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Emmons Report chronological summary Page Two 12/15/89 Clearwater Sun: "Raid Targets Exchange" McCaffrey and Lee, of Clearwater Rare Coin, Bullion and Currency Exchange located at 40 I Cleveland St., was raided Monday by federal agents.
12/20/89 CPD 89-42986 A Roxanne Friend contacted CPD as she was leaving town. She advised that she had been drugged and held against her will by Scientology here in Clearwater. She also claimed to have had some property stolen. 1990 1/3/90 Suncoast News: "Scientology ads that appeared in the paper"
1/4/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Rare Coins Seized From Dealership" Regarding seized items from coin dealer Bernstein, McCaffrey, and Lee.
1/5/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Aim Magazine Ads at Professionals, Parents" Church of Scientology is gearing a national advertising campaign towards professionals and parents.
1/5/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Ex-Clearwater Mayor Wants Crackdown on Scientologists" A statement from former Mayor Gabe Cazares.
1/10/90 Tampa Tribune: "Coin Shop, Employees Get Federal Indictments" A grand jury in Tampa formally charged the firm Bemstein, McCaffrey, and Lee and the employees with conspiring to hide criminal profits through confidential coin purchases.
1/12/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Challenge of Scientology Must Not End With Lawsuit" Letters to the editor.
1/20/90 Tampa Tribune: "University Considers Trinity Site" An international university considers purchasing the Trinity College property.
1/20/90 St. Petersburg Times: "IRS Is Seeking Church's Records" The Internal Revenue Service is seeking records of internal documents from the Church of Scientology in Clearwater to determine whether the organization has violated its tax exempt status.
1/26/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology a Positive Force" A letter to the editor from Umberto Fontana, director of public affairs for the Church of Scientology.
1/26/90 Tampa Tribune: "Judge Will Rule on Scientology Status" U.S. Magistrate Elizabeth Jenkins is hearing arguments on an IRS Motion to enforce a summons it served on the Clearwater based organization to produce records in forty seven specific categories.
1/29/90 Alan S. Zimmet (Attorney for Clearwater in Charitable Solicitation case) Advises the City that Federal Magistrate Wilson denied Scientology's motion to compel the Police Department to produce it's investigative files. Judge Wilson agreed with the City's argument that the documents were privileged.
1/30/90 Tampa Tribune: "Judge Rules Out Claim" A counterclaim filed by the former owners of Trinity College in answer to a $1.4 million mortgage foreclosure suit filed against them has been dismissed.
1/31/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Book Critical of Scientology Founder is Blocked" A Federal Judge has blocked publication of a critical biography of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, saying it violated copyright laws.
1/31/90 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists Offer Hotel for Clearwater Celebration" The Church of Scientology offered to make the Fort Harrison Hotel available for the City's 75th Anniversary Ball, but Mayor Rita Garvey isn't interested.
2/1/90 St. Petersburg Times: "University Set to Buy Trinity Site" Schiller International University plans to buy the college on Edgewater Drive.
2/3/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Growth Plan May Restrict Trinity Site" The city's plan for growth may hinder development of the Trinity College site according to a city planner.
2/4/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists, IRS In Dispute Over Millions" The IRS contends the Clearwater organization may be involved in commercial activities that should be taxed.
2/5/90 St. Petersburg Times: "More on Scientology" A letter to the editor by Lena Kobrin.
2/14/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology is a Cancer in Clearwater" A letter to the editor by Margery Wakefield.
2/14/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Falsehood Printed About Scientology" A letter to the editor by Robert Sudalink.
2/17/90 St. Petersburg Times: A deal between Schiller International University and the owners of the former Trinity College site has been committed to paper.
2/17/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Pays County 2.5 Million Dollars" The Church of Scientology paid 2.5 million dollars in back property taxes to settle lawsuits with county officials dating back to 1983.
2/17/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Pulls Requests On Housing" The Church of Scientology withdrew a request to increase the capacity of its Hacienda Garden apartment complex by 500 people. The withdrawal came after members of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals on building control questioned whether Scientology had shown a hardship that would justify cutting the housing code's minimum living space standards.
2/21/90 Tampa Tribune: "Scientology's Lies are Destructive" A letter to the editor by Lee Lawrence.
3/1/90 St. Petersburg Times: "University Gets OK to Build" Schiller International University won not only the City's approval to develop the Trinity College property but the praise of residents.
3/3/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Educator Buys Trinity Property" An article about Walter Leibrecht, and his plans for the Trinity College site. *see also Tampa Tribune.
3/6/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Three Scientologists Say IRS Singled Them Out" Three men accused of money laundering in a Clearwater rare coin dealership claim they were singled out for prosecution because they are Scientologists. The three subjects were Grant Boshoff, Lawrence Spencer and Ronald Bernstein, who owns Bernstein, McCaffrey and Lee on Cleveland Street.
3/10/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Californian Buys Gray Moss Inn" The Gray Moss Inn was sold to a California lawyer for 1.65 million dollars. The buyer is Bert Babero.
3/10/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Winner is Leading in Contributions" City Commissioner Don Winner has raised more money for his campaign than Mayor Rita Garvey.
3/10/90 Tampa Tribune: "Rehm Not Involved in Gray Moss Inn Sale" State Representative Gerald Rehm said he was not involved in the recent sale of the Gray Moss Inn to a California attorney, although he was the real estate agent for the hotel's owners.
3/11/90 Tampa Tribune: "Letter Writer Too Prolific for Reader" A letter to the editor by Raymond P. Cassano.
