Libertarian Party of Florida supports whistleblower Bob Burton - WCTV

WCTV Tallahassee (http://www.wctv.tv)

LIVE OAK, FLORIDA - The Libertarian Party of Florida held a rally to support whistleblower Robert P. "Bob" Burton at the office of State Attorney Skip Jarvis on Saturday, June 25, 2011.

Jarvis has been relentless in prosecuting Burton on wiretapping charges stemming from an incident where Burton recorded a phone conversation with a high-ranking state official who allegedly admitted to illegal activities being carried out by state agencies and members of the Florida Legislature.

Some of these alleged activities include Department of Environmental Protection employees dumping toxic waste into water reclamation areas, officials intimidating and coercing Florida land owners into selling to state-backed corporate interests, and state agencies unlawfully seizing private property.

In January, Burton's home was raided by heavily-armed Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents, who executed a warrant to seize the evidence that Burton had collected, including his computer, cell phone, and video camera, as well as all copies of email correspondence with state officials. The FDLE also ordered YouTube.com to remove videos posted by Burton with supporting evidence.

Earlier this month, Burton was arrested and charged with illegally recording and disclosing a "private" conversation with Ryan Tyson, then the chief of staff for Florida Senator Charlie Dean. Tyson's employment with Dean ended shortly after the conversation with Burton.

However, according to both the Florida Constitution and the Government in the Sunshine law, all conversations between Tyson and Burton are public record.

Burton was released from the Hamilton County jail on a $50,000 surety bond. The typical bond in Florida for this infraction ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, and the presiding judge did not cite reason for the unusually high bail amount.

Since his arrest on June 5, two judges have recused themselves from the Burton case without citing an official reason. Other government officials have privately expressed concerns that this case has the appearance of a political cover-up.

Related stories:
Whistleblower's home raided by armed FDLE agents
http://1787network.com/2011/01/breaking-news-whistleblowers-home-raided-by-ar...

Judges Dropping Like Flies In Whistleblower Burton Case, Official Calls Case "Politically Motivated"
http://1787network.com/2011/06/breaking-news-burton-arrested-held-without-bon...

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• Libertarian Party of Florida
• Bob Burton
• Skip Jarvis
• Charlie Dean
• Ryan Tyson
• Adrian Wyllie
• Alex Snitker
• FDLE
• Agenda 21
• ICLEI
• Environmental Protection
• Pam Bondi
• WCTV
• Caroline Gonzmart