If you have ever wondered how a seemingly nice person like Sherry Johnston got caught up in a drug sting, this will tell you all you need to know.
And if you are one of those people who just nonchalantly refer to Levi and Mercede's mother as a drug addict or a felon this will go a long way toward opening your eyes.
I am less than happy that Sadie openly identifies the creep who set up her mom, because I worry about their safety, but I can't blame her for wanting to set the record straight and clear her mother's name.
Just for context, here is the story I first heard concerning how Sherry Johnston was arrested way back in June of 2009. My source was NOT the Johnstons but it is clear that my information was pretty solid.
wow! is this kid a palin friend?
ReplyDeleteHope Mercede has proof he is still dealing drugs.
ReplyDeletePolice should be ashamed of busting her mom...
Judge should be ashamed of sentence handed down...
This is a heart breaking story.I remember how happy the mom was when Levi told her about the baby. If only they'd let her, she'd be a great grandma for little Tripp.
ReplyDeleteGryphen, it's an interesting story and not all that uncommon. A known criminal using whatever he can to lessen his own criminality and sentencing. I will say that something that seems odd in the story is that Mercedes talks about how poor her Mom is/was and then states that her mother bought 2 blackberries? That doesn't make her story very clear. Some may see that as well, oh she really wasn't that poor if she could buy blackberries, regardless as to whether is just just a poor decision on a part of a Mom that doesn't have much money.
ReplyDeleteI hate to say it but in the eyes of the law it doesn't matter who really is/isn't a druggie/dealer, etc. It doesn't matter because the law was broken and there are no excuses. I think Sherry got set up by this guy and she fell for it. That WAS her mistake. Her sentence does seem a bit odd though considering the person that set her up is a known criminal.
I do not have an issue with her naming the man. Why? Because his name would most likely be a part of the court record and that's public info. Even if his name were not part of the record because the cops are still using him undercover, well, that's the risk this man chose. Mercedes is under no agreement to not name him. Some may not like that but, hey, such is life. If the man thinks it's wrong then let him sue...he won't.
I don't know of Palin's involvement in this but I do know she would use anything to discredit anyone that knows the truth about her.
hmmmmm. it is no wonder everyone in Alaska is frightened to speak.
ReplyDeleteI realize Mercede and her mother cannot just up and leave the state, but as soon as they can, they should, and never look back ... yes, even if it means leaving dear sweet Tripp behind.
I wish Mercede luck as large as her courage.
- kellygrrrl
If I am not mistaken Sherry purchased those two Blackberries for Levi and Bristol in May of 2008.
ReplyDeleteHer circumstances started to go downhill after her husband stopped paying the bills and moved in with his girlfriend. So by the time fall arrived Sherry's circumstances had changed dramatically.
And nobody is making excuses for Sherry's choice (even Sherry does not do that), but the point of Sadie's post is that HER mother was treated as if she were a huge danger to the community while this Junior guy is left to continue selling his drugs and to contribute to the terrible drug problem that exists in the Valley.
Tripp Johnston is the spitting image of his paternal grandmother. I used to love Levi, and sympathize with his mother and sister. I believe that this family knows more than what they're telling. Why won't they expose the Palins?
ReplyDeleteWhy was it that when "Trig" was born, that they were included in the celebration? Why was the sister, and especially the mother allowed to take part in this event? Since when was Sherry ever close enough to the Palins to be allowed over to take pictures? Was Trig really Trip? Or was the baby Mercedes posed with (Trig) her nephew?
Wow. That's quite a story. And it smells of Palin involvement all over it. I'd bet money Bristol (or even Track) gave out that phone number to trap Sherry into selling some of her pills.
ReplyDeleteI understand your point, Gryphen ,but you missed mine. It's about appearances with the blackberries. You know as well as I that's all that matters in AK in dealing with Palin and her crew. Unfortunately Mercedes's story can be read as an attempt to excuse rather than explain...by Palinbots. Palinbots don't care about circumstances that led Sherry to make a mistake in selling her painkillers.