3/14/90 Tampa Tribune: "Safety Harbor Mayor Cleared in Mail Flap" The State Attorney's Office cleared Mayor Art Levine of any wrongdoing in his handling of mail from the Church of Scientology addressed to a City government critic.
3/15/90 Tampa Tribune: "Gray Moss Renovation Has Begun" Bert Babero, the California lawyer who recently purchased the Gray Moss Inn, denies connection to Scientology. *see also St. Petersburg Times.
3/15/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Goodwill Games Protested" The Goodwill Games, an Olympic style competition designed to bring people together, is prompting protests because one of its sponsors is affiliated with the Church of Scientology.
3/15/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Election Pundits Wrong" Garvey won the Mayor's post with 59% of the vote.
3/20/90 St. Petersburg Times: "TBS to Air Dianetics Ad" Turner Broadcasting System said it will allow Bridge Publications to be one of 12 companies sponsoring the 1990 Goodwill Games.
3/21/90 St. Petersburg Times: An ad in the retailing section announces the opening of "Off Limits", a new no. alcohol nightclub on Cleveland St. Off Limits is managed by Ray Cassano.
3/30/90 (See CPD Intel. Rpf. Section) Former member, Barry Merchant contacted CPD seeking a refund of over $28,000 paid to the Church.
4/4/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Bashing is Hate Campaign" A letter to the editor by Marlin Anderson.
4/4/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Speak Out Against Scientologists" A letter to the editor by Gabe Cazares.
4/15/90 Tampa Tribune: "A Tale of Trinity's Twisted Tangle" Describes the complicated real estate dealings concerning the former Trinity College campus.
4/15/90 Tampa Tribune: "Probe Sought of Clearwater Publisher's Ad Practices" U.S. Marshall's Service has asked Federal Trade Officials to investigate the advertising practices of Rex Publishing Company that sells a guide on how to buy government seized property.
4/17/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Advertisements for Books Misleading, Say Marshals" U.S. Marshals claim Rex Publishing Company in Clearwater is using misleading advertisement to sell its books about government auctions.
4/17/90 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists Told to Hand Over Records to IRS" A Federal magistrate ruled the Church of Scientology must turn over extensive financial and organizational documents to the IRS. .*see also St. Petersburg Times.
4/26/90 Bee Publications: "Scientology's New Face: What Will it Reflect?" An interview with Umberto Fontana, the Church's Flag Service Organization's public affairs director.
4/26/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Travolta Visits Clearwater Show" John Travolta was in Clearwater at an art show at the Ft. Harrison Hotel.
4/28/90 Tampa Tribune: "Church Turns Tables on IRS" The Church of Scientology filed an action under the Federal Freedom of Information Act accusing the IRS of improperly withholding agency records concerning the organization.
5/4/90 Clearwater Sun: "Sandcastle Undergoes Renovation" Church of Scientology cut the ribbon on a renovated wing of the Sandcastle Motel, 200 N Osceola Ave., and construction began on a new building at the same location.
5/14/90 CPD 90-16109 Report documents Church employees dumping cardboard, miscellaneous garbage, washer, dryers, barrels of unknown contents, (some marked flammable), large amounts of lumber, mattresses, and bed frames in an open lot located at 699 Y2 Dempsey St. Report notes that the Church was notified and that the site was cleaned up the next day.
5/19/90 CPD 90-16719 Two citizens, Joni Handloser and Art Palmer filed a Burglary report after two unidentified males forced their way into their apartment under the guise of being Clearwater Police Detectives. Nothing was taken, they wanted to question Palmer but he was not home. Palmer later advised CPD that he thought it was related to Scientology looking for him over a money issue.
5/20/90 Chicago Sun: "Scientology Church Feud With Anti-Cultists Heats Up" Outlines a dispute between the Church of Scientology and The Cult Awareness Network in which each accuses the other of using Nazi like tactics.
5/24/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Hotel Brings Scientologists" A history of the Church of Scientology's arrival in Clearwater.
5/30/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Condo Investor Bows Out" Scientologist Jochen Knewitz, who was a partner in a development deal with the City, has backed out of plans to build condominiums downtown.
6/1/90 (See CPD Intel. Rpt. Section) Helen Lane from Va. Gave her life savings of $45,000 to the Church. Her family and a welfare worker contacted CPD for assistance in getting her money back.
6/8/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Popular Teen Nightclub Says Drugs, Alcohol Are Off Limits" A story about Off Limits.
6/10/90 St. Petersburg Times: Classified ads. Three telemarketing advertisements.
6/24/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology's Religion Abounds in Galactic Tales" Reports on teachings within the Church of Scientology.
6/24/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Church Launched Huge Conspiracy to Fight Threats" Reported on "Snow White", a code name L. Ron Hubbard gave to an ominous plan that would envelope his Church in scandal and send its upper echelon to prison.
6/24/90 St. Petersburg Times: "The Story of L. Ron Hubbard and the Church of Scientology" A detailed look into the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard. First in a series.
6/24/90 Los Angeles Times: "The Mind Behind The Religion" A six part series on the Church of Scientology.
6/25/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Goal of Church, To Make Money" Second in a series.
6/26/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Tales Of A Harsh And Isolated Life" Third in a series.
6/28/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Indifference Marks Under 30 Age Group" Fifth in a series -the story of L. Ron Hubbard and the Church of Scientology.
6/29/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Code, Know Thy Enemy" Sixth in a series. The story of L. Ron Hubbard and the Church of Scientology.
7/11/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Series Prompts Reader Comment" A letter to the editor by Greg Simpson, Sheri Payson, W. L. Dominy, Loreen Biederman, Robert Mae, and Richard Scott.
