Last Updated: 4:04 p.m.
Palm Coast City Council member Victor Barbosa may be a fugitive from justice in Costa Rica, where he has been “considered armed and dangerous on the charge of Kidnapping,” according to Flagler County Sheriff Chief Dan Engert, who has requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigate the matter. The evidence the Sheriff’s Office uncovered may potentially lead to Barbosa being removed from office by the governor.
Addressing FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen on July 6, Engert, as the chief court and detention services division chief that includes the sheriff’s fugitive unit, wrote the commissioner “to request an Executive Investigation of Palm Coast Councilman Victor Barbosa aka Victor Manuel Barbosa Muller.” The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Engert wrote, “believes he is a fugitive from Costa Rica in violation of” Florida law.
Barbosa, 41, was elected to the Palm Coast City Council last year, has allied himself with the mayoral campaign of Alan Lowe in the July 27 special election in Palm Coast, and is running for a County Commission seat in the 2022 election.
He has been under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice since May 6, according to Engert’s letter.
The Sheriff’s Office detected Barbosa’s legal issues in Costa Rica following his vehicle crash on Forest Grove and Old Kings Road on March 6. The crash itself was not serious. But “as part of the normal investigative process,” Engert wrote, Barbosa’s information was checked through the usual law enforcement databases. On March 11, the Sheriff’s Office received a “delayed hit” from one of the databases “indicating Mr. Barbosa was a fugitive from a foreign country and considered armed and dangerous on the charge of Kidnapping and to contact the U.S. Department of Justice, which our Agency did.”
Engert’s letter to the FDLE commissioner is heavily redacted in part, protecting communications about interagency data. But The letter points to the sheriff’s investigation pursuing verification of Barbosa wanted in Costa Rica as the same Barbosa in Palm Coast.
“Using investigative techniques, we believe Mr. Barbosa is the fugitive from Costa Rica. Costa Rican authorities have apparent charges in multiple jurisdictions within Costa Rica to include extortion.”
Asked about the Costa Rica allegations, Barbosa responded in a text: “it’s the first time i am hearing of this I know nothing about this is part of the Mayor’s campaign to smear my name. I have been dealing all week with crazy allegations. Why is there so much money being thrown in to a City election that’s the story you should be after.” He did not respond to questions about his passport number or whether he was in Costa Rica in 2018, but did tell the Observer that he had lived there previously.
A document appended to the Engert letter is a list of charges from Costa Rican authorities dating back to June 18, July 2, and Oct. 26, 2018, charging “Victor Manuel Barboza Muller” with aggravated robbery, extortion, and assault with a weapon. The information the Sheriff’s Office keyed into was the nine-digit identification number on the individual listed: it’s an American passport number that authorities linked back to Barbosa.
Barbosa has tended to keep a very active Facebook page, with multiple entries each day. The page visible to the public has one entry in 2012, then a gap of six years until September 10, 2018, when posts began about Barbosa’s Man Cave, the barber shop, being under construction.
Charges in another country do not automatically mean that an individual facing them, but living in this country, may be arrested for them, or even extradited. It depends on the bilateral agreements between the particular countries. The United States and Costa Rica signed a mutual extradition treaty in 1982.
But in cases such as the one described by Engert, the sheriff’s authority is limited. The Department of Justice at this time has not given the Sheriff’s Office authority “to make a physical arrest of Mr. Barbosa and hold him as a fugitive,” Engert wrote, but, he wrote the commissioner, the Sheriff’s Office believes the evidence it gathered and pending charges is a violation of Florida law.
“We are requesting an investigation by FDLE’s Office of Executive Investigations so the Governor’s Office may take appropriate action, if necessary,” Engert wrote.
Barbosa’s short tenure on the council has been a brawl of turbulence as he’s clashed on and off the council with fellow-council members, with the administration, and with residents he has publicly shamed on Facebook, accused the former city manager (with no evidence) of corruption, and claimed to be cleaning up the “swamp” as a voice of the people. After his vehicle crash in march, he was dismayed to see pictures of the incident reported on FlaglerLive, and, according to the then-city manager and fire chief, attempted to have the fire police captain fired, believing–falsely–that the captain had disseminated the pictures of the crash (the pictures were taken by the sheriff’s office as part of its routine investigation). The details of that crash, as it turns out, may prove to be the least of Barbosa’s problems.
Barbosa ran last fall alongside Ed Danko, who was also elected to the Palm Coast City Council, and Alan Lowe, who was not. Barbosa has been supporting Lowe’s bid for mayor in the special election on July 27, and Danko, who is behind Lowe’s bid, has said “I need Alan Lowe” on the council, presumably to give him the three-cote majority, with Barbosa, to control the council.
