WALTON SHERIFF SUBJECT OF PROBE

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS - The FBI is investigating Walton County's sheriff and his
brother, a state trooper, over the delayed seizure of 750 pounds of
marijuana on Interstate 10, the Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed.

The investigation of Sheriff Ralph Johnson and his brother, FHP Trooper
Charlie Johnson, began after Mike Newborn, fired in August as the Panhandle
county's chief narcotics investigator, took a list of complaints to federal
prosecutors.

One allegation is that the brothers used their positions to delay the July
2 drug arrest until a truck carrying the marijuana got to Walton County so
a portion of any money seized or proceeds from selling confiscated items
would go to the Walton Sheriff's Office.

Newborn also accused the sheriff and his brother, who has been on
administrative leave since Dec. 3, of racial profiling, harassment and
tampering with evidence.

The FBI declined comment, but FHP Lt. Tommy Moore acknowledged FBI agents
were investigating. He said the Highway Patrol also was conducting a
companion investigation.

The sheriff declined comment.

Jorge Machado, of Hialeah, was arrested after his truck was stopped during
a run from Texas to Miami.

A Department of Transportation officer spotted a truck matching the profile
at a rest stop in neighboring Okaloosa County, but Newborn contends the
sheriff's brother ordered that it be stopped only after reaching Walton County.