ReplyDeleteAgain, in the eyes of the law, it doesn't matter who is or is not a huge drug dealer. You know that and I know that. Is it fair? Of course not. It's the way it was presented and people routinely get screwed over in that regard. Particularly when it comes to Palin involvement. Plus, cops pull this stuff all the time: using a creep to bury others. I would bet money that had Sherry NOT had any connection to the Palins this never would have happened.
I think this whole thing stinks. But in an effort to not be touchy about it I try to see how the clowns will view it. Knowing how the clowns will act can give great insight as to how to get the correct info out. Kind of a know your enemy thing and be able to out wit them.
Location: Wasilla
ReplyDeleteCase Number: 08-104533
Type: Driving While License Revoked/Reckless Driving
Text: On 12-19-08, at approximately 2249 hours, Alaska State Troopers
contacted Junior P. Latocha, age 22, of Wasilla, the driver of a vehicle that went into a ditch near the intersection of Seldon Road and Sarahs Way, Wasilla. Investigation revealed that Latocha was driving
recklessly and was operating a motor vehicle with a revoked driver’s license. Latocha was arrested, transported and remanded to the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility on $3000.00 Bail. The vehicle was released to a licensed to a licensed driver.
Author: JAV1
Received Saturday, December 20, 2008 3:20 AM and posted Saturday, December 20, 2008 3:49 AM
————————————————-
Location: Wasilla Case number: 09-36445 Type: DWLS Text: On 5/7/09 at approximately 2118 hours the AST Bureau of Highway Patrol, South Central Team stopped a vehicle that was reported to be involved in a disturbance near Bogard Road and Palmdale Drive, in Wasilla. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Junior P. Latocha, age, 22, of Anchorage. Investigation revealed Latocha was operating on a suspended driver's license. Latocha was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLS to appear in court at a later date. Author: JLD3 Received Saturday, May 09, 2009 7:09 PM and posted Saturday, May 09, 2009 7:23 PM
Jan. 12. 2:55 p.m., Golden Hills Dr. and Palmer-Wasilla Hwy.: Junior Latocha, 22, Wasilla, stopped by an officer who knew his license was revoked. Summons: DWLR.
_----------------------------------------------
As of January 1, 2008, the Anchorage Police Department along with the Municipal Attorney’s Office and Treasurer’s Office, began implementing and enforcing the New Scofflaw Ordinance which allows for the seizure and impound of any vehicle driven by a person owing $1,000 or more in delinquent traffic fines.
Scofflaw / Impound HOT LIST Printed: 9/7/2010 4:24:00 AM
Name DOB # Of Citations Fine Amount
LATOCHA, JUNIOR 2/23/1986 6 $1,005.00
Good Lord are there NO good lawyers in AK?? If that isn't entrapment (if police were behind it & the kid was "undercover") I don't know what is--the kid BEGS/ENTICES her for weeks to sell the stuff and she has text messages to prove it and still gets the shaft !!!
ReplyDeleteAnd how wierd is that about the police wanting to get back at the Palin's and so they go after Sherry?? That is bizarre and a little random. My money is the Palin's are behind it & the police were not.
Clearly this family knows more about things that can bring Sarah down. Otherwise, McCain staff wouldn't be camped out at their house, erasing their hard drives, scrubbing MySpace pages, etc. And there is just this wierd vagueness from all of them about the "TriggyBear" pictures. I can't believe the Johnston's couldn't date that photo exactly, provide more details about the infant's very small size/fragile appearance/maybe the ears, describe birth circumstances, clarify who looked postpartum or not then, etc. I think that baby is key to the whole babygate saga, but there is just this wierd "trying not to get the point" going on.
But the girl has guts and her mom is darn lucky to have her helping her out.
Stay safe Sadie !