7/29/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Religion As A Tool of Politics" A report concerning campaign time and candidates wielding Scientology against their opponents.
7/31/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Plan Historical Museum" Scientologists are spending approximately one million dollars to build a 5,000 square museum at 500 Cleveland Street that is to focus on the "Sea Org".
8/11/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Publish a Weekly Newspaper" Affinity Publications, a publishing company run by Scientologists, expands its weekly newspaper.
8/19/90 St. Petersburg Times: "House Races Lineup Deja Vu" An article about State Representative Gerald Rehm running for reelection.
8/24/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Group Fails To File Claim As Church" For the first time since 1982, the Church of Scientology has not asked the Pinellas County Property Appraiser to exempt it from paying taxes. Scientology officials say they forgot.
9/16/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Gray Moss Inn Sold, But Buyer Is A Mystery" Los Angeles lawyer Bert Babero sold the hotel for $331,000 less than he paid for it, but declined to explain why.
9/16/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Loses Round on Tax Dispute" County hearing officers recommended that Scientology be required to pay $556,425 in property taxes because they failed to file an application for exemption.
9/21/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Actions Irk Resident" A letter to the editor by Bonnie Harding.
9/28/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Plan More Restorations" A letter to the editor by Richard Haworth, public affairs director for the Church of Scientology.
10/5/90 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists To Sue -Again" The Church of Scientology was denied its request for tax exempt status and now plans to sue Pinellas County over a $556,000 property tax bill. *see also St. Petersburg Times.
10/16/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Court Won't Revive Scientology Suit" The publisher of L. Ron Hubbard's books wanted to stop publication of an unauthorized biography. The Supreme Court let stand a ruling against Hubbard's publisher.
11/1/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Couple Sues Dunedin Over Zoning Change" The former owners of the land that once housed Trinity College say the City blocked their efforts to develop the site.
11/8/90 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists' Taxes Need Collecting" Letter to the editor by Jack Kerwin.
11/13/90 (See CPD Intel Rpt section) A listing of numerous Scientology connected organizations such as Author Services, Bridge Publications, Criminon, Delphi Academy; Irons, Marcus and Valko and numerous others.
11/22/90 Tampa Tribune: "Contractors Ask Court To Sell Church Property" Contractors who claim the Church of Scientology owe them more than $22,000 for renovations to a downtown Clearwater office and the Sand Castle Motel have asked the court to order the property sold to pay for the debt.
11/27/90 Tampa Bay Business Journal: "Scientologist Considering Old Clearwater Sun Building" Representatives of the Church of Scientology indicated an interest in purchasing the building that was formerly the headquarters of one of the organizations staunchest critics, The Clearwater Sun. The Church is one of several parties that looked at the property , but no one has a contract on it says listing agent Carol Horn- Warren, an associate with Lee Arnold and Associates.
11/28/90 Tampa Tribune: "Nope to Coke" Cheers star Kirstie Alley said her whole life changed when she broke free of her drug addiction. She and her husband visited Narconon, a drug rehabilitation center outside of Newkirk, Oklahoma.
12/5/90 Tampa Tribune: "Ex-Scientologist Claims She Spoke Out To Keep Sanity, Records Say" Former Scientologist Margery Wakefield said she felt compelled to violate a court settlement and speak out against the Church of Scientology because of her obsession with Scientology was driving her towards suicide.
12/18/90 (See CPD Intel Rpt. Section) Former Church member, Barbara Davis contacted the State Attorney's Office seeking a refund of over $24,000.
12/28/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologist Plan Fireworks" Fireworks are planned on Drew Street at the bayfront.
12/31/90 St. Petersburg Times: "Church of Scientology Facing Suits" Five companies are suing the Church of Scientology for more than $127,000 claiming the organization failed to pay its bills for construction work and equipment. 1991 112191 (See CPD Intel Rpt section) Affidavit from Barry Silvers, a former law enforcement official working for the Church of Scientology. Affidavit is related to a false premise he gave to a Richard Behar , who was writing a story for Time magazine titled Scientology: The Cult of Greed.
1/10/91 (see CPD Intel Rpt section) A Private Investigator, Peter Comras while employed by Scientology, pretended to be working for the Israeli Government. He contacted several individuals as well as Clearwater PD in attempts to gain information on Scientology. He eventually got information through this deceit from former Scientology members, Margery Wakefield and Steve Fishman.
1/19/91 SR3.1 Steven Fishman wrote up a "Knowledge Report" of various activities which he had participated in for the Guardian's Office of Scientology.
1/23/91 (See CPD Intel Rpt section) Information was received that a Private Investigator, Bill Socha was hired by the Scientology Law Firm of Bowles and Moxon in California.
1/24/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Be Fair to Scientologists" A letter to the editor by Richard Haworth, The Church of Scientology.
1/30/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Men Guilty of Money Laundering" Three former employees of Bernstein, McCaffrey and Lee pleaded guilty to Federal money laundering charges. The business, which was at 601 Cleveland Street has been closed since authorities raided the office and confiscated inventory in 1989.
2/7/91 (see CPD Intel Rpt section) Two Private Investigators, Maggie Dellerson and Richard Mueller were employed by Scientology through the Law Firm of Bowles and Moxon. They pretended to be the aunt and uncle of a 19 year old member of Scientology that was due to inherit a large sum of money, and wanted the member to get out. They targeted Dr. Walter Geertz, Margery Wakefield, Richard Behar, and Attorney Barry Van Sickle. They tried at one point to get CPD involved in this fictitious deprogramming.