Asked today whether he intended to keep Barbosa as a campaign ally, Lowe wrote in an email: “At no time has Mr. Barbosa been a part of my campaign organization. I am truly shocked and sadden to have just read about these allegations. I have never had a conversation with Mr. Barbosa about his time in Costa Rica.”
The claim that Barbosa has at no time been part of Lowe’s campaign organization contradicts the evidence. The two have been planting Lowe campaign signs together around town (“Thank you Victor Manuel Barbosa for your great support in putting these signs up!” Lowe acknowledged on May 26 on Facebook), with Barbosa using his Man Cave truck–the truck that led back to his alleged charges in Costa Rica–to ferry Lowe’s wooden campaign signs, as evidenced in this video obtained by FlaglerLive:
Click to access Barbosa-Incident_Redacted-1.pdf
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Teresa Kvachuk says
Why does NOTHING surprise me any longer?
Happening now says
Surprise surprise!!!!
Peaches McGee says
The political turmoil in our city/county just keeps getting better and better.
Between the COVID19 Delta variant and the buffoons running our city/county we’ll all be dead by Xmas.
MikeC says
I think a big part of the problem is it’s just too easy to run for these very important offices. $1400 and a big mouth is all you need, and you too can run for Mayor of Palm Coast. You don’t need thousands of signatures on a petition, nor do you need affiliation and the backing of an organized political party. No Primary, no real campaign. Just $1400 and as many signs as you can print spread out all over PC. Then just keep your mouth shut and don’t put your foot into it and you got a good shot!!! Crazy!!!
Mike Cocchiola says
This is Palm Coast under the Trump Club. How did we let this happen? Oh, yes, the Republican Party elected him… and Danko… and Mullins. Don’t deny it REC… it’s on you. You fix it.
Percy's mother says
AND IT’S ON YOU, Mike.
Instead of continually backing candidates who can never win, why don’t you put your partisan politics aside so we don’t get the Mullins, Danko, Barbosa, Lowe candidates elected.?
You’re currently backing a candidate who doesn’t have much chance to win. This is something you always do. Then you show up at commission meetings after the fact decrying the latest buffoon to get elected and demanding that that particular buffoon be recalled or removed from office. Kinda sick of seeing you step up to make yet another public comment when you helped get a buffoon(any buffoon) elected.
That’s how we ended up with George Bush in 2000. Many people wanted to make a “statement” at the voting booth and so either voted for a green party candidate or didn’t vote at all. What was the end result? George Bush and the destruction he waged for 8 LONG years.
For once, why don’t you see the reality of the situation at this point in time with the mayoral special election and back someone who can win, so we don’t end up with LOWE.
I’ll follow up in 6 months to see where you are with this. By the way, if LOWE gets elected, and I see you make a written comment or public comment, I’ll be only too happy to remind you that once again you backed a candidate incapable of winning and once again worked indirectly to get yet another buffoon elected.
It’s not “Republicans”. It’s people like you who can’t put partisan politics aside so as to NOT elect a certain candidate.
No political affiliation says
That’s the problem living in a heavily red state, you end up with constituents voting for insane, unqualified candidates who entire platform is grift, deceive, deny. Right from the Trump playbook. And you wonder why Florida is the armpit of the United States. Florida man does Florida things. No surprises here.
Vote Manfre says
You do understand that there are tens of thousands of registered Democrats and independents in Palm Coast? Sure, under “normal” circumstances in a predominantly red town a Republican is a shoo-in. But this is a winner-take-all election, with really only a single Democrat (Manfre) running up against the usual modern GOP while male deplorables too caught up in measuring their own d***s.
So yes, YES! Go to the polls and vote Lowe. Vote Alfin. Vote vote vote! Divided they will fall. In the end, the person with the most votes will be Manfre. Make no doubt about it. The numbers do not lie. We are polarized, we all all in our lanes, and based strictly on that polarization, it’s near statistically impossible for Manfre to lose this election and not become the next mayor of Palm Coast.
No political affiliation says
People also said Trump had no chance to win, and look how this country ended up. You can’t argue with people who still think Trump won, even though 0 judges, republican or otherwise found any widespread evidence of election fraud.
Got my neighbor with a Trump 2020 sign (with pence crossed out), another sign that says “dont blame me, I voted trump.” And he’s got amazing one liners like, “I don’t understand why I can’t live in an all white neighborhood.”
