Bubba the Love Sponge Accuses Mark Lunsford of Exploiting His Daughter's Rape and Murder

  It was a brutal sentence, uttered in the middle of a heated argument.

But shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem isn't backing off a harsh comment he made Thursday morning while pressing Mark Lunsford, whose 9-year-old daughter Jessica was abducted, raped and murdered by convicted sex offender John Couey in 2005.

Clem insists that Lunsford, who last week revealed his intention to file suit against the Citrus County sheriff's office for failing to investigate the disappearance properly, is addicted to the fame which has resulted from his daughter's death. The radio personality also raised pointed questions about what Lunsford has done with cash contributions to the foundation he established in his daughter's honor.

Lunsford called in to Clem's Cox Radio show Thursday morning. As he was talking about how he had to wait for IRS approval to establish his foundation, Clem let the bombshell drop: "You have to wait for your daughter to die before you can start raping money from people -- I understand."

"The only thing I'm guilty of is sticking up for the people of Citrus County, who will have to pay for this lawsuit," Clem said Thursday night. "I'm the most pro-law enforcement radio person out there. I stick up for cops...Maybe if he would have spent less time at the tavern (the night Jessica disappeared) she would still be around."

Lunsford's counsel,  Jacksonville attorney Eric Block, accused Clem of trashing the father of a murdered girl to win ratings for his radio show. "(Lunsford) lost his daughter to a rape/murder....He was furious. I was listening in and I was shocked," said Block, who added that Lunsford has hired a First Amendment attorney to explore the possibility of suing Clem. "They're not interested in facts; they're interested in shock radio."

During the 12-minute interview, Lunsford insisted all his foundation's financial records are available online, disputing a Tampa Tribune story which said the foundation claimed $25,000 in expenses for office supplies and furniture. Lunsford said he takes a salary of $54,000, inviting Clem to join his  board of directors so he could see all the records.

Clem asked Lunsford if he would take a drug test before coming on his show, repeatedly asking where cash donations to the foundation have been spent. Lunsford eventually hung up the telephone when Clem asked a pointed question alleging he was at a bar while Jessica was abducted. 

Block said Lunsford is limited to a maximum $100,000 award, which he has promised to donate to charity minus attorney's fees. The attorney added that Lunsford blames the sheriff's office for focusing on his father Archie as a suspect when Jessica's disappearance was first reported.

"The police lied to Mark and told him Jessica's blood was found in his father's underwear," said Block, noting that Jessica was taken from Lunsford's home while he was out and his father was babysitting; Lunsford maintains Jessica was alive for days after Couey abducted her. "The sherriff's office decided she was dead and Archie killed her. They weren't looking for a live little girl. they were trying to get Archie to admit to a crime he didn't commit."

Citrus Country Sheriff Jeff Dawsy disagreed with Lunsford's assertions last week, telling the St. Petersburg Times "Jessie was already dead before I hit the street looking for her."

Producer Brent Hatley said Clem knows Dawsy and may be partially reacting to defend the sheriff. But Clem claims to have two private investigators and a forensic accountant looking at the publicly-available financial records for Lunsford's foundation. And given that Lunsford is a nationally-known advocate who called into the radio show himself, Clem isn't worried about a lawsuit, either.

"I cannot wait to get into a courtroom over this," said Clem. "I may be looking like the bad guy now. But I won't be for long."

Comments

[Curt]

I want to stick up for Mark Lunsford. I have read a lot of comments on newspaper sites that are very similar to what Bubba said. People should hear him out before jumping to conclusions. He may very well have a case against the sheriffs office. I can see the critisism of Mark if the case doesn't go his way, and there was a crimimal investigation of his handling of the foundation on going. Neither has happened yet so this is slander. Wait until the facts are out before you trash this man.

[john]

Clem is nothing more then a Howard Stern Wanna-be! He sucks as a jockey and he is just looking for ratings, oh yeah you are still a fat piece of crap too.

[Jimmy Mack]

I have to agree on this one, and I think Mark Lunsford is getting a bad rap on this. I applaud him for standing by the police during their investigation, but to say that the police acted in the best interests of his child is questionable, and he is just raising the question. Yes, he drinks alcohol, and he may very well have been drinking the night of the tragedy. This does not mean that he is incapable of suffering an injustice, or lessen the loss he has had to endure. The police also have a tough job, but everyone knows that the hours after a child is reported missing, is the most critical time. How the police conduct themselves during that time needs to be examined to insure they acted properly. Only by looking at our mistakes can we learn how not to repeat them. Let us try to maintain an impartial viewpoint until all the facts are presented...

[Jay]

Go Bubba. You can't sue a police department for abiding by the constitution. Is Bubba right on all accounts? No. But don't blame the cops for your lack of parenting.

And apprantly Lunsford had some questionable images on his computer when the cops searched his hou...er, trailer. The fact that the cops kept that under raps was probably a mistake.

Where is this money going? Why is it wrong to question that? The bottom line is, if Lunsford would have never sued - and then subsequently have a ride in which he goes and gets on a stage with the people he's suing - Bubba wouldn't have jumped on this. This is ambulance chasing at it's finest!

[go away]

of course this puck is exploiting this tragedy. just go away.at the very least get a haircut and a bath

[Bozell]

Bubba is a classless,boring and inane talk host.

[Dave]

Wow, I can't believe that people are still defending Mark Lunsford. I'm not a Bubba fan but I did get to hear that interview yesterday live on the air. What a low life disgusting person he came across as. I also checked out the website that he said provided government documentation of where the donations went. Well that is not a government site but a "volunteering" website, which means the charity can submit whatever info they please. I also saw the clips from the news last night but they totally put the interview out of context. People wake up and realize what a low life this guy Mark is in that he is profitting off his sweet daughters tragic death. By the way, I don't think the grandparents should be blamed. I think they were doing their best to raise that child and made an unfortunate mistake. Couey & the court system are the ones to blame.

[Tim]

This may be the only time I have ever agreed with Steve Clem. I dislike his radio show and hi attitude, but I commend him for asking the tough questions. I want to know where the money has gone and if Lunsford is now using this charity to earn a paycheck. I have a feeling he never came close to making $54,000 a year before his daughter's death. If he is going to question the police about their actions, I think he is now opened himself up to questions about what HE could have done to prevent this tragedy. I sure hope that drink at the bar was worth it Mr. Lunsford!

[jay]

Let's not forget that Clem tried his hand at operating a business once in Citrus County and it went bankrupt. Seems the people there just didn't care for him enough to support his nightclub. Now he claims he's standing up for the residents of Citrus? They obviously couldn't care less about him...

[Johnny]

I actually tuned into the radio show this morning. I'll just put it like this: I won't be listening to that radio station again in the mornings.

[lew]

Give him enuff rope again, and we'll be rid of him soon enough!

[Jb]

THANK YOU,BUBBA for exposing this low life for what he really is,a GREASY-MONEY HUNGRY BUM,who has never had more than two nickles to rub together at a time,now a salary of 54,000.00 plus what ever else he can ripp-off from his so called foundation.HE IS A BUM AND WILL ALWAYS BE A BUM.
P.S.GREAT JOB YOU DID PROTECTING YOUR DAUGTHER,"BUMSFORD",ITS YOUR FAULT THAT YOU ARE A LOSER,NOT THE SHERIFFS DEPT.