By just Googling this fellow's name you can see that over and above his drug pushing he has had multiple run-ins with the law:-
ReplyDeleteLocation: Wasilla
Case Number: 08-104533
Type: Driving While License Revoked/Reckless Driving
Text: On 12-19-08, at approximately 2249 hours, Alaska State Troopers
contacted Junior P. Latocha, age 22, of Wasilla, the driver of a vehicle
that went into a ditch near the intersection of Seldon Road and Sarahs
Way, Wasilla. Investigation revealed that Latocha was driving
recklessly and was operating a motor vehicle with a revoked driver’s
license. Latocha was arrested, transported and remanded to the Mat-Su
Pre-Trial Facility on $3000.00 Bail. The vehicle was released to a
licensed to a licensed driver. Author: JAV1
Received Saturday, December 20, 2008 3:20 AM and posted Saturday, December 20, 2008 3:49 AM
-----------------------
Location: Wasilla
Case number: 09-36445
Type: DWLS
Text: On 5/7/09 at approximately 2118 hours the AST Bureau of Highway
Patrol, South Central Team stopped a vehicle that was reported to be
involved in a disturbance near Bogard Road and Palmdale Drive, in
Wasilla. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Junior P. Latocha,
age, 22, of Anchorage. Investigation revealed Latocha was operating on
a suspended driver's license. Latocha was issued a misdemeanor citation
for DWLS to appear in court at a later date.
Author: JLD3
Received Saturday, May 09, 2009 7:09 PM and posted Saturday, May 09, 2009 7:23 PM
-------------------------
Jan. 12. 2:55 p.m., Golden Hills Dr. and Palmer-Wasilla Hwy.: Junior Latocha, 22, Wasilla, stopped by an officer who knew his license was revoked. Summons: DWLR.
------------------------
This is a character I would avoid like the plague. Hopefully, Mercede, by publicly releasing his name guarantees her & her mom's safety.
Anon at 6:53
ReplyDeleteThere actually is a road named Sarah's Way in Wasilla? Yep, just googled it- LOL!
Mercede says that maybe someone in the police dept wanted to get back at the Palins.....by setting up her mother? To me that doesn't make sense. It makes abundantly more sense that the Palins knew someone in the police dept who they got to set up Sherry J. YES I think the Palins are that cruel--to keep Sherry away from contact with her new grandchild.
ReplyDeleteO/T--
Did you all see the hoochie mama photo of Bristol from DWTS? That outfit and that pose are very IMMODEST for someone claiming that she is very shy and modest. NOT that I was looking, but you could see every curve of her hip/butt area, right through her 'modest' outfit, notwithstanding the fact that it looks waaay airbrushed. Also, too.
I am interested in the comment that Sherry bought Bristol and Levi phones when she learned that Bristol was pregnant. Tripp was born at the end of December, and counting backwards, that points to a conception in April and an announcement in May. By then, Levi was supposed to be living at the Palin house as well, even though they were fighting all the time.
ReplyDeleteRecently Bristol announced on the Jay Leno show that she couldn't go to her prom (April) because she was pregnant. In April, 2008, all she would have done is missed her monthly period, hardly an excuse to miss her prom. They were supposed to be "home schooling," yet there is no school after May. During the summer, Todd went up the fishing grounds.
By the end of August, Levi was pulled away from hunting, dressed up in a suit and stuck in a seat at the convention where he was photographed tenderly kissing Trig on the head. By November, after the election, Levi must have still been living with the Palins because he described Sarah going into a funk over losing the election, hating her job and watching TV in her jammies. By December, the Palins had probably decided to cash in on Sarah's many offers, throw Levi out and set up Sherry. They also wanted full control over Tripp.
It would be nice if Mercede had some inside information about Bristol and Levi's relationship that she could sell to a tabloid like the National Enquirer. Of course it is a nasty thing to do, but so was setting up Sherry by a drug dealer looking to lighten his sentence. Sherry needs a good lawyer, and I wish that they had something worth selling to get that money.
I have an extended family member, a frail senior citizen who lives alone, whose budget is extremely modest, who had an operation. She chose not to fill any prescriptions for pain pills during her recovery because she doesn't like to be drugged up. Even so, somehow her name got on a "list" because she started receiving calls from weird people asking her to sell them her pills. She didn't even HAVE any pills. She had never even filled the prescription. THis is someone for whom a few extra hundred dollars would make a world of difference, so I had to explain to her DON'T get that prescription filled, don't sell your pills to these people.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can think of is that the prescription drug selling underground has contacts and insider people everywhere - inside hospitals, pharmacies, etc. Because that's the only way anyone would have known this woman would have been given a prescription for pain meds.