2/8/91 Tampa Tribune: "Judge Exempts Some Activities, Church Says" A Federal Judge exempted some activities of the Church of Scientology from a controversial City Ordinance regulating charitable contributions.
2/8/91 Pinellas County Review: "Renovations Cost $17 Million" The Church of Scientology has spent seventeen million dollars in upgrading its properties in the last seven years.
2/8/91 Tampa Tribune: "City Wins Access to Church Records" A Federal Court ruling gives Clearwater the power to enforce a financial disclosure ordinance on charitable organizations, including the Church of Scientology.
2/8/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Donations Are Open, Judge Rules" A judge upheld a city ordinance designed to make most churches and charities more open with their finances.
2/10/91 St. Petersburg Times: "2 Men Charged In Theft Of $300,000 In Rare Coins" Dm Beynon and Norman Lester were arrested with connection of a theft of at least $300,000 in rare coins and silver coins from Loyal Loan & Pawn Shop in Clearwater.
2/12/91 Tampa Tribune: "Pair Arrested in Theft of Rare Coins" Arrested in connection with the theft of coins valued at between three hundred and four hundred thousand dollars, were Norman Eric Lester and Dm Beynon.
2/13/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Sued Twice" Two lawsuits were filed against the Church of Scientology by people seeking money they say Scientology owes. Those filing the suits were Mark Lewandowski, and Maria Echavarria.
2/14/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Hotel Evacuates For Bomb Search" Bomb threat at the Ft. Harrison Hotel.
2/16/91 St. Petersburg Times: " A Victory Each Side Can Share" An article by Bob Henderson.
2/19/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Clearwater To Discuss Records Disclosure Law" Clearwater may require most churches and charities to release annual financial disclosure statements.
2/20/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologist Strikes Back At Detractors" Church spokesman Richard Haworth detailed in letter form numerous allegations against Cynthia Kisser of the Cult Awareness Network.
3/1/91 Tampa Tribune: "Role Model Olympic Gymnast Lakes Gives Children Advise, Motivation For Success In Life" An article about Gymnast Charles Lakes who recently spoke at the True School in Clearwater. Lakes credits his success to L. Ron Hubbard's book Dianetics.
3/19/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Lower Courts Told to Restudy Damage Cases" The Supreme Court told lower courts to restudy seven disputes over punitive damages including a huge award against the Church of Scientology.
3/19/91 Tampa Tribune: "Gray Moss Inn Likely Sect Buy" The Church of Scientology has scheduled a news conference to announce an unnamed land acquisition. Speculation is centering on the landmark Gray Moss Inn.
3/20/91 Tampa Tribune: "Disadvantage For Pinellas In Sect Case" Discusses the tax exempt status of the Church of Scientology.
3/20/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Plan Training Center" The Church of Scientology announced its plans to tear down the Gray Moss Inn and build a six story, forty two million dollar religious training center.
3/20/91 Tampa Tribune: "County, Church Talking Secretly" Mediation proceedings are taking place behind closed doors regarding the Church' s seeking a settlement with Pinellas County over five million dollars in back taxes.
3/25/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) A civil suit was filed by Scientology members, Marsha Lovering and Alice Herbin against Gabe Cazares. They were suing him over his having them removed from a Democratic Executive Committee Members meeting. Also included is a response by Mr. Cazares.
3/29/91 St. Petersburg Times: "2 Are Rejected From Meeting" Two people who attended a Pinellas County Democratic Executive Committee meeting this week were ejected after party chairman Gabe Cazares discovered they were Scientologists.
3/30/91 St. Petersburg Times: "One Cool Chick" An article about musician Chick Corea.
3/31/91 St. Petersburg Times: "It's Not A Private Party" An editorial.
4/4/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists File Eleven Suits to Get Access to IRS Audit Records" Scientologists filed eleven federal lawsuits against the IRS seeking information about agency audits of them.
4/15/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) These are transcripts of several hundred pages of court documents concerning Scientology's legal battle with the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ), court case number 89-488-MISC- T -15-@.
4/23/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Church On Trial In Canada" The Church of Scientology went on trial in Toronto charged with stealing thousands of documents from government offices and law firms.
4/24/91 Tampa Tribune: "Meet Prozac: Salvation or Doomsday Pill?" An Article written about Prozac and Scientology's desire to have FDA ban the drug.
4/28/91 New York Newsday: Reports on Time magazine's article concerning Scientology.
4/29/91 VMS A transcript of a show on KCAL TV.
4/30/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Time Takes A Critical look at Scientology" A article concerning a story on Scientology done in Time magazine.
4/30/91 VMS A transcript of a story done on KCOP TV, News 13 in Los Angeles.
5/1/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientology Bashed In Time Article" Reports on Time Magazine article on Scientology and claims the Church of Scientology plans to sue Time magazine.
5/2/91 Tampa Tribune: "This Creature Won't Let Go Of Clearwater" An article about Time magazine's story on Scientology.
5/3/91 VMS Transcript of station WNEP TV on Newswatch 16 in Wilkes-Barre, P A.
5/5/91 KFI-AM-640 Radio transcripts from KFI-AM-640 in Los Angeles, the Jane Norris Show
5/5/91 WABC-AM/New York Transcripts from WABC-AM/New York. The Curtis & Lisa Sliwa Show.
5/16/91 TIME Magazine Cover story titled "Scientology THE CULT OF GREED, How the growing Dianetics Empire squeezes millions from believers worldwide." This is an extensive expose on the numerous allegations of unethical and illegal operations surrounding Scientology. It led to a multi-million dollar lawsuit against TIME by Scientology. (TIME magazine eventually prevailed).