[ray gardner]

Why should he take $54.000.00 a yr as a salary from donations. Let him go get a job and work like everyone else.He may have class but it's all low.

[Chris]

As a member of the search party that spent days looking for this little girl, I'd like to mention that I personally was told to "stay away" from the area around the home that Couey lived in.

[B. Richards]

I have no problem with the question that was asked. My husband and I know Mark personally and my husband is part of the "biker" world that has supported him these past three years. What and where did all the thousands of dollars raised by the "bikers" go? My husband and I don't feel that the Foundation should be supporting Mark Lunsford!

a bunch of low life scum trailer park trash in florida

[Fred Macintosh]

Go Bubba go!

Mr. Lunsford needs to go get a real job and stop sucking off the tit of america!

I didn't used to listen to Bubba show, but now I will have to tune in to 102.5 and start listening.

[Corey]

God, I've got to get out of this State.

Bubba, you fool, are you going to attempt to run for Sheriff again? Don't waste your time, nobody wants you in office. I fully support Mark Lunsford and his efforts. Keep up the excellent work, Mark. We love you buddey and yes, you need to sue those idiots who didn't do a proper job.

We need to thank Mark for making our schools in this nation safer for our children. If not for him, the Jessica Lunsford Act would not be in place. God bless you Mark. Bubba, how many times have YOU sued people and how many of your establishments have been closed down, either because of drugs or you can't follow the law. The airwaves were so much nicer without Bubba the Fat Sponge on air.

Chris, you are right. The search team knows more than many people in the public. There were many questions then and they have not been answered as of yet. RIP Jessie and Bless you, my man Mark.

Hey Bubba. How many of your employees have been arrested, especially after you fired them. Did you not have some part in that action and are you willing to take a drug test for the entire state to see the results? Mark has a life and did when Jessica was alive. He was and is allowed to date and so what if he was having a drink when this happened. Bubba, how much money have you made with the bars you used to own? Not much, LOL, they all got shut down for drugs and such. Go away fat boy Bubba.

[Art]

I am no Bubba fan but he did have some very good questions. Where is the money Mr Lunsford? Why is Mr. Lunsford taking a 54,000 salery from a supposed 'charity' or 'foundation'. I truly do not beleive Mark Lunsford ever made 54k a year and is exploiting his poor daughter's death to reap financial gains. Above all I am truly, truly disappointed in Mr. Lunsford who appeared to care about kids and their safety only now to be suing and taking a salary. Mr. Lunsford, please rethink what you are doing now which is tarnishing any and all good you have done till this point. peace~

[Daryl]

Obviously its only one person responding here that's supporting Mark. Very few people in their right mind would be supporting this low life. I heard part of the interview where this piece of trash said that he "only" makes about $1000 per week. Are you serious? My girlfriend makes about half that amount but still has time to volunteer at a homeless shelter AND the SPCA. What is he doing for $54,000 a year????? Since that big drug bust last month, I guess the price of weed has gone up, so maybe that's why he needs so much cash.....

[Tom]

Just like a broken clock is correct twice a day, I think Clem got this one right. There is something wrong with Lumsford and filing a bogus claim against the sheriff is just a shakedown. This guy needs to go back to his trailer and open up another twelve pack of Busch beer.

[ML]

I have to agree with Bubba on this. First of all where was Mark the night that his daughter was taken? Why was the door left unlocked so that he could get in? What time did he get home? I think that taking a salary from your deceased daughters foundation is absolutely wrong. Why is that needed? Why cant he go and work like he did before? And when did he buy a new home in a nice neighborhood? That was after his daughter had passed and he left the trailer park.

[Annette]

Clem is the pot calling the kettle black!

[Curt]

Daryl,
More than half the people posting either support Mark or don't agree with Bubba. I counted five posts directly supporting Mark. A person in their right mind wouldn't verbaly trash a person until they knew the facts. Much of these accusations could be legit questions, but most are just angry accusations in responce to suing the sheriff. At this point most of what Bubba and everyone else has said is just hear say. Why in the world would Mark or anyone submit a drug test to Bubba the Love Sponge? You can support the sheriff and police, but if they messed up the investigation she could have been saved. I support the police but they do mess up and they need to be held accountable when they do. It could prevent it from happening again?

Curt I agree with you. After reading these comments I think that we have one person posting many of these in support of Bubba. Lets all keep in mind that Bubba was banned from the air for a period of time. Also to the person who made the comment about charitable organizations...there are many of them out there and those who run them do not do so for free. Mark deserves the money he makes, for he has done a lot more to protect children in this country than Bubba has. Let the facts come out and let the courts play this out, not a newspaper. If I lost a child as Mark did, I'm sure I would do much of what he has.

[Pasco Mom]

I dont know Mark. That said, it seems to me as if his salary is justified, even if he is short in non-profit protocol (though most non-profits are run by paid folks...look into the American Cancer Society if you dont believe me). He'd be wise to back off the administration of the foundation, as in, pay a DIFFERENT person to run it. It seems to me Lundford travels extensively to advocate for the passage of Jessie's Law all over the place. Get off his back. If you dont want to support him, then dont, but there's no reason to be mean. Lastly, I think the CCSD WAS negligent. Too bad money is being sought, when what we need is more accessible warrents for such drastic situtations as Jessica's disappearence. By the way, does anyone else wonder why Couey's relative were not charged with obstruction and assessory? ( I may have missed that part)

[Pasco Mom]

I forgot to mention, I was radio surfing this a.m. and stalled at a station which I thought, briefly, was playing ZZTop. Sadly, it was a parody of said band, which was an attack on Mr. Lundsford. I'm all for free speech, but the vile spewtum being dished out from that station was disheartening. Yes, I changed the channel and will make sure to NOT support anything Bubba is involved in.

[Daryl]

Curt, the reason that I said most of the Mark supporters here are by one person is because the majority of the "pro" Mark comments don't have a "posted by" name. By the way, in the radio interview, Mark admitted to smoking pot on the night that Jessica disappeared. So yes, I believe I can trash him. A responsible parent should not be doing ILLEGAL drugs and then try to blame the authories for screwing up.

[Kay]

Daryl,
So you are saying that what happened to Jessica -even if the leo messed up -is ok because her father was doing something he shouldn't? That's nonsense.
I agree with Curt and many others that regardless, Bubba stepped over the line. Since he's been back on the air locally, I've tuned in exactly twice. Both times he was trashing MJ and he just sounded very jealous to me. I didn't like him in the past and he hasn't changed.
All the travel, advocacy, lobbying and public speeches Mark does would not be possible without the foundation salary. He has done a lot for the children of this country and you can't just brush that aside because you don't like his hair style or life style.
What was done to his family, his father, in the early hours after J's disappearance sickens me. That mistake has been made before and something has to change. Maybe this lawsuit will bring more to light.
Improving investigative procedures cannot hurt.
Kay

[Tom]

A common denominator in most if not all of the terrible child slayings in Florida in recent years is that the parents are totally dysfunctional, just like this low life. The bad guys are very, very good at detecting vulnerability, and some creep like Lunsford going out and doing drugs and alcohol and leaving this poor child with an undoubtedly similarly dysfunctional grandfather is a prescription for disaster. And this loser wants to cash in? I'd love to be on that jury.

[Monday]

Bubba spoke of the public financial records of the foundation. Facts dont lie!