Yeah dude, you live in a red state that’s been an absolute cesspool for years, but tell me about how democrats are ruining everything.
Outsider says
Yes, and there seems to be a lot of New Yorkers and New Jersey people moving here. I guess they like the smell of turds better than high taxes and totalitarian governors? As far as the election being stolen maybe no one can prove it happened, but by clever design they can’t prove it didn’t. The real story is due to actions taken by governments in a few blue states and Georgia that eliminated voter eligibility and identity verification a majority of Americans don’t trust the election results which is just as bad as actual widespread fraud. The tightening of election verification in states that doesn’t even bring them up to the level of stringency of Joe Biden’s home state is backed by a majority of Americans. Thee quarters of Americans are in favor of voter ID laws. The only ones opposed are Democratic politicians. Why is that?
Pissed in PC says
Wow you’re totally delusional if you keep drinking the Fox entertainment swill! You don’t believe in voting rights from that comment.
David Schaefer says
Keep watching your Fox news daily and using your bleach injections you will be flushed down the nearest toilet along with Trumpee, Ed Stanko, Mullins, Lowe, Barbosa and the rest of those clowns.
Edith Campins says
No, Democrats don’t oppose Voter Id laws. We just want them to be reasonable. What is reasonable about not accepting a picture, student ID? What we opposse is the changing of laws, like voting by mail, voting on Sunday, closing down precincts in rural areas and things that in general make it harder for people to vote.
Trailer Bob says
Not once in my life have I found it difficult to vote. Go to the voting site and vote…pretty easy. People who are too dumb to figure out where and how to vote?
No political affiliation says
So what you’re saying is, there’s no evidence that the election was stolen because there’s a deep state conspiracy so complicated that no one can find any evidence? Which is it, Sleepy Joe Biden, or Joe Biden Criminal Mastermind? It can’t be both, you pick.
Or the obvious more simple explanation is, Trump took advantage of the uneducated and gullible. But please, continue with your theories that have 0 evidence. Not all political people believe in jewish space lasers, but 99% of people who do are republicans.
Turn off your tv, go outside and get some fresh air dude.
Diana L says
Please tell me this is sarcasm. If not, help me understand, your comment-“It’s not Republicans'”. Joe Mullins, Victor Barbosa, Ed Danko and Alan Lowe are Republicans. Who votes for these people? It isn’t Mike Cocchiola’s fault nor the fault of anyone besides the voters that voted for those people.
This comment is so off the wall, I can’t even think about this comment any more.
No political affiliation says
You can’t reason some one out of a position they didn’t reason themselves into. They just believe every piece of political propaganda they see and hear.
Gina says
Percy’s Mother: YUP! Makes perfect sense!
Deborah Coffey says
Yours is a “tactic,” not a “be true to your principles.” There is no good Republican anymore…not one better than the other…not one at all. Just having that label is a disgrace in 2021. Trump saw to that.
Trailer Bob says
I am a “good” Republican. And I would love to run against the “fake” Republicans in our county. What IS pathetic is that the voters will vote for anyone of their own party affiliation regardless of their intent and/or lack of ability for the job. Flagler is a mess when it comes to voting in decent people. It would be almost funny, if it were so detrimental to the people of Flagler County.
Mike Cocchiola says
I’m not sure what you’re saying, Percy’s Mother. Am I as a Democrat supposed to just vote for a Republican, maybe what you would consider the best of the worst, because it is difficult to get a Democrat elected in a very red county and city? My answer is… no! I have my values and the candidates I support represent these values – honesty, integrity, tolerance, and compassion. I don’t know a trump supporter that has these values. And all the Republicans with a realistic chance in this race are trump supporters. And I know this is ostensibly a non-partisan race. But, there’s no such thing in Flagler, Florida or America anymore. We all went down the rabbit hole years ago with the advent of partisan culture wars.
My challenge to you is, why don’t you work to elect someone like Cornelia Downing Manfre? She’s very moderate, has the values I’ve noted, and if we all get behind her including moderate Republicans and NPAs we can win and begin to fix the city council.
Oh… and while I apologize for helping to elect George W. Bush by voting for Al Gore, I think the real problem was Florida’s Republican Party and hanging chads.
Pissed in PC says
See Mike there you go again pushing a candidate that doesn’t hold many of our values! The Manfre days are over but you insist on wash, rinse and repeat. There’s plenty of better qualified people but you seem not to listen! This is why I told you when you asked me to join the club that you couldn’t handle me!
