones he has officially visited, and he plans to announce his commitment on Aug. 5. Heading into June, Iheanacho indicated that Oregon is his first option. 'Oregon is the top school, but these official visits will play a big part in my final decision,' he told On3 reporter Chad Simmons. 'My relationship with the coaches at Oregon is what has them at the top. I like the staff a lot, and we can talk about anything.' Iheanacho has already visited the Dan Lanning-led Ducks twice and left pleased both times. Advertisement 'My second visit there was great,' he continued. 'I loved my first one, too. My parents also love Oregon, so it helps to get their opinion. The connection with the coaching staff is really the biggest thing for me with Oregon.' The Ducks are well known for their strong offensive line, so adding Iheanacho would be a solid choice. He showcased his superior blocking skills as a 6-foot-6, 345-pound lineman in the Under Armor All-American Game on Jan. 2 in Deland, Florida, and the Polynesian Bowl on Jan. 16 in Honolulu. This season as a junior, he was named a MaxPreps All-American for not allowing a single sack the entire season en route to helping Georgetown Prep win its fifth Interstate Athletic Conference title in six years, per his 247 Sports player profile. Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Liberty J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Furthermore, as a sophomore, Iheanacho helped his team go 8-2 and primarily played left tackle but sometimes right tackle. He also received first-team all-league honors that season because of his outstanding ability to prevent opposing defenders from sacking the quarterback. Advertisement Related: Nation's No.1 LB Reported to Visit Another College Powerhouse as Recruiting Battle Intensifies This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Indianapolis Star
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
'Here to race legally': Mixed reactions to Penske penalties for modified IndyCar attenuator
INDIANAPOLIS — Team Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power were bumped to the 32nd and 33rd spots, respectively, in the Indianapolis 500 after their cars had an illegal body fit on their rear attenuators. Former Indy 500 champion Scott Dixon has decided to mind his own business and throw subliminals simultaneously. 'It's not my problem, I'm here to race legally,' Dixon said. 'It's just a bad look, right? It's (owner) Roger's (Penske) series and his track. It's not anything any of us wants to see. But it is what it is. It's kinda sad.' Chip Ganassi Racing managing director Mike Hull considered the sport's worldwide reach when discussing Penske's violation on IndyCar radio. 'The Indianapolis 500 is a global event. It's not a domestic event. It's not an inside (Interstate) 465 event. It's a global event and it needs to be handled with integrity. Integrity by the teams that are represented on the grid.' While Hull said he was disappointed, former Penske driver and four-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves defended owner Roger Penske's intentions when speaking with reporters after practice Monday while condemning the actions. 'I believe they did something to look good. I don't think that little lip is going to make them 3 mph faster,' Castroneves said. 'To be honest, I know how Roger operates. He wants to make everything beautiful, perfect, shiny. And I believe it was for that, touching that area you're not supposed to." Castroneves said he believes IndyCar's punishment against Penske is right according to the rule book. However, the Brazilian wants the hype around Penske's illegal action to settle. 'They don't need anything like that to go fast,' Castroneves said. 'I don't see this as a situation that people are creating and making a big deal (out of).' Kyle Larson joined Castroneves on the dais after practice. Larson is attempting to race in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Whether it's Penske or NASCAR driver Chris Buescher's violation, Larson opts to stay in his own lane. 'I don't have an opinion on it. I stay out of it,' Larson said. 'Even on the NASCAR side, when (Chris) Buescher got his penalty, I didn't know what it was and didn't really care. It doesn't affect me and our team, so I don't get involved with other teams.' Penske has won a record 20 Indianapolis 500s. Larson doesn't believe starting in the final row will be challenging for the Penske cars. 'Did you see Josef out there today? He'll be just fine,' he said. When asked what the fight to victory would be like with starting 32nd, Newgarden decided to stay present-minded.
Motor 1
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Which States Have 80 MPH Speed Limits In 2025?