Bubba is trying to bring light to this fraud. If you dont want to hear the truth go listen to the midgit talk about Brittany Spears and Lindsay Lohan!

[Cindy]

If you people think 'non-profit' means they dont pay the people that work for them and they dont make any money... you are clearly misinformed and uneducated!!! Also, in ANY non-profit it is a FEDERAL LAW that only a certain percentage, i think it is 25%, is allowed for 'operating expenses', so Mark is in no way 'getting rich'!

In addtion, financial information on ANY non-profit is public information! If you don't know where to find it...figure it out since you all seem to be 'know-it-alls'!!!!

Also, he NEVER lived in a trailer park – GET THE FACTS - it is a rural area and they lived in a 'manufactured home' as do many Floridians,(so I guess they are low-life’s too)... not a home on wheels!!!!

As for $54,000... not what i call finacially set... more like middle class! And as for his previous earnings... he took a pay cut! Before this Mark was a truck driver - yes he had a job and a good one, or are all truck drivers low-life's as some of you seem to think - and he made more money then!!! With much less hassle or grief!!

As for the fame....please! Why would anyone want to be famous for what Mark is known for! Lets not forget 34 states have adopted 'Jessie's Law' or some form and it wasn't because of their good nature... it was because one self-professed 'simple man' who was fed-up with a system that does not protect the innocent and he DID something about it!!! What a novel idea!! A lesson many of you could learn from instead of sitting high and mighty at your comuters slamming someone else who did!!!

Mark, I know you will rise above all this garbage and you will one day see your beautiful Jessie again!! You have been through a horrific experience and you didn't let that take you down! Neither will what you are going thru now or these idiotic comments from people that dont have that 'half a brain'you spoke about!

As for Bubba... not even worth the comment!!! Never has been nor will EVER be!!!!

[Daryl]

Kay, I'm not a Bubba fan & I'm definitely not an MJ fan but at least they both have jobs that they work hard at. Mark Lunsford leaches off the charity of his daughters name. By the way, since Mark was doing illegal activities at the time of her disappearance, isn't it reasonable to assume that maybe he associates with people of low moral character. Because of this, isn't it also reasonable to assume that the police had to investigate all "details" surrounding Marks questionable lifestyle. What a waste of valuable time that was?

[Curt]

Daryl,

Millions of people smoke marijuana and go out drinking. Many of them are parents. Marijuana is illegal. This child was left in the care of her grandparents while he was out. Most parents have left their child in the care of their grandparents. Most grandparents like to spend time with their grandchildren. The door was left unlocked most likely by mistake. None of this is child neglect, and if it was how does it justify having your child stolen from you? Even if he smoked marijuana it is not right, but did he smoke it in front of his child? I doubt you know. It is a very minor crime anyway. Was his little girls death just punishment in your eyes. No offence man, but you anger at him is comming off a little strange. Face the facts Mark Lunsford was not a model citizen when people were ready to make him father of the year.

[melissa]

Bubbua.... you kill animals " live for all to hear or view". Your views mean nothing to me!

[Tam]

I am not a BUBBA fan never have been, But what mark is doing is wrong. Bubba is standding up for Jessica that is it. Mark is living off of her death what kind of father would do that. Drop it all Mark get on with your life and stop having americans that feel bad for you suport you. Be a man and get a job

[Tam]

I am not a BUBBA fan never have been, But what mark is doing is wrong. Bubba is standding up for Jessica that is it. Mark is living off of her death what kind of father would do that. Drop it all Mark get on with your life and stop having americans that feel bad for you suport you. Be a man and get a job

[Eric Deggans]

As regular readers of the blog know, i'm pretty lenient when it comes to what is said in the comments section here.

But I do have to draw the line wth explicit insults and curse words. If you read the commentsp olicy at the left, you'll see that such comments are not allowed. I also take a dim view of unsubstantiated charges made about people and may zap them if i feel the allegtion is too sketchy or explicit.

So, much as i love all the comments you're posting, please try to keep itwithin the bounds set by the guidelines at the left. thanks much....

[susan]

While I personally cannot stand "Bubba", I have to agree with him on this issue. Where is the money going? Why did a group of bikers not participate in the ride this year, could it be because they don't have trust in him anymore? Losing a child is the toughtest thing to go through, I know, but you don't profit from it. Blaming or putting down the grandparents is not fair. They were trying to raise this little girl the best they knew how being her parents couldn't. Good Bless Jessica.

[Daryl]

Excuse me Curt but it is Mark Lunsford that is pointing his finger at the police, accusing them of wrong doing when at the time his child was abucted, he was doing something illegal. Whether or not you feel taking illegal drugs is a minor crime doesn't matter because IT IS a crime. And people who deal in illegal drugs ARE criminals. When a crime is committed, shouldn't the police investigate the criminals who are on the scene, first??? Actually if he wasn't trying to blame someone other than Couey for his childs death, then I probably wouldn't care but once he started his accusations, then yes, I do have some anger towards him.

[Liz]

I don't care how much pot Mark smoked the night Jessica was stolen. I don't care if he drinks beer. Neither has a damn thing to do with what happened to that child. I admire the man for simply being able to FUNCTION, after losing his child in such a horrible way.

I do wish he wouldn't sue the CCSD. I think it gives credibility to Bubba's remarks.

[XTampaX]

There is a reason why this piece of Garbage is known as "Bubba".

[Curt]

Daryl
I guess I can respect your oppinion even if I don't completely agree. We will just have to wait and see what the outcome of the law suit is. None of our oppinions matter anyway. The oppinion of the judge that hears the case is the one that matters. End of story.

[Daryl]

That's cool Curt. By the way, I don't really dislike Mark and I do feel for him and all he has gone through & is continuing to go through. I just wish he didn't file this lawsuit because (in my mind at least) it diminishs a lot that he has accomplished.

[Barbara]

Did Lunsford ever make $54,000.00 before his daughter was killed? Isn't he the one that forgot to lock the door the night he left home? He sure looks like he needs a bath. I know he needs a haircut. Did he have that earring before Jessica died? I feel bad about his daughter, but let her rest in piece. It is over now, why keep it open except it keeps the father in the lime light?

[Shadi]

A lawsuit for money does nothing to help the problem but I agree that Citrus County failed to do a proper house to house search which is standard procedure in most districts for a missing child.
Just before Jessica was the case of Danielle VanDam and a house to house search gave the police a good indictation of who had taken the child within hours. For Jessica, it would have saved her life.
Bubba will say or do anything for 15 seconds of fame.

[RB]

This is why Bubba is the best at what he does. Like him or hate him, he's got all of you talking.

Daryl

I can't say I like or dislike Mark because I don't know him. Maybe the accusations people are throwing out will kick off an investigation into Marks managment of the foundation. Some of the things people are saying could be true. I am only commenting on this because they are not as of yet proven facts. It would not surprise me one bit if the Citrus County Sheriffs Office is looking into it as we speak. But if the accusations are false and Mark is a publicity hound Bubba may be on the way to some more legal problems. One thing is for sure it is hard to win a law suit against a law enforcement agency.
Some people post because they are bored.
Some people have a valid oppinion. Like me you back up what you have to say. It makes intelligent readers think and see both sides of the story.

[Cindy]

For anyone else who supports Mark or agrees in the fact that Bubba, his radio station and its advertisers have gone too far... write the station manager and express your feelings! I did... and told them I will NEVER listen to the Bone ever again and I will write to each sponsor and let them know I will not be patronizing their establishments... unless Bubba either apologizes, recants and/ or is fired for his self absorbed views!