So a lot of innocent, sick people with money problems are being targeted all over the country to sell their pills and a lot of them don't understand how it can get them in serious trouble if they do. This was in northern Pennsylvania in a rural area where this lady lives, but it's obviously happening all over the country. These people prey on sick people who are also down on their luck financially, and yes, they do call people LOTS of times trying to work on them.
6:33 - you're right - Tripp is the spitting image of his paternal grandma; just like Bristol is the spitting image of her maternal grandpa.
ReplyDeleteThat's really scary. I know she can't leave Alaska b/c of her mom right now but as soon as they can both of them need to pack up and leave Alaska. Sarah Palin and her crew are bad for your health.
ReplyDeleteIf you go to the Alaska Court System site, you can find out the charges of most anyone. It is one of the first places I go to see "the rest of the story" when a new name is brought up on an Alaskan blog. http://www.courtrecords.alaska.gov/
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a goodly portion of Wasilla teens show up here for underage drinking, failure of proof of insurance, driving without a license...maybe this is true everywhere, but it is something I noticed.
There are a couple of other "Latocha" folks with very long lists of cases. I don't know if they are related to "Junior" or not.
I checked because I was curious as to who Junior's attorney had been and wondered if it happened to be Rex Butler.
I wonder how Mercede found out he was the informer, that is usually keep secret. Why would the police use a seller to catch a seller, usually they use a buyer to catch the sellers and the buyer get a lower sentence or get off whatever he was arrested for. And this guy is still selling, something tells me someone high up is running the show!!
ReplyDeleteFrom Mercede's post;
ReplyDelete"How was it that Todd’s sister could rob multiple houses to feed her drug addiction, with her four year old daughter along for the ride, and receive such a light sentence? How did Junior get off just by agreeing to set up a poor lady desperate to reduce her pain and care for her family? How are THEY less deserving of a harsher sentence than my mother?"
I have to admit, after Mercede's post about how terrible life is for her mother and herself, I posted a comment suggesting they try not being victims any longer. I suggested they take advantage of the help/assistance, they have probably been offered, to look into the obvious set up, so they can change the situation. There has to be someone with legal training, who can assist with this. Sherry's chronic pain has to be battled to keep from surrendering to the mental tsunami/debilitating depression. After three separate back fusion surgeries, I know of what I speak. Mecede's post left me frustrated, that someone doesn't intervene and get them some help, get them out of the house, and give them hope and motivate them to fight back. We are on the outside looking in, and have no right to tell them what to do, but if that post wasn't a cry for help,what was it?
ReplyDeleteFast forward to today, Mercede has decided to fight back. I know, we are all hoping someone has their backs, nearby, to protect them. Hopefully they also have a legal mind tearing apart the bullshit and getting this sentence reviewed, and hopefully adjusted.
iBuena suerte!
Very sage move by Mercede.
ReplyDeleteNow all of America is watching, waiting for someone to even attempt to mess with her.
There has been a power shift in Wasilla.
Ooooooh!
ReplyDeleteThis story is hot!
I know it's nitpicky, but about the BlackBerries... Is it possible Sherry was able to afford them because of a promotion by one of the cell phone companies? In 2008 there were deals where if you bought one phone you could get another free as long as you agreed to a 1 or 2 year plan.
ReplyDeleteanon at 7:48, what you describe is not a recent thing. When I worked at a pharmacy in 1980 the pharmacist had a nice side line going selling the names and numbers of elderly patients to drug dealers hoping to score the extra pills the patients would not use. The guy was finally busted when he gave out the name of a retired police captain from another state.
ReplyDeleteShouldn't the DEA and FBI be looking into this? If that guy is sending drugs in the mail then it's a Federal crime.
ReplyDeleteJust read her post. Wow. I am truly sorry for her and her mother. I agree that justice has not been served in this case.
ReplyDeleteThe real question is was all or any of this used as part of Sherry's defense. or did her legal team sell her down the river?