Right says
we do not need another Manfre in office here. During the forum at Carrabbas when asked about law enforcement in Palm Coast she made reference to her husband having past been the Sheriff as if he could offer her advice. He was a trainwreck of a Sheriff with legal and ethical issues of which he was found guilty and fined marring his tenure. She was not forthcoming in her first and second live interviews regarding civil actions against her in the past. No thank you.
Edith Campins says
You know why Democratic candidates don’t win in Flagler County? Because Republicans will vote for a bad Republican before they will vote for a good Democrat. That is exactly how Danko and Mullins got elected. Everyone knew their backgrounds, the candidates running against them were decent people with no baggage but Republicans chose to vote the party line. Ni, there were choices in those elections, Republicans chose to vote for these scumbags.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Thank you Edith for your true words.
CD says
You are spot on Percy’s mother. Wish I could buy you a drink in real life for calling it as a good portion of Democrats see it.
Pissed in PC says
Mike you keep putting democrats in that can’t win. Courtney is the best candidate yet you pushed Manfre to enter going off her name! I for one am ready for a change and boot out these Trumpers and ones with ties to the real estate industry! Let’s get on the ball here and take this county back! It’s past time for a big shake up which you know I commented on that particular page. New people, better ideas.
Eugene Lopes says
Just curious, have you met Manfre? I challenge you to spend 5 minutes with her and not come away impressed by her knowledge, sensitivity and compassion. Courtney does not become the most qualified because he has lived here the longest. He has no real platform…….. “whatever the people want” is not a platform. Look at his interviews. He never really answers a question about how he feels on a topic. Manfre has a clear vision for Palm Coast and knows all the players, including the bad guys. I’m new here but if Dems and moderates keep believing a moderate candidate can’t win, one never will.
Pissed in PC says
Oh please save it! Manfre has been running off her name. That name has been a running joke for years now and when a candidate considers themselves too good to wear pride colors at the event tells me all I need to know. Take your blinders off!
Jimmy says
You are right. I’ve made a point of spending time with Manfre at a couple of forums. She is really good. I would be completely ok, as a Republican, with Cornelia as Mayor.
But, Alfin is my guy. I have spent real time with him in meetings on community issues solving problems. Behind the scenes, he understands government very well, and when you look at the disfunction going on now, I believe we need someone “in the middle” (stop laughing you guys!). Here’s why I say “in the middle:” Lowe says Alfin is a “woke liberal progressive.” Dems here classify him as a “Trump lover.” They are both wrong. Like Cornelia, David is a smart person who can help create and execute a vision. Both have successful real estate businesses for that reason. So, although I like and respect Cornelia, I’m choosing Alfin. All other R’s need to as well.
If this election was Cornelia v Lowe, I’d vote Cornelia, no doubt. Tough deal with 37 people running with no primary…
Eugene Lopes says
Jimmy, I respect that. I also understand the hesitancy of people worrying that a vote for Manfre gives Lowe an opening but Cornelia is a more moderate candidate who may be able to moderation to an out of control council. She would still be just one vote with 4 Republicans to work with. She will have to make decisions that she may not always be comfortable making but it will bring another voice to meetings. But who’s to say that we aren’t looking to fill one or two seats in the near future. Here’s hoping that enough people eliminate Lowe and start to look at how to clean up a very sad situation.
Tim McAuliffe says
Percy’s Mom, you missed the history of the infamous butterfly ballot in 2000. Hundreds of seniors in South Florida were under the impression they were voting for Al Gore and due to the absurd nature of the ballot their votes were recorded for that nut Pat Buchanan.
Right says
Including the bad guys? LOL her husband was one of them with a tenure surrounded by controversy… lawsuits, lies and ethics violations. Maybe you need to spend a little more than 5 minutes….
James M. Mejuto says
I’ll tell you how it happened! democrats, independents did not show-up to vote.
THAT’S HOW IT HAPPENED !
James M. Mejuto
Pissed in PC says
Spot on cause those candidates don’t represent what many democrats or independents are looking for. If I had a choice between Manfre or Alfin I’d just rather not have either one. But I foresee some better democratic candidates in 2022 that will appeal to the independents also.
Jimbo99 says
I was under the impression that individuals would have background checks performed when they declare that they are running for a public office ?
FlaglerLive says
background checks are not required by government agencies or the supervisor of elections, and are usually conducted by media. No media would have had access to Interpol databases, which aided in this investigation.