5/16/91 The Christian News: "The Cult of Greed" Concerning Time magazines story on Scientology.
5/17/91 Cable News Network: Cable News Network, Business Day transcript.
5/17/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Three Are Sentenced In Money Laundering" Relates the sentencing of Grant Boshoff, Lawrence Spencer, and Ronald Bemstein. Three former employees of Bemstein, McCaffrey & Lee.
5/17/91 Tampa Tribune: "County, Scientology Continue Tax Talks" No end in sight in negotiations between the Pinellas County and the Church of Scientology over the Church's $5 million tax bill.
5/9/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientology" A letter to the editor
5/10/91 Tampa Tribune: "Church Whiffs While Trying To Whomp Wogs" An article about Time magazine's story on Scientology.
5/17/91 Tampa Tribune: "Church's Court Records Are Public, Paper Says" Attorneys for the Tampa Tribune argued that sealed court transcripts involving the Church of Scientology and a Church dissenter should be made public.
5/17/91 "E" Entertainment Television "E! Entertainment TV, News Week in Review." A TV transcript.
5/20/91 Religious News Service: "Two Christina Scholars Blast Time article on Scientology." An article concerning Time magazines coverage on a story on Scientology.
5/21/91 WPVI- TV Transcripts from WPVI- TV Channel 6 in Philadelphia.
5/21/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Develop More Downtown' A letter to the editor by Albert Barsion, owner of the Ritz Restaurant in downtown Clearwater.
5/22/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologist Tax Break Irks Some" A letter to the editor by Wilby F. Anderson.
5/24/91 (See CPD Intel Rpt section) Intelligence report outlining a weekly cable access show called The Road to Freedom. The host is Richard Haworth. It is sponsored by Scientology and usually features a Scientologist listing the benefits they received from Scientology.
5/28/91 "Larry King Live" Interviews with Lisa Halverson, Church defector and President Heber Jentzsch. Responds to Time magazine story.
5/28/91 "Larry King Live" (video tape) A transcript from CNN entitled, "The Church of Scientology: Religion or Business?" Interviews with Heber Jentzsch, Lisa Halverson, Jerry Whitfield, and the Rev. Donald Sills.
5/28/91 USA Today Newspaper: Two weeks of ongoing series titled "The story that TIME couldn't tell." This was a two week paid insert into the national newspaper USA Today by Scientology to attack TIME Magazine reference to Richard Behar's cover story on 5/6/91.
5/29/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Lambastes Time Magazine in Ad" Scientologists slammed Time Magazine in a full page ad in USA Today.
5/29/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists A Blight On Clearwater" A letter to the editor by Mrs. Donald S. Abelio.
5/29/91 St. Petersburg Times: A letter to the editor by Gabe Cazares.
5/29/91 Religious News Service: "Writer Says Time Treated Scientology As A Business Story" An article about Time magazines report on Scientology.
5/30/91 USA Today: "The Church of Scientology Takes On Time" Scientologists respond to a Time Magazine article by placing a full page ad in USA Today.
5/31/91 USA Today: "Scientologists' Ad Feud Causes Rumble" Concerning an ad in USA Today from the Church of Scientology.
5/31/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Let Scientologists Call It A Religion" A letter to the editor from Brent Yaciw of Seminole.
6/91 The Psychiatric Times "National media begins to reveal Scientology 's anti-Psychiatry tactics II" Exposes numerous overt and covert attacks on the Psychiatric field in general by various Scientology front groups, some of whom are identified by name.
6/3/91 USA Today: Letters to the editor from Richard Warner, Stan Dubin, and Rachel Hutcheson.
6/5/91 USA Today: "Prozac Maker Offers Doctors Legal Help" The maker of Prozac said it will pay the legal bills of any doctor who is sued prescribing it.
6/6/91 Los Angeles Times: "In Battle Against Time, Scientologists Put Money On Ads" Concerning Time magazine's report on Scientology.
6/91 USA Today: Letters to the editor from Riggs Eckelberry and Linda Barrow.
6/17/91 St. Petersburg Times: "IRS Loses in Scientology Case" A Federal Appeals Court in Boston ruled that Scientology did not have to show the IRS thousands of requested documents that included financial and membership information.
6/11/91 USA Today: "Prozac's Critics Hurt Mentally Ill" An article concerning the anti-depressant drug Prozac.
6/11/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Clearwater Should Be Re-named Hostage City" A letter to the editor from Wilby Anderson.
6/11/91 USA Today: "Stigma Can Lead to Discrimination" An article concerning mental illness.
6/14/91 St. Petersburg Times: "An Unwelcomed Comeback" A letter to the editor from Bill Hoth of Clearwater.
6/15/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Church of Scientology Places Ad Attacking Time Magazine" A 28 page advertising supplement was put in USA Today as the Church of Scientology continues its attack on Time magazine.
6/17/91 USA Today: "Courts Say It's A Church" A letter to the editor by the Rev. Heber Jentzsch, President of the Church of Scientology, Los Angeles, CA. Months long paid attack on Time magazine.
6/18/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Transplanting a City's Heart' Officials are hoping to bring an upscale shopping district to the downtown area.
7/9/91 Sally Jessy Raphael (video tape) Church of Scientology.
7/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Ex-Publisher Being Sought By Creditors" At least six companies are chasing Rex Publishing's George Chelekias, seeking more than half a million dollars. A Hillsborough County judge ordered him to jail, however his whereabouts are unknown.
