Anti-Gay Pastor Busted For Trying To Pick Up Male Prostitute Decoy

Statement: More information here.

"Politician Says Blacks Responsible for His Soliciting Gay Sex" Associated Press

Tampa, Florida—State Rep. Bob Allen (R), a longtime foe of GLBT rights in Florida, has a bizarre excuse for offering a male cop $20 for oral sex in a washroom at a park.

In taped statements made by Allen to police following his arrest, Allen admits to soliciting the male officer, but claims that it was the result of being nervous by the high number of black men in the park.

"I certainly wasn't there to have sex with anybody, and certainly wasn't there to exchange money for it," Allen told officers.

Of the arresting officer, Allen said in the tape, "This was a pretty stocky black guy, and there was nothing but other black guys around in the park."

He claimed he feared he "was about to be a statistic," and would have said anything just to get away.

But on the tape, Allen also admits warning the undercover cop that "undercover cops" were in the area and the man should be careful.

"I said they're around here, you ought to know about that."

He only realized he was talking to an officer when he flashed his badge.

The arresting officer's handwritten report on the arrest also was released by the force.

Titusville Officer Danny Kavanaugh, who was on plain-clothes duty, says he observed Allen entering the washroom twice. Kavanaugh said he was drying his hands in a stall when Allen peered over the stall door.

The officer's report said that after peering over the stall a second time, Allen pushed open the door and joined Kavanaugh inside. Allen muttered "Hi, V" and then said, "'this is kind of a public place, isn't it,'" the report said.

Kavanaugh wrote that he asked Allen about going somewhere else, and Allen suggested going "across the bridge, it's quieter over there."

Kavanaugh wrote in the report that he had asked Allen, "You think you can hook me up with 20 bucks? . . . I'm looking to make some money."

The Republican lawmaker, the report said, replied, "Sure, I can do that, but this place is too public."

According to Kavanaugh's statement, the officer said, "do you want just [oral sex]?" and Allen replied, "I was thinking you would want one."

It was at that point Allen was arrested.

Ironically, Allen was the Police Union's 2007 Lawmaker of the Year.

In the last session of the Florida legislature, he sponsored a failed bill that would have tightened the state's prohibition on public sex. He also has been a supporter of amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage and has opposed a bill to curb bullying of gay students.

Allen has been charged with solicitation for prostitution, which has a maximum penalty of one year in jail.

Prior to his arrest, Allen was a co-chair of Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign in Florida, a position he has since resigned.

"Florida Republican Pleads Not Guilty to Gay Sex Solicitation Charge" Associated Press

Tampa, Florida–State Rep. Bob Allen (R) has pleaded not guilty to charges he offered an undercover police officer cash for sex.

Allen was not in court–opting instead to submit his plea in writing.

His attorney is expected to ask a judge on Monday to dismiss the case. If that is unsuccessful, the lawyer said he will submit a motion to have an audio tape recording suppressed of an interview Allen gave to police following his arrest.

Allen was busted last month in a sting at Veteran's Memorial Park in Titusville, Florida.

"Jury Finds Allen Guilty of Soliciting Sex" MSNBC

VIERA, FL—Jurors found state Rep. Bob Allen guilty of soliciting sex after a few hours of deliberation Friday. That verdict sent Allen walking from the courtroom with a damaged career and reputation, WESH 2 News reported.

"I am innocent. I have done nothing wrong," Allen said. "My family, my God and my constituents know that and we're not going to stop until we get that justice."

Jurors never heard testimony from Allen because his team of defense attorneys decided not to present any evidence or testimony to the jury.

Allen was not put on the witness stand to deny the story told by Titusville police officer Daniel Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh was the undercover officer who said that Allen walked into his bathroom stall, closed the door and agreed to pay $20 to perform a sex act on the officer.

According to Kavanaugh, when he brought up the possibility of a sex act, he testified that Allen agreed to pay $20, saying, "I wouldn't argue with that."

Kavanaugh also said that he asked if Allen could "hook him up with $20," and Allen allegedly said, "Sure, I can do that," and suggested going to a more private place.

Instead of presenting a traditional defense, Allen's attorneys argued to the jury that the prosecutor failed to prove Allen broke the law. They said Allen was careful with his words in the bathroom and never specifically described the sex act or named a price—it was Kavanaugh.

But jurors disagreed with the attorneys' interpretation of the law.

Allen's defense attorneys also looked for sympathy from the jury.

"You don't ruin somebody's life, you don't ruin somebody's reputation, you do not ruin them on this kind of evidence," attorney Greg Eisenmenger said.

He said prosecutors broke technical rules and is promising to move for a new trial.

The maximum sentence for solicitation of prostitution is 60 days in jail, but because Allen is a first-time offender, he may not get any jail time at all.

The judge set Allen's sentencing for Nov. 15, but it may have to be delayed because state law requires defendants in prostitution-related crimes to undergo HIV testing before sentencing.