ReplyDeleteThis could have happened without malice aforethought (against the Johnsons) by law enforcement.
ReplyDeleteIf some crook or dealer is on the hook- they often suggest the game 'lets make a deal'. If they don't law enforcement often makes the suggestion.
A fish with a big name and no stick is the perfect target for the perp.
That definition fits Sherry.
It could have happened lots of ways.
How did this Junior come to the Law's atention? OOPS that question has been already partially been answered.
Inquiring minds want to know more about the family and associates of this Junior before jumping to conclusions.
Just searching public filings and info will shed a lot of light. Others are already started on that from previous comments.
Are you telling me that there's actually a road in Wasilla named Sarahs Way?
ReplyDeleteOT Piper Palin calls into Bob and Mark radio show:
ReplyDeletehttp://wonkette.com/419615/piper-palin-called-into-a-radio-show-we-guess
I read both Mercede's and your comments on her Mom's arrest. I also am a chronic pain sufferer and here is my take on this. It is hard for any of us to get and pay for our pain med's so is it alright for any of us to start selling so we can continue to feed our families? The answer is NO, as you know also. I don't agree with what happened to Mercede's Mom but she was breaking the law just as many people do, what is the answer? The problem is the health care system, and no I don't think this admin. is going to fix it. Basically it amounts to "you choose to take the risk, this might happen".
ReplyDeleteMaybe if someone could look into the arresting officers in the case of this drug pusher for previous run ins. I asked Mercede if she has ever seen this drug pusher around schools. Something is just out of place and smacks of the mob. Who cuts this pusher a check at the police dept. for his information?
ReplyDeleteMaybe the drug pusher is the "fixer". An answer to Sarah's prayers!
hey, palin has another badge of honor with her word "refudiate":
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/07/sarah-palins-refudiate-ta_n_707568.html
@Nellcote I'd actually like to know the exact date that aired....not from C4P though. Maybe I'm cynical, but I believe that was a blatant attempt to further Ivy Frye's story that the Palins were out waving flags for Miller. Smells like damage control to me.
ReplyDeleteMercede is indeed very brave. I hope those who have information about the Palins will follow Mercede's example. You really would be safer having the information out in the open.
ReplyDeleteLevi Johnston Is the ‘Most Unpopular Person’ Alaskan Polling Agency Has Ever Encountered
ReplyDeleteUntil this week, former senator John Edwards — who cheated on his terminally cancer-stricken wife and lied about having conceived a child out of wedlock while running for president — was the most unpopular politician that Public Policy Polling had ever asked about among survey responders in Alaska. The crown now goes to Wasilla mayoral candidate Levi Johnston, who is viewed unfavorably by 72 percent of Alaskans and favorably only by 6 percent. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the persistent thorn in GOP superstar Sarah Palin's side is twice as popular among Democrats. [NYDN]
Anon 7:48AM:
ReplyDelete"...the prescription drug selling underground has contacts and insider people everywhere - inside hospitals, pharmacies, etc. Because that's the only way anyone would have known this woman would have been given a prescription for pain meds."
--------
You are completely ignoring Mercede's post and appear to be IM's concerned Palin troll (like the Rand Paul troll that just got outed on Daily Kos).
The informant personally knew Sherry Johnston's medical, prescription med and personal situation.
The Palins personally knew Sherry Johnston's medical, prescription med and personal situation AND were in the unique position of knowing her cell phone number.
It's likely Sarah Palin was pissed as hell when she found out that Sherry got a phone for Bristol.
For more background on this, look up the LaTocha name on Courtview.
ReplyDeleteI hate to be negative about this, but if what Mercede said is true and I'm sure she is giving what she believes to be as true, but her mother should have used entrappment for a legal defense. Also, anyone taking that level of pain medication is addicted, even if she is taking her drugs properly. How she could sell them and go without them is questionable without going through some withdrawl. Also, if she is disabled, Medicare should be paying for her drugs. As a pharmacist I know what drugs costs and Oxycontin and other prescription narcotics are not nearly that expensive. I'm sure Mercede interputes this differently than others like myself would, but I have some problems with what she says. She is viewing this more emotionally than outsiders view it, and that naturally slants your view. I feel sorry for anyone who has to go through that much pain everyday.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 3:23, I actually asked Sherry about that because it confused me as well.