7/16/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Lawyer Claims Scientologists Kept Him From Daughters" Kenneth Wasserman, a former Scientologist, alleged in a lawsuit that the Church of Scientology inhibited him from visiting or talking to his teenage daughters who are members of the sect. He also claims the sect owes him more than $15,000 for counseling sessions he paid for but did not use.
7/20/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Defended" A letter to the editor by M. Friedman.
7/20/91 Creative Loafing: An ad entitled "Think More Clearly, Call the Dianetics Hotline".
7/25/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Vault to Get Hubbard's Writings" A letter from editor Bob Henderson.
7/31/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) A civil suit was filed by Scientology member, Dorothy Jean Dickerson against Sally Jesse Raphael, Cult Awareness Network, Cynthia Kisser, Steve Hassan and several other unknowns. This was the result of a broadcast of the Sally Jesse Raphael Show featuring Scientology.
8/4/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Publicity Hurting Prozac" The manufacturer of Prozac said there is no question sales have suffered from warnings Prozac causes violent behavior and suicidal thoughts, after an ad campaign was begun by the Church of Scientology.
8/6/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) A civil suit was filed by Scientologist Angel Casillas against Jerry and Hana Whitfield, along with 25 other unknown individuals. This was the results of Casillas being temporarily detained by LAPD when he was observed following the Whitfields.
8/8/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Preserve Hubbard's Writings" A letter to the editor from Richard Haworth, Church of Scientology.
8/8/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Deserve Respect" A letter to the editor from Ben Kugler.
8/8/91 St. Petersburg Times: "FDA Support of Prozac a Milestone in a Sordid Controversy" A letter to the editor from E.A. West of the Eli Lilly & Co. drug manufacturer.
8/13/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Church Lists Economic Value" A report for the Church of Scientology describes the impact members have on local economy.
8/13/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Sue IRS For 120 Million Dollars" The Church of Scientology has filed a 120 million dollar lawsuit against the IRS charging the IRS has used illegal acts to gain information about the group.
8/14/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) Former member, Donald Dahlin contacted CPD seeking a refund from the Church.
8/14/91 Tampa Tribune: "Papers Denied Access to Scientology Court Records" The 11th.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Tampa Tribune and St Petersburg Times access to court transcripts involving a former member of the Church of Scientology.
8/15/91 Channel 10 News (video tape) Impact of Scientology in Clearwater. (Economic)
8/19/91 "Geraldo" (video tape) Scientology , Time magazine, Prozac, and Citizens Commission on Human Rights.
8/20/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientology" A letter to the editor from John Quails.
8/23/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Democrats Seek Ouster of Cazares" Former Democratic Party Ken Steinke and former acting chairman Dan Marelli collected more than 30 signatures on a petition calling for Cazares' removal.
8/24/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology P. R. Campaign is a Sham" A letter to the editor from Mrs. D.S. Abelio.
8/24/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Letters Free Propaganda" Letter to the editor from Gabe Cazares.
8/26/91 Wall Street Journal: "Law-Legal Beat: Staff Reporters of the Wall Street Journal" Regarding Time Magazine's article on Scientology.
8/27/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Plan Called Tax Avoidance" Pinellas County Property Appraisers discovered that the Church of Scientology Religious Trust, a California based group that is exempt from federal taxes, will be developing Scientology's new religious training center in Clearwater. Because the trust currently holds a federal tax exemption, it may have a stronger case for avoiding county property taxes than the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, which owns other parcels in Clearwater.
9/91 Spy Magazine Feature story titled "L. Ron Hubbard vs. Wall Street". The article is about Joe, Kurt and Matt Feshbach. Brothers who have a questionable reputation as short sellers in the stock market.
9/12/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Man is Accused of Attempted Rape" Paul J. Meyer, who is a staff member of the Church of Scientology, was arrested for attempted sexual battery , burglary and kidnapping *see also Tampa Tribune, and related St. Petersburg Times on 9/13/91.
9/17/91 Tampa Tribune: "Suspect in Rapes Charged" Paul J. Meyer, who lists his address of 551 North Saturn Avenue has been linked to a sexual assault that occurred several months ago.
9/21/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Panel: No Link Between Prozac and Suicide" A panel of experts told the FDA there is no sound evidence that Prozac or any other antidepressant causes suicide or violent behavior. *see also Tampa Tribune.
9/25/91 Tampa Tribune: "Give Em Both Brass Pipes, Brass Knuckles" An article by Neil Cote concerning the Time Magazine article and Scientology.
10/6/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Church Loses Libel Suit" A jury in Toronto ordered the Church of Scientology to pay 1.4 million dollars in damages for libeling an Ontario prosecutor.
10/9/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Wheels of Justice Turn in Victim's Absence" Article about subject Kevin Callahan, who says the anti-depressant drug Prozac induced him to attack his wife with a butcher knife.
10/17/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) Former member, Joanne Bergmann contacted CPD seeking a refund from the Church for over $12,000.
10/18/91 Tampa Tribune: "Records Concerning Scientology School Held" A judge refused to allow the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to release information concerning an investigation of a Church of Scientology school. The Scientology Cadet School is operated by the Church of Scientology and used mainly for children of Scientology staff members.
10/20/91 Tampa Tribune: "Former Scientologists Attack Church in Book" Englishman John Atack accuses Church leaders of bilking members and using lies and threats to make a profit. The book is entitled, A Piece of Blue Sky.
10/20/91 Tampa Tribune: "The Religion That Sells the Sky" A story about Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard.