"Bristol Pastor Gets 24 Hours Jail Time; 24 Hours of Litter Pick-up; a Year of Probation and Fined $800 for DUI and Indecent Exposure Charges" Dee Goodin

Johnson City—With several of his supporters in the sessions courtroom of Johnson City’s Downtown Centre, a Bristol, VA preacher pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and indecent exposure Thursday afternoon.

Thomas Dale Tester, 58, 17426 Hobbs Road, Bristol, VA pleaded guilty to the incident that occurred in late July.

According to his arrest warrant, Johnson City Police Department officers arrested Tester after he allegedly pulled up to their vehicle in a blue 2007 Toyota Camry and offered oral sex to the officers. The officers had gone to 308 S. Belmont St. to investigate an indecent exposure report.

Tester’s arrest warrant said the man, who reportedly was wearing a skirt at the time, then got out of his vehicle and urinated in a Belmont Car Wash bay within public view and in the presence of children.

Officers also reportedly found a half-empty bottle of vodka and an empty bottle of oxycodone.

In court, Wes Higgins, Tester’s attorney, said his client’s blood alcohol was 0.08 at the time of the arrest.

When Sessions Judge Robert Lincoln asked Tester about his actions, including wearing “a denim miniskirt,” Higgins said that because his client was intoxicated, he remembered nothing about the specifics of the incident.

Tester, known to many as Tommy Tester, worked for the Christian radio station WZAP-AM and served as a pastor of a Bristol area church.

Lincoln agreed to a sentence of 24 hours in jail, 24 hours of litter pickup, probation for a year, and an $800 fine.

"Homophobic Pastor Acquitted of Gay Sex Charges" The Associated Press

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma—A former Baptist minister who had spoken out against homosexuality was acquitted Wednesday of propositioning an undercover male police officer.

A judge found Lonnie Latham not guilty of the misdemeanor charge of offering to engage in an act of lewdness. If convicted, he would have faced up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Latham, 61, was arrested Jan. 3, 2006, outside a hotel in Oklahoma City. Police had accused Latham of asking the undercover officer for oral sex, which Latham denied.

Latham's attorney, Mack Martin, argued during the trial that it is not illegal for consenting adults to engage in private homosexual acts, so a request to participate in such an act is not illegal.

District Attorney David Prater said the state has a legitimate interest in regulating such requests.

"In no way are we wanting to get involved in people's personal lives and sex lives outside of commercial prostitution," Prater said.

Latham has spoken out against same-sex marriage and in support of a directive urging the Southern Baptist Convention's 42,000 churches to try to convince gays and lesbians they can become heterosexual "if they accept Jesus Christ as their savior and reject their 'sinful, destructive lifestyle.'"

Latham resigned as pastor of the South Tulsa Baptist Church after his arrest and stepped down from the board of directors of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and from the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Martin said Latham was ecstatic that the judge found him not guilty and said he holds no bitterness about the case.

What's going on with all these religious leaders?.....

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
What's going on with all these religious leaders?.....

"The Lord" got into them?

"No Jail Time For FL Republican Caught in Gay Sex Sting" The Associated Press

Tampa, Florida–State Rep. Bob Allen (R) convicted of offering an undercover male police officer cash for sex was been spared a jail sentence Friday but must pay a fine, fees take an HIV-safe sex course, and stay out of the park where he was busted.

Allen was convicted last week of lewd conduct and soliciting.

He could have been sentenced to 60 days in the county jail and a $500 fine.

In court Friday Allen pleaded for clemency.

"Over the last 120 days, you have been aware of the degree of public humiliation this charge has brought . . . As I stand before you, I can say the totality of it all has been tremendous," Allen told Brevard County Court Judge Oscar Hotusing.

Hotusing sentenced Allen to serve six months of probation. He must pay a $250 fine, court costs and $245 restitution to Titusville Police Department.

Allen also was ordered to undergo testing for HIV and other STDs, complete a class in HIV awareness class and to stay away from the park where he was arrested.

By avoiding jail time Allen, if he completes the requirements laid down by Hotusing, could have his criminal record expunged.

Allen's troubles are not over yet though. Republicans in the state legislature said they move forward with plans to remove Allen from office.

"Allen Quits in Wake of Gay Sex Scandal" The Associated Press

Tampa, FL―The conservative Republican submitted his resignation to House Speaker Marco Rubio, who had pressed Allen to give up his legislative seat since his Nov. 9 conviction on charges of lewd conduct and soliciting. Allen's resignation though is not effective until February 15 unless the Secretary of State can arrange a special election before then.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE

You know...some people actually like what you have to say. I wanna hear your thoughts on the press pieces you post....seriously.

"Family Values Congressman Admits To Affair, Illegitimate Child" The Associated Press

Washington—Rep. Vito Fossella of New York ran a red light, and wrecked his life. A drunk-driving arrest last week led to talk of an extramarital affair, and then finally Thursday, an admission of a child from that affair.