North Dakota passed a new law raising its maximum speed limit on certain highways to 80 miles per hour. It goes into effect on August 1, 2025, and covers most sections of Interstate 94 and Interstate 29—the only major highways in the state. Its wide-open plains, straight highways, and light traffic are conducive to higher speeds without undue safety risks, something North Dakota's neighbors learned years ago. North Dakota is the ninth US state to adopt a speed limit of at least 80 mph. Most are located in America's Great Plains, where space is vast and traffic is light. If you step further west, you can also find higher speed limits where fields and mountains give way to deserts. These speeds are exclusive to limited-access interstate highways but usually drop around larger cities or in congested areas. For example, I-90 through South Dakota is 80 mph except at Sioux Falls on the east side, and for a 50-mile stretch on the west side from Rapid City to the Wyoming border, where motorcycle traffic is often heavier. Semi-trucks often have lower speed limits as well. Whether you're planning a road trip or merely curious about legal speed limits, here's a current list of all the US states with maximum speed limits of at least 80 mph. Idaho: 80 MPH (Cars) / 70 MPH (Semi-Trucks) Photo by: Motor1 On rural stretches of Interstates 15, 84, and 86 in Idaho, the legal speed limit is 80 miles per hour for passenger cars and 70 miles per hour for semi-trucks. I-84 between Boise and Caldwell remains at 65 mph for all vehicles. Idaho raised its speed limits to 80 mph on July 1, 2014. Montana: 80 MPH (Cars) / 70 MPH (Semi-Trucks) Photo by: Motor1 Along Interstates 15, 90, and 94 in Montana, the posted speed limit is 80 miles per hour for passenger vehicles and 70 miles per hour for semi-trucks. Montana introduced the new speed limits on October 1, 2015, raising them from 75 mph. Nevada: 80 MPH Photo by: Motor1 The legal speed limit along a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 80 in Nevada between Fernley and Winnemucca (not including a section through Lovelock) is 80 miles per hour for all vehicles. Nevada increased the speed limit to 80 mph on May 8, 2017. North Dakota: 80 MPH Photo by: Motor1 The speed limit on Interstates 29 and 94 in North Dakota is 80 miles per hour for all vehicles. North Dakota is the latest state to raise its speed limits to 80 mph, doing so on May 5, 2025. Oklahoma: 80 MPH Photo by: Motor1 In Oklahoma, the 59-mile stretch of Interstate 44 / HE Baily Turnpike between Chickasha and Lawton has a posted speed limit of 80 miles per hour. Governor Kevin Stitt signed the bill into law in April 2019, raising the speed limit from 75 mph. South Dakota: 80 MPH Photo by: Motor1 Most rural Interstates in South Dakota have a posted speed limit of 80 miles per hour, with exceptions for urban areas near Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and North Sioux City. South Dakota raised its speed limits from 75 mph to 80 mph on April 1, 2015. Utah: 80 MPH Photo by: Motor1 On certain sections of Interstates 80, 15, and 84, the posted speed limit is 80 miles per hour, with exclusions for two mountain passes and Cedar City, where the speed limit drops to 75 miles per hour. Utah was the first US state to introduce 80 mph speed limits, doing so in January 2009. Wyoming: 80 MPH Photo by: Motor1 In Wyoming, rural Interstates 25, 80, and 90 have posted speed limits of 80 miles per hour. The state increased its speed limits on July 1, 2014. Texas: 85 MPH Photo by: Motor1 Texas has the highest posted speed limits of any state in the US. The 41-mile stretch of Texas State Highway 130 between SH 45 near Austin and Interstate 10 in Seguin has a posted speed limit of 85 miles per hour. It's also known as the "Pickle Parkway." The increased speed limits were approved in September 2012, with the parkway officially opened in October 2012. FAQs Which States Have 80 MPH Speed Limits In the US? Nine states have 80 mph speed limits in the US in 2025: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Which States Have 85 mph Speed Limits In the US In 2025? Texas is the only state in the US with an 85 mph speed limit. The 41-mile "Pickle Parkway" is the only Interstate in the US with an 85 mph speed limit. What Road Has No Speed Limit? The only road in the world with no speed limit is Germany's Autobahn. The Autobahn network is 8,197 miles long and has many unrestricted stretches of road. More On Speed: Gavin Newsom Just Killed California's Pursuit of Annoying In-Car Speeding Alerts Finland Fines Driver $129,400 For Speeding 20 MPH Over The Limit Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What brand of car battery would you recommend?