The station number is 727-579-2000 and the manager is John Larson. His email is john.larson@coxradio.com.

It may or may not help but one can only try! After all, Mark shows us just what ‘one’ man can really accomplish if he wants to and is passionate about it!!!!

Daryl

I can't say I like or dislike Mark because I don't know him. Maybe the accusations people are throwing out will kick off an investigation into Marks managment of the foundation. Some of the things people are saying could be true. I am only commenting on this because they are not as of yet proven facts. It would not surprise me one bit if the Citrus County Sheriffs Office is looking into it as we speak. But if the accusations are false and Mark is a publicity hound Bubba may be on the way to some more legal problems. One thing is for sure it is hard to win a law suit against a law enforcement agency.
Some people post because they are bored.
Some people have a valid oppinion. Like me you back up what you have to say. It makes intelligent readers think and see both sides of the story.

[Jason]

Clem is right on this one, what more do you want from the cops, they found the killer and got him sentenced to death. Mark,take a bath, stop doing drugs,get a job, and stop stealing other peoples hard earned money!

[Jeremy]

Now I'm not going to go out and say I love Bubba The Love Sponge or think he is a good person, but he DOES bring up a very good point here. What looked in the beginning to be a helpless father who lost his daughter to heinous acts by another man is not looking like that so much anymore. The fact that this guy has set up a foundation in which he has lax financial records or none to speak of, while also finding a way to give himself over $50,000 (which I will go out on a limb and say is more money than he was making prior to her death per year), raises questions on this entire matter. Obviously you feel bad (as I do) for this whole situation and the post-death experiences her family is going through, but it has gotten to the point now where Mr. Lunsford is really starting to raise eyebrows with some of his actions. It wasn't the most reputable person to make the statement, but what Bubba said is a great point with what I believe to be a certain bit of factual basis.

What a lot of people don’t seem to understand is that most crimes against children especially sex crimes are perpetrated by family members or someone close to the child, not just strangers as some would like to believe. It makes total sense that the CCSO investigated the grandparents and Mark due to this fact. As long as Mark has been involved in his campaign I’m sure he knows this. So why bring it up in a lawsuit? Bubba’s comments were tasteless but some of the questions he asked and points he made are legitimate. The question going through my mind is why wait three years to file a lawsuit when the facts of the investigation were known to Mark from the get go? It really makes him look like he does have an ulterior motive.

What a lot of people don’t seem to understand is that most crimes against children especially sex crimes are perpetrated by family members or someone close to the child, not just strangers as some would like to believe. It makes total sense that the CCSO investigated the grandparents and Mark due to this fact. As long as Mark has been involved in his campaign I’m sure he knows this. So why bring it up in a lawsuit? Bubba’s comments were tasteless but some of the questions he asked and points he made are legitimate. The question going through my mind is why wait three years to file a lawsuit when the facts of the investigation were known to Mark from the get go? It really makes him look like he does have an ulterior motive.

[Al]

The headline should read;
"Bubba exploits Lunsford for ratings"
If you are supporting Bubba's show via listening to it, you should be ashamed of yourself.

[Ray]

Unlike most of you, I actually know Mark and the family. While I am not as close with Mark as I was, I still consider him a friend. Most of the people commenting on Mark or the case have no clue what they are talking about. First let me start with his salary. When I first met Mark he wasn't taking a salary. I advised him to as did many others around him. Mark already did have a decent job. He drove a truck and worked with many of the areas homebuilders, like Lexington Homes. The company Mark worked for was a subcontractor for the builders. He made decent money before he lost Jessie. He took time off from his job to start his crusade. I applaud the guys that he worked for, they let him do what he needed to do. I can remember being in Daytona with Mark and discussing him taking a salary. At time he was against....why, because he didn't want to profit off of Jessie's death. I advised him that he had to take a salary in order to accomplish his goals. I don't know anyone that could just quit work and start a foundation without taking a salary. I am a marketing and business consultant and have a ton of experience working with non-profits. The word non-profit is a little misleading to most. Every non-profit has to make a profit in order to run their programs and pay their staff. The person that was running the Red Cross I believe was making in excess of $185k a year. Why so much, it is because she could have made 3 times that if she was a CEO for a fortune 500 company. The other thing that most people don't realize or are unaware of, only 20% of all monies collected can go for administrative needs. Things like salaries, rent, telephones, cars or trucks, electric bill, computers. Basically everything it takes to run a business. The other 80% has to go to programs run by the non-profit or it has to be given to other charities. Many non-profits only exist to fund other non-profits. The other thing people don't realize is that the IRS just doesn't give out the tax exempt status. 5013c's (a non-profit) are monitored and held accountable by the IRS. If anyone has had to do with the IRS they don't like letting anyone be tax exempt. Technically a 5013c is simply tax exempt.

As for the things Mark has now that he didn't have before. My bet is he didn't actually pay for most of it. For example, the custom motorcycle he has, "Jessie's Ride" was given to him by Santiago Choppers. Mark never asked for it. It was an idea my wife and I had. Why, because we saw the OCC build a bike for one of the Yankees who's son is ill. I can't remember the players name, but he started a foundation in his sons name. OCC built the bike (which they were paid for). The Yankee bike was put up for auction with the proceeds going to the foundation. The bike sold for 1 million dollars. We approached Santiago, not Mark. Alan agreed to build the bike before we even talked to or met Mark. And Alan didn’t get paid for the bike. The tour bus, I am not sure because I haven't talked to Mark for a while, but a woman that was involved with helping Mark had a tour bus for a band that she promoted. They offered to let Mark use it whenever he needed it. People don't realize how much traveling Mark does and had to do in order to get all of the 34 states to pass some form of Jessie's law. Mark isn't getting paid for testifying in each of these states or for the interviews that he does. So tell me, how is he supposed to do it if he isn't getting paid. I for one would rather see Mark taking a salary from the foundation so he can get the laws changed than driving a truck.

As for the house, I am not sure where he is living now, but soon after he lost Jessie, he went down to St Pete where ABC's Extreme Makeover was building a house for the guy that was shot at Radio Shack. He went down there to see what he could do to help, since Lexington Homes was building the house. They offered to build him and his parents a new home and at that time Extreme Makeover was building 4000-5000sqft homes. ABC wanted to do the show. Mark turned them down, but said if you really want to do something, build a playground in Jessie's name at her elementary school. Which they did and our local ABC even did a special on the playground. If Mark was only out to profit from it, he would have had them build him a new house.

I am not aware of Mark driving a Hummer, he maybe, but you have to ask yourself how did he get it. You have to understand, there are many companies out there that are willing to donate to the cause so they can be associated with Mark and child safety. My bet is that it was donated to him, now I don't know for sure, but I bet it is the case. Most people probably don't realize the GM gave the Red Cross a bunch of Hummers equipped with OnStar. Tampa has at least one. I can't remember the number of Hummers they donated, but I think it was over 60. In Marks case I bet either GM or a local dealer gave it to him. I know that I had the paperwork from GM for Mark to try and get them to donate a truck. At that time Mark wasn't interested. The point of all of this is people need to really open their eyes, just like Mark finally did when I finally decided to take a salary.