Flatsflyer says
Everyone from School Teachers to LEO’s have to under go background checks. Most private employers also need to do various checks including drugs. Republicans are afraid of any testing for numerous reasons, they know most cannot pass any verification. Same rational applies to their fear of background checks for purchasing of a firearm. I think all candidates for any elected office also should have a drug test, from what I’ve seen, most would fail drug testing. Not requiring drug testing may very well explain the performance we see from our current elected officials.
Jimmy says
HAHAHAHAHA! I like the candidate drug test idea. Anything other than pot, and you’re out.
But you are incorrect about Republicans not liking various checks, including for drugs. Don’t you remember we wanted to have welfare/food stamp recipients screened for drugs, and we were demonized for it?
Clearly, we need to do a better job on background checks…so, you’re right on the money there.
Jimbo99 says
DHS/USCIS Form I-9 is required for anyone to apply for a job, it should also be required for county government, regardless of being hired or elected. We’re talking about a small pool of candidates to be checked. In one story we have a Flagler Beach restaurant owner on charges, yet we have councilpersons in office that don’t spend a minute in jail for anything they do that is criminal. Let’s see we had the FCSO officers (Varnes (2020) & now Lentino (2021)) that threatened others, Barbosa is a habitual ordinance violator at the very least locally. He was caught trying to bribe county employees with gift certificates, part of the group that was threatening others after council meetings ? There seems to be some higher level of overlooking criminal actions with a higher lattitude/tolerance to run with those actions, to outright immunity from the rules everyone else is playing by for lesser positions of county & city employment. How long do you think that happens for anyone else in Flagler county before anyone would be handcuffed & processed. Had this been properly handled early in the process, does Barbosa even make the final cut of the 2020 election ballot. If Barbosa is that international criminal, he’s probably sitting in a prison somewhere in FL/USA, awaiting extradition from 2020 to the present moment. Would the Federal Government be involved, revoking any US citizenship in that regard. I’m just saying, that the policies & procedures are in place to save taxpayers from this type of corruption. Complete & full disclosure really isn’t complete & full disclosure.
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/i9-form-employment-eligibility-verification-398296
Denali says
Why are you bringing the I-0 Form into the conversation? All that form establishes is that an individual has the right to work in the US. Before you can hire me I must provide some kind of documentary evidence that I am either a US citizen or have the legal right to work here. Since the law came into effect, I have had two jobs, each time I showed my employer my passport and that was it. Oh yeah, both of those were governmental positions. Nothing to do with background checks here.
As for the government revoking someones citizenship – do some research before spouting off this tripe.
Wow says
I once volunteered yo hand out water at a race in Palm Coast and I had to undergo a background test before that. The town paid, but I couldn’t even hand out water on the street without one.
FlaglerLive says
All government agencies run background checks and (unfortunately, pointlessly) drug tests on their employees. Elected officials (unfortunately, pointlessly) are not considered government employees in the same way, and are not equally backgrounded or tested, though quite a few, obviously, should be.
Disgustedwithidiots says
Well, well, well… the chickens come home to roost! Let’s run down the list, Barbosa: criminal charges, international fugitive, Lowe: tax evader, self proclaimed himself exempt from American law, Danko: abusive, threatening bully, Mullins: tried to flee prosecution in Georgia, subject of law suits alleging fraud, sponsored trip to D.C. for Jan. 6 insurrection. And you fools are electing these criminals??? Wow, what does this say about the people living in Palm Coast/Flagler County??? We decent citizens need to raise up and put a stop to this insanity!!!
MikeC says
You forgot to add that Danko was basically thrown out of NC and the NC Republican Party for being such a fool and a liability.
Percy's mother says
Dear disgusted with idiots . . .
You left out the FEMALE member of the group, and that is the woman here in Palm Coast / Flagler County who posts Bible verses by day and rips people and local news to pieces behind the scenes and on social media in the evenings, who calls Pierre Tristam a liar, who has tried and is trying to destroy Flagler Live AND The Palm Coast Observer behind the scenes.
The woman was ALSO thrown out of the legitimate Republican party here in Flagler County just 7 months ago.
She is MULLINS’ sidekick in all things and, as well, is currently backing ALAN LOWE / DANKO.
There is much, much more.
Mullins has posted numerous weekly / daily extremely offensive caricatures online of Pierre Tristam with extremely offensive bordering on hate speech rhetoric with each post pushing to destroy Flagler Live and Pierre Tristam (to the glee of his followers).
This female “Pastor” who is Mullins best buddy has never ONCE made a public comment decrying the extremely offensive hate speech posted by Joe Mullins directed at Flagler Live and Pierre Tristam. What a woman of God!!
This woman who quotes the Bible all day and who has a self-paid “radio show” on WNZF on Sunday mornings also has a “background” yet to be made public.