A: There are really only about four or five automotive battery manufacturers that make batteries under different brand names. At AAA, our batteries are Interstate. Interstate is a battery-marketing and distribution company. Typically, Interstate batteries are manufactured by Clarios and Exide. When it comes to buying a battery, look for cold cranking ratings, reserve capacity and warranty. Q: I have a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. When I take my foot off the gas and the car slows down, the motor has a loud hum until it stops. It sounds like a truck. At idle, it is normal. Have you heard anyone else complain about this? When I take it back to Chevrolet, what should I tell the service technician? I had a 2016 Equinox, and it did not do that. A: I have not heard anyone complain about this issue. General Motors did have a problem with a transmission torque converter and even extended the warranty. This could be the source of the noise. At this point, I would do two things: Take a technician for a ride so they can hear and feel what you do. If they pronounce it normal, then ask to take another Equinox for a ride to verify that this is a characteristic of the model and not a problem. Q: have a 2019 Honda Accord that I love, but it is in the shop for the third time because the front radar camera got stolen and it's likely that rats ate some wires in my engine. It appears that this car is bait for both crooks and rats. As soon as the car is fixed, I am trading it in for, hopefully, a less hassle-prone car. I am looking at Toyota, Subaru and Mazda mid-sized SUVs. Are there any cars that are less rat-prone? Are there any cars that have less of a risk of radar camera theft? A: Unfortunately, rodents do not discriminate. They seem to like all cars. There was some thought that cars today are more appealing to rodents due to the more environmentally friendly products. I am not sure that is true. I think it has to do more with the rodent population. Honda does have rodent-proof tape containing a form of hot pepper that you can wrap around the wires. As for radar camera theft prevention, some car parts have particular value to thieves, such as air bags, wheels, catalytic converters and now, apparently, radar cameras. The same rules apply to preventing auto theft: hide valuables, lock the car and park in well-lit areas. Q: I hear a rattling sound as if something is loose in the engine area. It happens when I start the car cold. I hear it intermittently when I am driving. Any idea what I should look for? The car is a 2018 Honda CR-V with low mileage. A: The most common issue is a loose exhaust heat shield. When the engine warms up, the exhaust system expands and quiets the rattle. This should be easy to verify with the car up on a lift. Another common issue is with the rubber damper caps on the front struts. Remove the caps, and if the rattle is not present you can buy updated caps that will quiet the noise. Q: I recently purchased a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe with "Wildpeak Falken" LT285/70R17 116/1130 tires. This is my first 'hybrid' vehicle. The 'sticker' gas − only miles per gallon − was published as 20 mpg. I have had it for 12 weeks and I am getting 14 mpg. I have gone back to the dealership twice thinking I must be doing something wrong. Are these advertised gas mileages an average of all trim lines (and tires) or for the specific vehicle (with those specific tires)? A: The EPA gas mileage ration is not average of all trims but for your model. Yes, on the website, your model shows 20 mpg. They do not show a Falken tire option on the Wrangler-E. They do show the Falken vs Pirelli option on other models. The Falken tires are a little better regarding fuel economy. Keep in mind the gas engine does not break in for several thousand miles. Also, the winter temperatures have been cold. Idling, combined with the winter mix of gasoline, can reduce fuel economy. In my opinion, fuel economy is usually determined by the driver. John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@ and put 'Car Doctor' in the subject field. Follow him on X @johnfpaul or on Facebook. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What brand of car battery would you recommend? | Car Doctor