As for whether Mark was a good parent or not. In my opinion he was. I am not only a parent with a child Jessie's age, but am now a grandparent. Our kids stay with the grandparents frequently and our grand daughter stays with us often. Does that make us bad parents or our son a bad parent because he is leaving his daughter with us. As for not locking the door, I still do it from time to time. In fact my sliding glass door going into my bedroom is typically left open all night. Most people have never been to Marks parents house, it is not a trailer park. It is a manufactured home. And yes there are a bunch of them in Citrus County. Most people commenting probably have never been to Citrus County, it is very rural. It is the kind of place most of us only dream about, a place where you don't have to lock the door. The sad thing is that we live in a world where you have to lock your doors now. And lets be honest, even if the door was locked Couey still would have gotten in. And I don't know how anyone can say the Sheriffs office didn't drop the ball. It may not have changed the outcome, but there were mistakes made. But according to Dawsy it was a text book investigation he wouldn't change a thing. Well we need to know if mistakes were made. If mistake were made, then changes need to take place.

As for Mark needing a haircut, what does that have to do with it. I know doctors, lawyers and many professional people with long hair, some even in ponytails. Each of them are extremely successful.

And Buba, if you are so worried about the tax payers having to cough up $100k, why don't you offer to pay it for them....aren't you a millionaire. Don't just go for the ratings, do something. Put your money where you mouth is. Oh I forgot, you are only about the money, so I doubt you would donate it to the taxpayers of Citrus County.

[Drew]

Mark Lunsford is White Trash, boys and girls, thats all he will ever be. He probably made $18,000 a year at most. Bubba doesn't need to burn someone to get ratings MJ deserves is and thats why he does it. Keep up the good work Bubba. Lunsford needs a bath and haircut desperately. Until he cleans himself up and stops exploiting his daughter Bubba should keep up what he's doing!

[S]

I'm not a fan of either man, but I side with Bubba on this one. My husband and I were having this exact conversation a couple of nights ago. Mark Lunsford should be ashamed of himself.

[Lee]

Bubba may be a loudmouth, but he has a point, no?

[scott]

It's simple, I will turn that station on just long enough to find out who advertises on it. Then I will never support any Cox station by listening to it, as well as any advertiser who buys the ad time so that this kind of tragic commentary can be spewed over the air waves.

[Anne]

What does long hair, smoking pot, have to do with what is going on. Come on people half of you sound immature... The only thing Mark is trying to prove is that his daughter was still alive while they were across the street( cops).With this lawsuit , it almost gurantees that it won't happen again. And as for BUBBA he has always been a slob .. I can't stand the fact the he is using this for ratings. He had my attention for about one second. End of story

[Shaun]

There are some incredibly unintelligent people posting here. Some of these people also have little knowledge and/or respect for freedom of speech. Demanding an apology for a radio personality's opinion? You can't be serious. I sure hope no radio station ever caves in to such weak-minded demands.

Mark Lunsford, whether you like it or not, is not a very bright individual. He states that all records of his charitable organization's finances are available online, yet upon visiting the site given, its nothing more than private citizen's webpage. It is not a government related website whatsoever. Does he really think people are going to believe what is on the website because he says its fact? Sorry Mark but not everyone out there is as gullible and uneducated as you.

I think Mark lost some credibility when he filed this suit against the Citrus County Sheriff's office. Sure his attorneys are most likely behind this, but still, he needs to give the "ok". He pledged to donate all of the potential winnings($100K) to his foundation. It sounds dandy until you realize that all of that money would be gone in less than two years just to pay his salary. Now that is comical.

[Shaun]

....Email Bubbas Boss tell him that Bubba is going to far

The station number is 727-579-2000 and the manager is John Larson. His email is john.larson@coxradio.com.

Posted by: Lindsay | February 29, 2008 at 12:58 PM.....

Thanks, I now know where to send my praise for the outstanding job his morning show does in entertaining listeners.

"Thanks, I now know where to send my praise for the outstanding job his morning show does in entertaining listeners."

If you call that entertainment I feel sorry for you. Get a life.

[Wanderlie]

I'm definitely not a Bubba fan. I just want to point that out. I find his show offensive and oppressive.

That being said.. And as much as I hate to admit it. He has a point. Mark tried to make it sound like he was ONLY making 1,000 a week. Obviously, if you do the math, that's 52K a year. I bet that's more than 80% of Citrus makes. Folks, 52K a year is a lot of money, especially in Citrus.

I think it would be fair to say that Mark is paying himself quite nicely.

[Joe]

Why not throw in John Walsh in the group, in my opinion, the tragedy has been very profitable for him and the media.

[John]

Actually Shaun, you are wrong. Mark makes $54,000 per year. The lawyers will take approx. 1/3 of the $100,000. So that will only pay Mark for about a year & a half. How is the poor guy going to be able to buy his dope on that?????

[Jb]

Ray,trying to write a book,why don't you, your V.P.wife and Bumsford all take a hike,no one cares what she does for a living, or you,GO AWAY AND TAKE LUNSFORD WITH YOU

[Cindi]

What does it really matter what he is paying himself. His child was murdered and if the jury finds that the Citrus Co Sheriff's dept was negligent then they should pay. If someone lost a child lets say because she ate an under cooked chicken sandwich at a fast food place and got salmonella and died would her parents be expected to start a charity and give 100% to it???

How can you possibly put a price on the loss of a child?

Also, why do you all feel that it is your job to decide what he should do with the money? Where you there when Jessica woke up at night, needing a diaper change or a bottle? Did Clem??Did you feed,clothe, and provide shelter for her? Did Clem???? NO. But apparently her father and his family did.

It is not up to you and it definately is not up to Mr Clem. He is doing his job by trying to increase ratings and apparently it has worked. No matter how he disrespects women or verbally attacks victims of hainious crimes you all buy into it.

[Faye]

Bubba is accusing Mark of using his daughters death to profit, which is not true. What I see is Bubba using her death to boost his ratings. He also stated that Mark is using the biker community to do his so called "dirty work: again not true. The bikers are doing it for Jessica and the rest of the children that are being abused, not for Mark. Bubba needs to not commit on the bikers because that just gives us more reason to laugh at him. Bubba I hope you read this. Bikers against Bubba.

[Faye]

Bubba is accusing Mark of using his daughters death to profit, which is not true. What I see is Bubba using her death to boost his ratings. He also stated that Mark is using the biker community to do his so called "dirty work: again not true. The bikers are doing it for Jessica and the rest of the children that are being abused, not for Mark. Bubba needs to not commit on the bikers because that just gives us more reason to laugh at him. Bubba I hope you read this. Bikers against Bubba.

[Ann]

hey Drew, Ray, Shaun and most of all Bubba, shame on all of you. Just disgusting people with nothing better to do.. Mark has crossed the country to change 34 states laws . In memory of his daughter, who suffered a horrible death. Or did you forget that.. This takes time and money..I guess you expect him to do it for nothing.. ( just like you would huh).

[Annette]

If Mark can sue the Sheriff for not finding his daughter.. why can't the people of Citrus County do a class action suit against Mark for the time and money it cost them to find his daughters body when MARK wasn't responsible enough to make sure his daughter was in sommeone's CAPABLE hands to keep her safe?? All he had to do was go to familywatchdog.us to check on the neighborhood and hire a babysitter who would have the sense to lock the door right next door to a child predator!! It's called PRECAUTION!! MARK is the one who didn't take the proper precautions to keep his daughter safe.. not the SO!!! Bubba brings up points no one wants to say and everyone hates to hear, but, that's what free speech is all about!! Sue Lunsford for wanting last call more than safety for his daughter!! Hey.. he had NO trouble finding kiddie porn.. why couldn't he find familywatchdog.us??