I call her “The Fake Pastor”
So, there are FOUR in the group of low lifes in Flagler County and Palm Coast.
Jimmy says
You are right, Percy! The Pastor J situation is odd. Her crazy history, first. Then, you have the fact that she’s clearly being used by the R’s, so they look diverse. But, either she really believes this Trump stuff or she’s selling out with the hopes of getting picked up by Fox News as the next Diamond and Silk. Either way, I’ll pass. She leads this new Republican Club. I can’t figure them all out, and don’t have the time to, so I’ll just stand over here, by myself, in the Republican corner, waiting for the party to come back from it’s wild right swing.
Finally, I’m conflicted on her past…she’s paid her debt to society, so she deserves the opportunity to do something. That’s how America works. Shoot, we forgive celebrities for much more. Now, I personally don’t believe she should ever run for public office. That’s just me…
MikeC says
Im a new PC resident trying to educate myself on the political players and issues here. Can you name this “Fake Pastor”? Id really like to know who she is. Thanks Percy’s mother!
Al says
This might be a case to look into not having party affiliations per se; too many people vote strictly by party lines not knowing much about the candidate ( this is true for both sides of the aisle – this is not to bash or applaud either party )
KK says
The mayor and city council races are technically non partisan already. But it’s not hard to determine what parties they align with.
tulip says
I agree with what you said Al. I’m a registered Independent for that reason. I don’t care what the candidate’s party is, I care what he or she has to say about issues and opinions on certain things. There are good and bad Reps and good and bad Dems. Voters need to look at the person as a whole and learn about him/her both good and not so good, keep an open mind, leave the party affiliation out of it and use common sense about what it is you really want in a leader of your community and vote accordingly..
Trailer Bob says
I feel exactly as you do, and I was a politician in a former life. I was a republican but many democrats voted for me whenever I ran for office. Just because you are an R or D doesn’t mean you are unable to study issues and vote according to their effects on the public in general.
The people who get elected and or run in Flagler County are a joke…they are either totally liberal or totally conservative…for the most part. Political experience required is nonexistent. Manners and respect to others…not much. But the needs to change, and it can.
Diana L says
Watching the city council/county council meetings, the social media of Barbosa, Danko, Lowe and Mullins makes me ill. How does ignorance and lack of care for your fellow Americans be flaunted and celebrated?
Trailer Bob says
I must say…Politics in Flagler County is embarrassing. Is there a virus in Flagler County that results in people who should NEVER run for office doing just that?
The sad part is that someone who would be a positive asset for the people, but had an arrest when they were a teen, will get buried by the media.
Time to wake up folks.
And time to vote like your community depends on it.
susan says
a routine check at the scene of an accident warrants your passport # to be checked? sounds like Barbosa has the dirt on some of these corrupt politicians now they want him gone.
FlaglerLive says
Please don’t use this site to spread disinformation or misrepresent the reporting. The article states that the Sheriff’s Office conducted routine verifications of Barbosa’s vehicle information, which itself led to the detection through law enforcement databases of his status as a fugitive, which then led to further investigation. The passport number appears on a Costa Rican law enforcement document subsequently obtained by the Sheriff’s Office during its verification of Barbosa’s identity. And yes, in most countries, when a foreign national is involved in a law enforcement issue, the passport number is typically included in identifying information.
Mark says
Assuming stuff is the better way to go!
Duncan says
Yes. I believe it’s still called Law Enforcement.
Duncan says
Doesn’t surprise me at all.
I have a pool running on which order the remaining members of the Florida Good Old Boys Knucklehead Club (Danko, Lowe, Mullins, Gaetz or Trump) will be arrested, indited or extradited.
David S. says
Duncan Us too. Well it’s almost one down and 5 more to go. I read the article and laughed my butt off. What a bunch of Trumper Humpers we have in this state can’t wait till they are all in prison………
Jimmy says
Duncan: Put ole Jimmy down for $5 on Danko, please! HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Steve says
Double or nothing on Matt Max Headroom Gaetz
Tim McAuliffe says
The charges against Mullins appear to be civil, so that will just put a dent in his bank book. But Joel Greenburg, Gaetz’s wingman, just had the date of his sentencing pushed back 45 days so he could tell who was involved with his crimes. So Gaetz would be your odds on favorite. Not for elected office mind you, for prison.
Trailer Bob says
Joel Micah Greenberg is an American politician and former tax collector of Seminole County, Florida. In 2020, Greenberg was arrested and charged with federal offenses. He was indicted on 33 criminal counts: theft, stalking, sex trafficking, cryptocurrency fraud, and Small Business Administration loan fraud. Wikipedia
newsie says
Excellent article Flaglerlive.
