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BARTOW — They embraced in the courthouse Friday, marking an ending and a beginning: Adam Jacoby, the driver of a car that crashed six years ago, hugged the father of his 16-year-old passenger who was killed.
For Jacoby, it was an ending to his punishment: He pleaded guilty three years ago to manslaughter in the death of Miles White in exchange for six years of probation.
A judge discharged him early from probation Friday, in large part thanks to the testimony of Miles' father, Gary, who said he did not believe Jacoby was responsible for the accident.
For Gary White, it's a beginning, a step on the road to getting to who he believes was the real culprit in the accident: A Polk Sheriff's deputy, Scott Lawson, who in his unmarked vehicle, without police lights, chased Jacoby's car for almost 16 miles at speeds over 100 mph. Lawson, it turned out, was a sexual predator of young men.
Friday's hearing was brief because everybody agreed that Jacoby should be discharged from probation. Polk Circuit Judge Donald Jacobsen asked Gary White if he considered Jacoby culpable for the death of his son.
"In no way,'' answered Gary White.
The prosecutor, Brad Copley, told the judge his office is driven by what the family of the victim wants, so he had no objection to terminating probation.
The probation officer said Jacoby had been a "dream probationer.''
The judge said he noticed that nothing in the plea agreement mentioned alcohol. Defense attorney J. Davis Connor said that was because the blood-alcohol evidence was obtained illegally and not a part of the case. He told the judge that the previous judge on the case had called the facts "very troubling.''
Judge Jacobsen addressed Jacoby: "You've been punished for being involved in an accident. I'm granting this motion.''
In a recent story in the St. Petersburg Times, three accident reconstruction analysts said that evidence including tire marks and photos of damage to Jacoby's car showed what the Whites suspected all along: That Lawson, not Jacoby, caused the accident. Lawson is serving 15 years in prison on unrelated sex charges.
"The car was run down by a deviant predator,'' White said after court, "and we know that it was in no way Adam's fault.''
Said Jacoby: "I'm glad and relieved to have everything done.''
His mother, Republican legislator Marty Bowen, said, "We're thrilled that the judge has seen clear to grant this motion.''
Nobody from the Polk Sheriff's Office attended the hearing.
Meg Laughlin can be reached at mlaughlin@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8068.
For previous coverage of the case, go to links.tampabay.com
[Last modified: Nov 03, 2008 12:21 PM]
Comments on this article
by fireman
Nov 3, 2008 12:21 PM
Trust me, the only reason this case is being turned toward law enforcement is because Jacoby's mom is running for a state office next year. Money talks.
by Libertarian Observer
Nov 2, 2008 3:12 PM
No wonder the people in Polk are so pro gun. They need guns to protect themselves from their "protectors"!
by Disgusted
Nov 2, 2008 3:05 PM
Best of luck to the White family in their ongoing pursuit of justice for the murder of their son by Lawson. I hope someday the truth prevails and all of those involved in the cover-up are punished for the pain and suffering they have caused.
by Gilbert
Nov 2, 2008 3:05 PM
Being that this caused a young man to lose his life can the investigative agencies now focus on the REAL criminal? My heart goes out to Mr & Mrs White, DON'T GIVE UP! Sometimes folks don't want you to know the truth like the Polk County Sheriff Ofc.
by David
Nov 2, 2008 3:03 PM
How odd that nothing was mentioned that this man is Gay. How odd that he gets to do his time in some cozy little Correctional Facility in Vermont, instead of here in Florida, where he committed these crimes. Oddd....
by David
Nov 2, 2008 3:01 PM
The Lawson involvment aside, but not irrelevant, if the person plead guilty to manslaughter, 6 years probation is hardly befitting the crime. Usually its 6-10 in the State Pokey, followed by 3 years of community supervision; and 2 or 3 of probation.
by RE
Nov 2, 2008 2:59 PM
For once, justice is served! Unfortunately that is so rare these days it is a cause for celebration. Since Lawson was hiding behind his badge while being a sexual predator, I would seek a life term without parole for him.
by dave
Nov 2, 2008 2:59 PM
is that morgan and morgan i hear calling?
by KImberly
Nov 2, 2008 2:17 PM
Next: Justice for Leo Schofield. (see "Doubt" story August 2007)
by william
Nov 2, 2008 2:16 PM
St Pete Times: Don't give up! You've covered this story well. Go after Grady Judd and the Sheriff's office until they admit the truth about their rogue officer who really killed this poor boy and put both these familes and more through hell.
by Candi
Oct 31, 2008 10:03 PM
It was an accident and this poor kid got 6 year's probation, I am sure it was very hard on him to loose his friend. This was not planned it happened and I guess only God know's why. I wish Jacoby the best , I'm sure it was hard on each family.
by No name
Oct 31, 2008 10:01 PM
He should of been cleared a long time ago. The cops new their own caused it.
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