[Jim]

I have often questioned the integrity of Mr Lunsford. Was he concerned to the safety and security of his child prior to this event and what kind of individual was he? Posing with a beer bottle may get him a beer sponsor. Money, Money is it!

[annette]

Hey Lindsay at 12:58 pm....

Thanks for the email address to let Bubbas boss know I am in full support of Bubba!!!

How about the email address for the IRS so they can look into Marks spending??

[Cindi]

Annette, maybe he can also sue you for liable and slander. Since DCF has never said he or his parents where neglectful, and I don't remember seeing that he was arrested for child porn, and definately there was no indication that he wanted "last call" which I take to imply that he was at the bar ( I seem to remember that at the time they said he was at his girlfriends not that it matters).
So Sue Annette for slander.

Wow sounds dumb and childish doesn't it Annette?

[What idiots!!]

Hey idiots..... Bubba doesn't need Mark to boost his ratings!!! He was doing fine without Lunsford and will do fine after Lunsford is found out the trash Bubba is calling him out to be!!

GO BUBBA!! Keep calling out the scumbags!! You NEVER did claim to be perfect.. BUT.. at least you own up to what you do!! Can Lunsford say the same??

As far as "donations" to Mark... wouldn't it be better for him to raffle them or donate them to a childrens charity who actually DO help children?? Lunsford could work a job, and, do Jessies work at the same time.. or.. does he need time to go the bar and drink?? Why wouldn't he be able to give an address for this "office" if it existed?? Why not answer Bubbas questions if he's on the up and up?? Bubba will answer any of his questions.. personal or professional because Bubba has nothing to hide!! Take the Hummer.. sell it.. and donate the money to the actual children who are abused.. not the parent who let it happen because of a lack of parenting!!

[Warren]

Ray, as to whether Mark was a good parent, one son molested a 14 year child and his other son was in prison on 5 felony counts. Jessica lived with her grandmother in Fla from 1998-2004 while Mark lived in North Carolina during that time, according to his deposition. Ruth was the parent.

[Eric Deggans]

Once again, i'm going to ask you guys to refrain from posting curse words. surely you can make your arguments another, more artculate way....

[John]

Hey Cindi, Mark admitted that he was doing pot the night Jessica disappeared. Sounds like a responible parent to me???

Hey Cindi.. talk about dumb and childish!!! you're right... Sue me!! LOL I'm not the only person who has heard about the porn.. and it will all come out!! He wasn't arrested because the S.O. felt bad for what he was going through.. Second.. I have a had 14 yr old babysitter who knew to lock the door!! AND.. I didn't live next door to something like Couey!! DCF... you're RIGHT.. they SHOULD have investigated him at the time.. he SHOULD have been arrested for the porn AND should have been arrested for neglect when he left his daughter there.. without someone responsible enough to lock the door when you live next to a child predator!!

Go back to Mark Cindy.... we have a RIGHT to know what's going on with that "charity" and we have a right to free speech!!

[Ann]

Well well well, as the day goes on, people are getting nastier.. Anette, get your facts straight. There was no kiddie porn, the sheriff even said that. I hope you are not a parent who needs to get out once in while. Also as far as your familywatchdog.com its information is only as correct as the people putting the information in there. If you had followed the case, Couey never listed that address. You seem to be not only stupid, but cruel..

[Cindi]

Umm, John, if that made some one a bad parent half of California would be under investigation for neglect. It just makes people dumb and say "Dude" alot.

[John]

So Cindi, you ARE admitting that Mark (since he's an admitted pothead) is dumb? And yet he is the one suing the police???

Did Annette hit a nerve Cindi??

[Rick]

No matter what you think of Lunsford and his parenting skills, everyone should just keep their opinions to themselves. As a parent, I feel for this man. There are too many cynical Aholes who are unhappy with their own lives and feel like they must impart their own judgement on a man who lost his daughter. These people need to stay locked away from others with that garbage. As far as I'm concerned, you critics are not much better than Couey.

Hey Ann... Cruel is when you don't take the time to make sure your children are safe!!

Annette, put down the pipe. Dude.

[John]

Hey Rick,
It's Mark who's the one who wants to judge people (police) & their actions. So by that, I think its our right to judge him. If he wasn't filing this expensive (time & money) lawsuit, then most of us wouldn't care about what he's up to.

[Rick]

How can I say this best? Hmmm

Bubba, the fact that you are actually on the public airwaves really says something about the state of this country. It tells me that the education system is severly broken. It tells me that we have sunk down to the lowest common denominator. I beleive with all heart that it is the mission of many of these media companies to dumb down the public so that they can be easily manipulated by corporate America. Hence, American Idol, Survivor, American Gladiator, Fear Factor, The Biggest Loser and every other moronic show is proof of what I say. Bubba is a 2nd class show in that matrix. I accidentally heard that stupid show, as I usually stream 102.5 at my desk. I eventually turned to another channel and will not return until Bubba returns to the gutter.

[Cindi]

I take nothing personally. There is nothing sacred in Love, War, and Journalism.

[Casey]

All corporations in the state of FL are required to file annual reports with their numbers included. Lunsford is no exception. Also, to be considered a Not-for-Profit, an organization is required to donate a certain percentage of it's proceeds and must have documentation to show what they made and how much and to whom they donated. ALL donations must be made to an organization with a VALID EIN #. There really isn't an easy way out of that, so it would be very difficult for him to skim profits, not to mention easy to trace if he even tried it. He'd have to be a complete moron to even think of doing that! If he got caught he'd either go to federal prison, pay a hefty fine or BOTH.

Until they can prove otherwise, I believe that Lunsford is on the up and up. No where have I read rock solid proof that the guy is a thief or a money launderer, so as far as I'm personally concerned, he's NOT a bad guy, just a concerned father who is trying to make something good come out of a terrible personal tragedy.

Alot of people on this blog don't seem to educate themselves fully before coming onto a site like this! Alot of you probably have no life and more than half of the people on here cannot make proper use of the english language and appear to be almost completely illiterate so it's very difficult to take any of you seriously! Alot of you come across as a bunch of red-neck hillbillies to me, INCLUDING that Love Sponge guy! He looks like an overweight Vietnamese pot bellied pig! If I were him, I'd worry more about getting to the nearest Weight Watchers meeting than smearing some guy who hasn't broken any laws or done anything wrong.

[Rick]

John,

There is a relationship between the police and Lunsford because of the case. You were not involved in the case, so it's none of your business. You can rail about it all you want, but doing so makes you what I previously said. Move on!!

[Funkerwinkle]

If you Loserfurd supporters are so confident in his ability to protect children, next time you need a babysiter, drop your kids off at his house.

[Cindi]

No John, his lawyer as actually bringing suit. Which brings me to another point. If he has registered his charity and has a lawyer I highly doubt that he is skimming money or evading taxes or any of the other things mentioned here. The state of Florida regulates charities and does crack down on undesirables and crooks.

[Cindi]

Also, I do not know Mr. Lunsford personally so I cannot vouch for his intelligence level.