10/20/91 Tampa Tribune: "Hubbard Alive, Well City Directory Says" L. Ron Hubbard is listed on page 252 in the 1990 version of the Polk Directory.
10/21/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Red Ribbons Help in War on Drugs" Red ribbons will be tied to signify the dedication to the war on drugs during National
11/16/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists' Panels Exposes Wrongs". A letter to the editor by Richard Haworth of the Church of Scientology.
11/18/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Readers Respond to' Scientology's Children" Letters to the editor.
11/22/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology" A letter to the editor from Cheryl Juchau.
12/3/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) A local Clergyman reported confidentially that he was helping his faith's members that had been involved in Scientology and was called by a staff member and told to stop interfering. He reported three separate incidents involving Scientologists and persons of his faith that he assisted in leaving town At least one had information on possible immigration violations committed by Scientology.
12/11/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientology Sues County Over Taxes Again" For the ninth straight year, the Church of Scientology filed a lawsuit to avoid property taxes.
12/11/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) The Clearwater Executive Director of "The Way to Happiness Foundation", sent CPD 23 letters from various officials commending the Way to Happiness group.
12/12/91 St. Petersburg Times: "IRS Out of Control, Whistle Blowers Say" Article regarding Internal Revenue Service.
12/12/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists" A letter from Richard Haworth, Church of Scientology.
12/13/91 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) A publication by the Board of Mental Health for the State of Oklahoma on the Findings of Fact regarding the Narconon Chilocco application for certification.
12/14/91 Daily Oklahoman: "Board Denies Certification For Narconon" A state board denied certification for a controversial drug and alcohol treatment center and gave the facility seven days to move out its patients. The action ended a Red Ribbon Week.
10/23/91 Tampa Tribune: "Court Okays Scientologist's Suit" George H. Powell has grounds to sue for a refund of his 1984 and '85 taxes. He was granted the right to sue the IRS which disallowed the tax deduction he took on contributions to the Church.
10/23/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Leader of Democrats Stands in Victory's Way" A letter from Bill Hoth, Clearwater.
10/26/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Story Continues to Get Lots of Attention" A letter from editor Bob Henderson.
11/1/91 Tampa Tribune: "Stamping Out Deviousness in Property Deals" A letter from Editor Neil Cote.
11/7/91 St. Petersburg Times: "The Other Side of the Scientology Story" A letter from Richard Haworth, Church of Scientology.
11/10/91 St. Petersburg Times: "What Are Church's Beliefs?" A story about L. Ron Hubbard and the Church of Scientology.
11/10/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology's Children" Part one of a story regarding the training of Scientology member's children.
11/11/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology's Children" Part two of a story regarding the children of Scientology members.
11/11/91 St. Petersburg Times: "On Education" Discusses the teachings of Scientology as written by L. Ron Hubbard.
11/14/91 St. Petersburg Times: "The Children of Scientology" An editorial.
12/16/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Pinellas Democratic Chief Will Quit" Gabe Cazares, the embattled chairman of the Pinellas County Democratic party, said he is resigning and will likely run for political office. 1992
1/3/92 Tampa Tribune: "Ex-Scientologists Sues For Refund" Howard Mintz of San Francisco filed a lawsuit demanding a $68,000 refund.
1/13/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Leaders In Paris Detained" Fifteen leaders at a Church of Scientology in Paris were taken in for questioning after former members claimed they had been swindled Police investigated charges that the Church had taken a total of$750,000 from followers.
2/4/92 USA Today: "Lilly Lawsuit" The Church of Scientology was to file a $20 million libel suit against an Eli Lilly executive who they claim had malicious intent to destroy the Church for speaking out against Prozac.
2/10/92 Tampa Tribune: "This Holy War Won't Be Over Anytime Soon". Editorial, Neil Cote. Comments regarding Cult Awareness Network presentation.
2/14/92 "Night Line" (video tape) Interview with David Miscavige
2/25/92 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) A civil suit was filed by a Scientology company, Emery Wilson Corporation, known as Sterling Management against the following; Cult Awareness Network ( CAN ), Cynthia Kisser, Watchman Fellowship, Craig Branch, Priscilla Coates, and approximately lOO unknowns.
3/3/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Appeal in IRS Case to Get Day in Court" The Supreme Court has agreed to review a dispute stemming from a long running legal battle between the Federal government and the Church of Scientology. Justices said they would hear the Church' s appeal over documents sought by the IRS in a tax fraud case.
6/20/91 Wall Street Journal: "Scientologists Claim WPP Chief Backed Unfavorable Time Article" Article about Time Magazine's article on Scientology.
6/20/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Attack Magazine" Church of Scientology is fighting back with a $3 million ad campaign against Time Magazine for their story entitled "The Cult of Greed".
6/22/91 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists Unfairly Attack Prozac" A letter from R.F. Shumard, PHD, from Sarasota.
6/27/91 USA Today: Letters to the editor, concerning Scientology's ads.
6/28/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Look at Scientology's Record" Letter to the editor from Gabe Cazares, Clearwater.
6/29/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Answer Critics With Advertising" Church of Scientology is continuing its $3 million public relations campaign to offset a Time Magazine story.
6/30/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Expert Witness For Hire" A story about Dr. Walter Afield, a favorite of attorney's seeking expert testimony, who misrepresented credentials and gave opinions that fellow psychiatrists call sad and unbelievable.
6/30/91 St. Petersburg Times: "Church of Scientology Accused of Not Paying Bills" The Church of Scientology has been sued in the last year by several companies that say the organization has not paid its bills.