Al says
Shows how little we as citizens know about those making decisions for us to abide by. Not just this story, but those of the past weeks ( and months ), there is enough dysfunction to create a television show.
Protonbeam says
Morton’s comments and emails are starting to make a whole lot of sense. Him and Holland falsely accused by these lunatics and their cronies while the true criminals take over. Palm Coast woke up too late.
The dude says
One way to possibly mitigate any further damage would be to deny Danko and Barbosa their third stooge in the upcoming election.
Mark says
This clearly shows how brainwashed the majority of voters have become in this city of palm coast. This is a very very clear sign that the voting public in Paul coast have been psychologically tricked
Jimmy says
First, great reporting. Second, the Governor needs to get the FDLE off their butts, so we can get a straight answer on if this is, in fact, Victor. So, innocent until proven guilty, and believe me, I don’t like the guy, but that’s how America works. But, if the allegations are about him, he needs to be removed from office by DeSantis ASAP and face the music.
Third, fun fact, our tax dollars are paying him right now. WTH?
Fourth: How many stories about Lowe, Danko and Barbosa does it take before the MAJORITY of people wake up and take this city back? Screw all the talk about Trump Club. Neither Trump nor Biden will change much for local politics.
Finally, go vote people. Lowe wins if you don’t make your voice heard.
Land of no turn signals says says
Have you Ever heard the saying “politicians are all crooks” Has been a busy year here.I already have my shirt “I didn’t vote for him”.
Been There says
He does raise a good point. Why IS so much money being thrown at a local race? You have to spend a little to make a lot. There is an agenda that everyone is missing. Look at the candidates that are spending the most and who they are aligned with and who those people endorsed. Then don’t vote for them. Vote for someone who is humble and not receiving tons of money. That’s the person who doesn’t owe anybody anything and is in this race for the right reasons.
Percy's mother says
I agree, LOWE’s campaign is full of dirty money, AND look who he’s aligned with . . . Danko (run out of NC and unwelcome in the real Republican party), Barbosa (allegedly now a fugitive), Mullins (his own legal issues), Sharon Demers who wants to boycott hard working business owners if they advertise on Flagler Live, and “The Fake Pastor”.
So you say, “Vote for someone who is humble and not receiving tons of money”.
So you want everyone to vote for “The Nun”?
Gina says
Percy’s Mother: it’s Alfins campaign that’s full of dirty PAC money, not Lowes, there is hardly any money in Lowes campaign.
Jimmy says
Wake up, Gina…they both have it going on with the PACs. Both candidates are technically telling the truth, that they are not involved in the PACs spending on either of their campaigns, because they aren’t. If people (anybody) want to create a PAC, fund it, and spend $60k to get someone elected, that’s legal, especially if Alan and David have nothing to do with it. It’s really in their best interest to have nothing to do with it, because they can say what they are saying now, which is: “Not me.” And, that’s true and a fact, like it or not.
Most normal people don’t really care, just hyper politicos like us. So, it’s really a pointless exercise to focus on the PACs as they both have ’em.
Why all the money spend? Well, this town is about to get wrecked by Alan Lowe/Danko tag team from hell, so, yeah, spend whatever is needed to beat him/them.
Gina says
Jimmy: I have witnessed by now hundreds of commercials one after the other minutes apart endorsing Alfin , I have not seen any commercials on Lowe. These commercials cost millions, lets face it there are power PAC’s who want him elected, why? Does it have to do with real estate development and turning this place into another Orlando? We are not talking about 60,000 dollars here. These commercials are so frequent that it’s really a turn off effect like overkill bombarding peoples minds, if he loses boy are those PAC’S going to be upset to say the least.
Jimmy says
Its not Mlions, Gina, geez. It’s thousands. I think it’s R vs R…and the big boy Republicans in Tally realize they have to stop crazy Danko and Lowe now. But millions on video and commercials? You haven’t dealt with a video production company recently, I can tell
Denali says
I have no idea how many commercials that Alfin has run on MSNBC, Gina says it is hundreds Let’s use just 100.
The last good pricing data I can find is from 2018 and they were charging $17,000 per minute on Rachel Maddow and The Morning Joe. MSNBC is the least expensive of CNN or FOX News with CNN being almost twice the cost for their big name shows.