[Adolph]

John,

See you at the Nazi meeting tonight. Bring the leather straps!!

[John]

Rick, do you realize that our taxes pay for the police force? If Mark is suing the police, then he is indirectly suing me. That makes it my business. So you can bury your head in the sand but I'm not. Mark needs to be stopped before he swindles any more money from hard working Americans.

Casey, before you start insulting the educational backround of the people on this blog, you may want to go back to school and brush up a little bit on your english as well.

[CIndi]

John, do you pay property taxes on that single wide? No? Don't worry then, you are not paying their salary unless you are counting all your tickets. I guess that would count.

BTW, I thought Casey articulated very well. Only someone who did not have an understanding of grammer and spelling would think otherwise.

[Warren]

Ann, as to child porn on Lunsford computer.

From an article published in The Citrus County Chronicle and has since been removed.

By Dave Pieklik, Crhonicle Online
(The Citrus County Chronicle)

According to documents released Monday afternoon, investigators say they discovered child pornography on Mark Lunsford's home

Lunsford, the father of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, who was killed in February, denies looking at the images, while the sheriff's office says none of the images had been "downloaded, filed or saved."

Though the documents did not go into specifics about the images, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino said the images were found on Lunsford's computer. However, he said his office is not pursuing charges.

"There was no evidence found by law enforcement that the computer was used in the manufacturing or production of child pornography, only that there were a limited number of items that were viewed," Magrino said. "To expend additional law enforcement resources and prosecutor resources to make a case, when balancing societal goals. I mean, Mr. Lunsford's been through enough."

Sheriff spokeswoman Gail Tierney said a "handful" of images were found by members of the sheriff's computer forensics unit in the computers delete bin. She said the images had not been downloaded, filed or saved.
----------------------------------

The files were found in the delete bin, therefore they had been saved and deleted.

[Michelle]

I’m a single mother with two teenagers to support. I receive no support from their father. And I don’t even make $54,000 a year. I definitely feel a lesser “salary” should be taken by Lunsford for his work in the Foundation. I fully support Lunsford for attempting to change the laws to keep this from happening again. But I work in the legal field and, as with many other laws we don’t like, if you don’t stick to the letter of the law Couey would NOT be in jail and receiving the sentence that he has. Granted Jessica may still be alive if things were handled out of the context of the law, but at the expense of another child (being Couey’s next victim)? That is not right either. And as many people as I have heard on Bubba’s show and read comments from on-line, no one really says anything specific about what exactly the Sheriff did that was wrong? It just keeps sounding like people wanted the Sheriff’s office to break the law and handle things without due process. Where are the specifics as to what they actually did wrong? It’s all just been implied, but nothing specific has ever been stated. Now Bubba on the other hand, has stated very specific allegations of what he feels Lunsford has been done wrong. If Lunsford is on the up and up…why be so illusive? So many people have been going on and on about how wonderful Lunsford is, but no one really addresses any of the questions that Bubba has raised. That seems shady to me. In situations such as this, you can only be a martyr for so long. And of course he wants to put the money he would receive from his suit against the Sheriff into his Foundation, that way he can continue his “salary”.

[John]

Cindi, in reading your response, it doesn't surprise me in the least that you thought Casey articulated very well....

[Warren]

Cindi,
"BTW, I thought Casey articulated very well. Only someone who did not have an understanding of grammer and spelling would think otherwise. "

Grammar, not grammer, unless you are talking about the city of Grammer in Indiana

[Cindi]

And you have a degree in????? NOTHING. I knew it. ( beer school at Bush Gardens does not count)

[John]

Cindi, please stop. You are making it too easy for me. Bush Gardens? Really.... How long have you lived in Florida?

[Cindi]

Warren, A man is considered innocent until proven guily by his peers (ie John Couey). I bet if you checked your temporary internet files and cookies you might find questionable images. He was not downloading or uploading images nor did the article imply that he had saved child porn websites to his favorites.

[Michelle]

John, LOL...maybe she was living in Grammer, IN?

[John]

Actually Cindi, when it comes to the internet, I will agree with you on this one. Questionable images can get on your computer without your approval. That's why anti-virus programs exist. With the existence of Spam emails / Trojan virus' / etc. , who knows what's on most peoples computer. I know this because I do have an Information & Technology degree (in response to Cindi's question of what I have a degree in)

[Warren]

Cindi, they will not end up in my recycle bin unless I intentionally save then delete.

Try it yourself. View some pictures then look in delete or recycle bin.
They won't be there.

They will end up in the temporary internet cache, not delete bin.

[Cheryl]

Bubba is right on spot! Mark has a bad past. He was a terrible parent. He is living off the tragic death of his daughter. He was NEVER there to take care of her, even at the end. Now he get private donors for clothes, motorcycles, travel, and still takes a large salary from the "Foundation". That foundation needs to be gone thru with a fine tooth comb. What has the Foundation done for children so far? The laws Mark fights for won't make a SINGLE child safer. But Daddy Mark sure is a lot better off.

[Warren]

Jb, that comment to Cindi was in poor taste and inappropriate. I disagree with her, but try to be respectful at the same time.

[John]

Hey JB, that's not cool. You may have a different opinion that Cindi but you don't have to be mean. Most of us are just carrying on a nice friendly debate but when it comes down to it, she has here opinions and we have ours. It's Friday, I hope everyone has a great safe weekend......

[Cindi]

I am just trying to ignore it but thank ya'll anyways.

[Cindi]

And I am sorry if I said anything offensive to anyone it wasn't ment to be personal. Hope you have a great weekend also.

[Hillary]

"There by the grace of God go I" . It could be you who found thenmselves in those circumstances. Your life could have been a lot different. You are where you are now because of the path you went on. Maybe you had some assistance, maybe not. Perhaps you were born into a better path. There is credibility to the "nurture" argument. Be glad you had a different path.

[Jb]

No,nothing else to say,other than I have an IQ of 172,how many of you can say that? also born with common sense.Hope everyone has a good and safe weekend,OH I'm not Bubba and don't personally care for him.
Sorry if I affended anyone,(all in fun).
Later:JB

[Christine Bislick]

I Love Bubba. He says the things people are afraid to say. Keep up the good work Bubba. I am glad you are back.

Cheryl,

I agree with you on the laws. Since the Lunsford act and the local distance laws came into play the number of absconded sex offenders has gone up drastically. Ironically, this is one of the main things Lunsford tried to stop since Couey was himself absconded at the time of his daughter’s abduction. It also has put a serious burden on our local law enforcement agencies that were already under funded and under staffed as well as on the Florida Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division. Not to mention the millions of dollars it costs the state to maintain. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for protecting children but I’m not sure this was the right answer. I know that at the time everyone was trying to do the right thing, but I think the whole law was a piece of knee jerk legislation in response to a horrible tragedy. As for Bubba, I think that he has a few good points, but some of the comments were out of line.

[Warren]

Lindsay, I have no problem with Mark going out for the night. I don't feel he endangered Jessica's life because he left her with the grandparents that cared for her from 1998-2004 while he lived in N Carolina.
My problem is that Mark wasn't with Jessica for most of her life. Thank God for Ruth Lunsford for giving that child the care and love she deserved.