"My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry," said Fossella, a Republican, who lives in his Staten Island, NY district with his wife and their three children.

Fossella is the only Republican member of Congress from New York City, and the paternity revelation could lead to the loss of a seat in Congress at a time when the House GOP faces the possibility of a second grim November of election setbacks.

In Congress Fossella voted in favor of a constitutional amendment that would bar same-sex marriage and against the Matthew Shepard Act which would add gay under hate crime law.

House Minority Leader John Boehner said he expected Fossella to make decisions about his future in a matter of days, not months.

"I think Mr. Fossella is going to have some decisions to make over the weekend. And I would hope that, and frankly, expect that this is a decision between he, his family, and his constituents," Boehner said.

Fossella's private life came under scrutiny after he was arrested in the Virginia suburbs of Washington for allegedly driving drunk. Police said they stopped him after he drove through a red light.

When Fossella was pulled over, police said he told officers that he was going to see his daughter in the area. That prompted questions about who the daughter was.

"I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a 3-year-old daughter," Fossella said in his statement. It was Fay who got him out of jail after the arrest. She is a former Air Force lieutenant colonel and worked for a time as a liaison to Congress.

Police said Fossella's blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, and he could face a mandatory five days in jail if convicted. A court appearance on the drunken driving arrest that had been planned for next week was canceled, and he is now not expected back in court until June.

Fossella said he had no immediate plans to resign. The disclosures are a crushing blow to the career of a lawmaker once seen as a potential candidate for mayor of New York City. He faced a surprisingly tough re-election challenge in 2006, and Democrats have been hoping to unseat him this year.

"While I understand that there will be many questions, including those about my political future, making any political decisions right now are furthest from my mind. Over the coming weeks and months, I will continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused," he said.

There was little support from leaders of his party for him to remain.

A spokeswoman for the House GOP campaign committee said only that they expect the district to continue to elect conservative-minded lawmakers. A spokeswoman for the Democratic campaign committee declined to comment.

"He's politically dead. The only thing that hasn't happened is the autopsy report hasn't been written," said Doug Muzzio, a professor of politics at Baruch College in New York. "He can say he's going to stay all he wants, but come on . . ."

Fossella, 43, was elected to Congress in 1997 in a special election to replace Rep. Susan Molinari, who resigned. His socially conservative positions squared nicely with his largely Catholic district. He serves as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Fossella's work in Congress shifted dramatically following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Hundreds of Staten Island residents died in the attacks, and Fossella became a prominent advocate for families of those killed.

As more recovery and rescue workers got sick after toiling at the ground zero site, Fossella pushed for Washington to pay for their health care—an effort that has met with short-term success, but no long-term program.

"My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry,"

yeah..but...but...bill clinton...cigar...i win

"Straniere Endorsed for Fossella Seat in New York" Associated Press

New York—Staten Island Republicans have endorsed a former New York state assemblyman for Vito Fossella's seat.

Robert Straniere is a former lawyer and a partner in a family hot dog restaurant. He was a 24-year incumbent assemblyman when he was defeated in a Republican primary four years ago.

The Republicans' chosen successor, Francis H. Powers, died of a heart attack last month. The party had hoped Powers could retain its hold on the 13th Congressional District.

Fossella decided not to seek re-election following the revelation that he fathered a child outside his marriage. His second family was exposed during an arrest on a charge of drunken driving in a Washington, D.C. suburb.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE

Besides saying "partner" and "hot dog" in the same sentence, what does that have to do with Lonnie Latham?

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
Besides saying "partner" and "hot dog" in the same sentence, what does that have to do with Lonnie Latham?

It is a update to THIS post.

"Circuit Court Denies Bob Allen's Appeal" Jessica Raynor

Titusville—The Brevard County Circuit Court rejected a former state legislator’s appeal in his sex-solicitation case.

Former Florida Rep. Bob Allen, 49, was convicted last year of soliciting oral sex from an undercover officer in a Titusville park.

Allen was sentenced in November to six months’ probation, a $250 fine and other court and restitution costs—a sentence put off pending the outcome of the appeal.

The Brevard County Circuit Court panel, made up of three judges, has affirmed the conviction.

Allen now has the option to appeal to the 5th District Court of Appeals.

Allen has consistently maintained his innocence.

His attorney, Greg Eisenmenger, argued in the appeals hearing in May that Allen wasn’t charged under the right statute, saying that in order for Allen to be guilty of solicitation, he would have had to request money and sex from the officer.

Eisenmenger said it was the officer who suggested “sex for money.”

Prosecutor Pat Whitaker countered that the statute under which Allen was charged also prohibits inducing people into prostitution.

He said Allen’s actions show he induced the officer into having “sex for hire” by agreeing to pay.

Allen, a seven-year Republican legislator, resigned a day after his sentencing.

YouTube video

OTF stuff.