7/2/91 USA Today: "Cults Pose Grave Threat to Nation's Freedom" A letter written by Patricia Ryan, President of Cult Awareness Network, Chicago, ll.
7/5/91 Tampa Tribune: "Prozac" A letter written by Richard Haworth, Church of Scientology.
3/11/92 CPD 92-06909 A Citizens Commission on Human Rights representative, Hyla Wetherill contacted CPD to attempt to make a criminal report against a psychiatric doctor, Scott Permesly. She alleged that he committed several criminal acts against two patients, James Arnold and Paula Arnold. No further investigation was attempted when it was discovered that any possible violations would not have occurred in Clearwater.
3/18/92 Tampa Tribune: "No Problems Setting Free the Skeletons" Column by Neil Cote, writes about implied threats from Church officials if he continues to write negative comments about Scientology.
4/3/92 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists Set Clothing Drive" Donations to assist Pinellas Co. neediest families.
4/15/92 Tampa Tribune: "Clearwater Mall's Request to Relocate True School" The True School wants to move from Drew Street to a largely industrial area on Hercules Avenue, across from the Clearwater Executive Air Park.
4/21/92 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists Cited For Crowded Living Conditions" The Church of Scientology has been cited for crowding too many people into its Hacienda Gardens Apartments.
4/28/92 8t. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Leave Room for Doubt" An editorial regarding the overcrowding at Hacienda Gardens.
4/29/92 Tampa Tribune: "Scientology Sues Time" The Church of Scientology has filed a 416 million dollar libel lawsuit against Time magazine over a 1991 article the Church calls a "hatchet job".
5/14/92 Tampa Tribune: "Dying Woman, Church Settles Suit" Roxanne Friend, a San Diego woman, settled a California lawsuit against the Church of Scientology for an undisclosed amount. She claims she was held in a room for a month with no phone and no means of communications. Friend claims that during a stay at the Fort Harrison Hotel she began to feel ill and called an ambulance and was taken to Morton Plant Hospital, but Scientology workers persuaded her not to have tests done. Friend claims she fled to California but was brought back to Clearwater by five Scientologists. She was taken to a converted motel used to house Scientology employees and for the next three weeks was kept locked in a room unable to contact anyone. She claims she tried to escape once but was wrestled back into the room.
5/9/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Court Throws Out Scientologists' Suit" A Swiss appeals court has thrown out a suit against Reader 's Digest over an article it published that was critical of the Church of Scientology.
5/18/92 Tampa Tribune: "Scientologists Set To Demolish Clearwater Inn' The Church of Scientology says it plans to tear down the old Gray Moss Inn and replace it with a forty two million dollar, six story glass enclosed training center.
6/10/92 Tampa Tribune: "Gray Moss Inn Razing Begins" The seventy four year old Gray Moss falls to a wrecking ball.
6/27/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Suit Against Cazares Rejected" A judge dismissed a lawsuit by two Scientologists who claimed Gabe Cazares violated Florida's Hate Crime Law by ejecting them from a meeting.
7/92 The American Lawyer Journal: (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) Article titled "The Two Faces of Scientology". Discusses overt and covert methods within the Judicial System, employed by Scientology to use "private detectives and bulldog litigators to pursue its numerous detractors". It asks the question, "So who is directing the $416 million libel suit against Time?".
7/2/92 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) Intelligence report on a local cable access show called First Alternative. The show is hosted by Jeff Grifin. It is a weekly show following the agenda of the Scientology group CCHR. The outline covers a period of a couple of months worth of the minutes of the weekly shows.
7/13/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Time to Work Together". Letter to Editor by Richard Haworth reference developing downtown.
7/25/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Former Scientologists Wants Unequivocal Return of $40.00" A letter to "Action" written by fonner Scientologist Eileen MacIntosh who said she spent tens of thousands of dollars on services and was asking for the return of $40.00.
8/20/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Ex-Bank Building To Be Renovated" The Church of Scientology announced plans to renovate the former Bank of Clearwater Building, which has been used largely for storage.
8/25/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Rivals Divided on Scientologists Forum" Scientology scheduled a campaign forum, however candidates were undecided whether they would attend.
8/29/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientologists Get The Spiel, Candidates Get Nostalgia" Seventeen candidates were present in the Crystal Ball Room at the Fort Harrison Hotel, however some candidates refused to attend.
8/29/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Scientology Museum in Former Bank of Clearwater" The Church of Scientology has begun work on a museum and interior renovations at the former Bank of Clearwater building.
9/12/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Records on Church of Scientology School Stay Closed" A judge upheld an injunction preventing the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office from releasing records concerning an investigation of a Church of Scientology school.
9/15/92 (See CPD Intel. Rpt section) Former Church member contacted CPD regarding attempting to get a refund for courses he claimed he never took.
10/13/92 "Channel 10 News" (video tape) Tax exempt status of Scientology in Clearwater.
10/14/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Tax Man On Scene, But Only Briefly" Pinellas County Tax Collectors took inventory of a Church of Scientology owned building, preparing to sell the contents to pay back taxes. However, the inventory stopped after the Church agreed to post a bond.
10/16/92 CPD 92-25372 A Campaign worker for Gabe Cazares was campaigning on the corner of Cleveland & N. Ft. Harrison, when approached by vehicle with a subject operating a video camera. The victim was upset at being videotaped. When victim tried to leave, a Church security guard rode her bicycle behind victim's car and wrote down her tag number.
12/28/92 St. Petersburg Times: "Hubbard From Pinellas To Russia" An editor's note from Bob Henderson.
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