[Jb]

"affend",yeah maybe I'm not as smart as i think,"offend",sorry my 3yr old is tugging at my leg to go play,at least I spend time with him and lock my doors at all times.Enough said
Peace and protect the little ones,
JB

[ZMan]

Check out this link from my blog:

http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com/2007/03/couey-trial.html

Or this blog:

http://marklunsforddeposition.blogspot.com/

[Tonka61]

I love when anti-Bubba people - or people in general - comment on someone's lack of intelligence and then seemingly think that "a lot" is one word. Oh, and I believe the correct spelling is "Busch" Gardens.

Is part of Bubba's approach geared towards ratings? Yes. But anyone who has ever listened to him should know that he has always been the voice of the common man. If the politicians in Tampa were too corrupt - he would call them out. When the handicapped individual was dumped from his wheelchair - Bubba called people out.

He never said anything regarding Mark Lunsford prior to this lawsuit. And since half of you - it seems - are Lunsford "marks," you should know that Lusford fired his original attorney for questioning the police department during the initial investigation. He's done a complete 180.

The fourth amendment states that you can't just barge into someone's home. If Couey's sister - or whomever - lied, then how is that the cops' fault? Unless they have probable cause, or a warrent, they aren't allowed to go inside. Period.

Bubba is raising some serious questions. And it seems that most of you are like the Catholic church. You just want to keep the blinders on.

[darren]

I believe Mark is using the fondation as a source of income. With all the cash gift not reported and paying himself triple of what he was making before, it seems obvious he is profiting off this terrible trajady. This isn't his passion. He is dupping the good nature of bikers everywhere. I belive this lawsuit is the final opportunity for him for a large payday. It also sickens me that his laywers are proclaiming him a icon. I think taxpayers of Citrus County should be diaappointed!!!!

[Tonka61]

I love when anti-Bubba people - or people in general - comment on someone's lack of intelligence and then seemingly think that "a lot" is one word. Oh, and I believe the correct spelling is "Busch" Gardens.

Is part of Bubba's approach geared towards ratings? Yes. But anyone who has ever listened to him should know that he has always been the voice of the common man. If the politicians in Tampa were too corrupt - he would call them out. When the handicapped individual was dumped from his wheelchair - Bubba called people out.

He never said anything regarding Mark Lunsford prior to this lawsuit. And since half of you - it seems - are Lunsford "marks," you should know that Lusford fired his original attorney for questioning the police department during the initial investigation. He's done a complete 180.

The fourth amendment states that you can't just barge into someone's home. If Couey's sister - or whomever - lied, then how is that the cops' fault? Unless they have probable cause, or a warrant, they aren't allowed to go inside. Period.

Bubba is raising some serious questions. And it seems that most of you are like the Catholic church. You just want to keep the blinders on.

[darren]

I believe Mark is using the foundation as a source of income. With all the cash gifts not reported and paying himself triple of what he was making before, it seems obvious he is profiting off this terrible trajady. This isn't his passion. He is dupping the good nature of bikers everywhere. I belive this lawsuit is the final opportunity for him for a large payday. It also sickens me that his laywers are proclaiming him a icon. I think taxpayers of Citrus County should be disappointed!!!! Soory about spelling errors

[Jon]

Perhaps mark should focus on running his foundation legally instead of trying to sue everyone in the state. He may be in court soon, not to sue someone but instead facing child porn charges. His own son has been charged with sexual activities with a minor. I think this family should just crawl back into sewer they crawled out of and stay out of the media spotlight

[Kathi]

"Bubba has exploited mark to the max. That is sad that Bubba has nothing else better to do is to hound Mark. Get over your Self Bubba karma is comming for you..."

Are you serious? Who has exploited whom? Seems to me, Mark is the one doing the exploiting around here, exploiting the tragedy and exploiting those with a heart who donated and continue to donate. Enough is enough. Not only is it sick the way he chooses to profit from his daughter's death but equally disturbing that there are still people who would rather look the other way than call a spade a spade. There are questionable activities going on where Mark is concened and the public has every right to ask hard questions since we are the ones contributing to his pocket as he drives around in his NEW HUMMER. Wake up! Doesn't take a monkey to see something isn't right here, all you have to do is open your eyes.

[Fallen]

About time someone spoke up against Mark Lunsford to his face! Did you people down in Florida forget Lunsford has child porn on his computer (In an article from the Citrus County Chronicle, an article that mysteriously "vanished" from the internet back in October), or how his son got caught with his hands in the teenage cookie jar? (Type in Joshua Lunsford Ohio and you can find the articles). These are valid news reports. I just wish someone would expose Walsh too. Go to johnwalshournewgod at blogspot dot com, there are links to news articles and things on Walsh, Lunsford and Foley that will make you reconsider their "exalted" status

[Eric Deggans]

comment test here....

[Nancy]

Mark is Guilty... Taking money away from his so called charity. Maby this whole thing was a shoot so mark can grab some fame and some money on the side... Cmon crown attorneys, lets get this molester behind bars

[ryan]

Cindy,

Get a life, COX knows he is controversial that is why they hired him, they don't care if you write them, for your one letter of disagreement there is five supporting him, and as far as the sponsor's go they know Bubba is going to bring controversy and where there is controversy there are ratings, that meaning listners, which is what they want, IF YOU DONT LIKE WHAT BUBBA HAS TO SAY, THEN DON'T LISTEN, IT'S THAT SIMPLE, THAT IS WHY WE LIVE IN AMERICA,FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH

[Robert Seman]

Bubba has brought a low life scumbag out of the shadowes and exposed him for the lowlife pice of trash that he is. Bubba has evadance that saportes his clames as well as a team of lawers at his disposal. Mark is going to BURN IN hell for his sins

[Trish]

To the person that mentioned the news article that had found child porn on Mark lunsfor'd computer at the time of Jessica's disapearance ....I remember an article claiming that they found child porn on lunsford's computer but i can't find it anywhere now???what is going on here??why isn't this all over the news??Just amazing how relevant information is lost !

I am appalled Mark Lunsford gives himself a fifty four thousand dollar yearly salary off his daughters foundation and at the lawsuit he is considering against the police. BUT my real issue with Mr. Lunsford is this: his son Joshua Lunsford of Ohio last year was accusedof a sex crime by fondling his fourteen year old gf when he was eighteen. Mark immediatley spoke out saying it was "Romeo and Juliet". I agreed Joshua may of been a legal adult but did not deserve registration on consensual sex. Well as many know Joshua had two felonies dropped to one misdemeanor under Ohio law so therefore he was not made to register. Yet my son and thousands like him in this country are registering for life under the sex offender laws Mark has pushed. My son at sixteen met a girl who admittedly lied to him about her real age she was truly thirteen. He was charged and given a deferred judgement under Iowa law but is being made to register at age seventeen for life as a aggravated offender. He was NOT even a legal adult but charged as one due to state laws. Now where is Mark crying out for my child or the thousands of others? Why will he not contact me (and I have attempted several times) to help me push the Romeo and Juliet laws? Did Joshua get special treatment? Is all our son's sacrificial lambs to promote these laws but for Mark's son? Is there two different legal systems like many accused Paris Hilton and Mel gibson of having when they were in trouble? Mark Lunsford lost his daughter tragically and Jessica should of never died but due to her death he has pushed laws which violate the constitutional rights of many including my child. I want Mark to contact me so we can work together to push all states to pass Romeo and Juliet laws. Myson could live to be eighty or ninety (if he is not killed from a vigilante) and that is rediculous