ReplyDeleteSo here is the deal. Sherry's insurance company made some sort of clerical error and would not pay for all of the medication that Sherry required to get through the month.
So when Junior offered to buy her pills she was able to sell thirty one month and thirty the next month, and because they were worth far more on the street than they cost from the pharmacy she was still able to purchase the 30 replacement pills PLUS the rest that she needed to get through the month, as well as paying some of her utility and food bills.
So selling her pills did not mean she ended up with LESS pills but rather that she ended up with MORE pills. And it is worth noting that she did not use the money to buy stronger drugs or extra Oxycontin. She only bought the medications that she was prescribed each month, but that the insurance would not pay for.
And once again when the insurance company's clerical error was rectified Sherry refused to sell any more of her medications to Junior.
Does that make sense?
One curious (well one of hundreds) about the Palins is how they can be so powerful. And why people are so afraid of them.
ReplyDeleteThey are not wealthy, old family, politically powerful, yet they keep people scared out of their skins.
One answer is that they are in the drug trade (They set up Levi's mother to get revenge on him. They gave the phone number to someone they know in the drug trade.)and that there are enough people in the valley and elsewhere that know or suspect this that they are afraid of more than just St. Sarah's nasty personality.
You are saying Sherry only sold drugs twice to this one scumbag. Not true which is why she was prosecuted.
ReplyDeleteSomeone should give this guy's name to some of those 4Chan users. Anonymous could have some fun.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 5:02, you are correct.
ReplyDeleteSherry did sell her medications more than twice (I finally found the note on my desk where I wrote down the exact information from our telephone conversation.)
She sold her pills THREE times, but only ten pills at a time for a total of thirty pills. I apologize for getting that wrong, and apologize to Sherry for accidentally doubling the number of pills she sold.
BTW. you can confirm my facts here: http://www.adn.com/2009/08/19/903761/sherry-johnston-levis-mom-pleads.html
Remember, in the Kernell hacked email trial, the photo of Willow/Trig on the plane was sent from Bristol's blackberry to Sarahs phone, which is how Bristols number was posted online. I have my doubts that Sarah and Bristol was at odds, or at least weren't fighting that much - considering Bristol accompanied her (with a cousin and Piper- Willow was in dillingham with Todd) to Pennsylvania(zoo pic) in June. I know that trip had been planned since I think April but still. I think from early 07 to 08, Sarah was combatting what most parents of teens combat, rebellion. They all move to Juneau, Bristol's older and wants to stay in Wasilla, her parents wont let her, she lives with extended family, her boyfriend flunks out of school, leaves hockey, works for his dad. I have a feeling there were massive inschool fighting going on between Lanesia, her friends and BRistol. Remember the "want me to kick her ass." and "you were about to take on like 373947 people yourself (about kicking bristols ass). that was fall 07.
ReplyDeleteSo yeah, I have a feeling B and Levi weren't as serious as they now say, considering both were seeing others throughout that year. and Lanesia was pissed about Bristol and Levi's relationship, like it ended recently. and we have Mercedes myspace comments in May 08 that discussed fighting between Johnny and LEvi. Yeah, Bristol was like any other small town teen hoochie, got knocked up, at first forced to marry her babydaddy.
Both Levi and Sadie have told different "we're pregnant" speeches. Everyone has a different story and they all tell it in a candid way.
Thank you for getting the word out. We need this story in the national news. I don't think this will put Mercede at risk, because now we know who the real drug dealer is. We also know that The 2012 candidate and the police are enabling the state's meth and illegal prescription drug network. They let the dealer go free and imprison an impoverished disabled women. The most ironic aspect of this whole farce is that Mercede has just done to shut down Junior's business than the police or Sarah Palin. She outed him with a photo. Folks will be avoiding Mr. Latocha like a plague.
ReplyDelete