So 100 commercials at $17K each equals $17,000,000.00 – looks like ‘millions’ to me. That said, I doubt they are running full minute commercials so lets use 30-second spots, that is $8,500,00.00 which still in the ‘millions’ category. And this is just what the network charges; there is no allowance for actually making the commercial.
But as I said, I do not know how many commercials they have run or what the July 2021 cost per minute is. Regardless,it is well over ‘thousands’ – – –
Pissed in PC says
You do know cable systems plug their own sold commercials i over a national commercial. So Spectrum sells the commercial to Spectrum and they ask where he wants it to run. He picks his timeslot. So they say maybe sell that slot for $500×100 would equal 50k. I’ve got Hulu and I never see local political commercials.
Bill C says
Not that I care, but 17,000 x 100 = 1,700,000, divided by 2 = 850,000. Also, these are local spots which cost a fraction of state- wide or national spots. So it’s definitely thousands. Nice work in the misinformation department Gina and Denali.
Ted Underhill says
Hey Gina, you may want to check out the Florida division of elections webpage. It may answer some questions for you and give you a better understanding of campaign finance.
Gina says
Pissed in PC: is that figure for just one commercial? Looks like they are 30 second commercials but run very close to one another maybe 3-4 at a time at different prime times and are aired on several different stations.
Pissed in PC says
Gina, here this might give you a better idea. https://skyworksmarketing.com/tv-commercial-cost
Tim Mcauliffe says
I distributed a lot of Democratic door hangers this weekend. I ran into a guy who considered himself a strong never Trumper. He told me he had decided to vote for Mr Alfin, who the man thought was a strong Democrat. That might be because Mr Alfin has spent a lot of $ advertising on MSNBC. I suggested the voter do more research on the topic.
Whathehck? says
Follow the $$.
The money for the other stooge, Alfin the wolf in a sheep’s coat, is mostly coming from Tallahassee who wants another ally/puppet in Flagler County. So far he has the largest coffer. See below where the $$ is coming from.
Tallahassee: 53.2 %, Palm Coast: 34.1%, St Augustine + San Diego, CA + Winter Park + Clermont 2.7% each, Wildlight 1.3 % and Miami 0.7%.
This translate to political committees 29.2%, PAC 23.9%, self 22.7%, businesses 12.6% and individuals 11.7%.
The source: Flagler County SOE.
It would be nice to see if his campaign has connection to Rayonier.
Jimmy says
Money from Tallahassee, you say? So does that mean DeSantis, Renner, Hutson and the actual Republican Party doesn’t want Lowe? That might be more telling, and a good thing, in my opinion. I wonder where the Rep and Sen stand on all this…? Would Lowe/Danko’s Trump Club say Renner and Hutson were “woke liberal progressives” if they didn’t support them? How funny would that be, especially after Alan used the DeSantis photo, like their friends or something! HAHAHAHAHHA!
Gina says
Whathehck? says: Why is Tallahassee, San Diego, Ca., and Miami involved?
Gina says
at the end of one of the Alfin commercials says, paid for by the MAGA committee.
Retired PC Employee says
To think I as an employee of the city of Palm Coast ( as a Flunky ) had to have a background check…. But, apparently none needed to be a City councilman.
Go Figure…. that’s screwed up !!!
No political affiliation says
“Do as I say, not as I do.”
Trailer Bob says
Oh, you can be sure there WILL be background checks, mostly by competing candidates.
Fredrick says
And I am old enough to remember when the hottest political story in the county was KIMMYYYYY Weeks….
Any you guys who complain about Florida being red….. stay home and put on two masks and pretend the state has not been open for a year now.
MikeC says
No problem. We’ll just enjoy watching all you anti-vaxxer reds pass the Delta variant around and kill each other off til the pandemics truly over. Who needs herd immunity when nature just culls the herd. Buh Bye!
ASF says
Oh, those crazy Trumpsters–they really have a thing or two to teach us all about Law and Order and righteous moral conduct!
Harvey says
That’s it………. I’m throwing my HAT in and running for Mayor of Palm Coast
Harvey P. Weinstein
Steve says
Like Sand thru the Hour glass So goes the continuous Drama of FPC Politics. Only a matter of time for the Truth to come out on this Fraud Get out the Popcorn its Show Time
mark101 says
I tell ya, we have some great upstanding politicians in this county/city. NOT !. I disgrace to all the citizens of this city and county. But I really don’t see any changes coming. They all seem to get the ego boost when elected and just love to stroke their own ego.
Joe M says
Looks like Barbosa will be the man cave in some Costa Rican prison
Jimbo99 says
All the manscapes he can do ?
starryid says
If I put a ‘Lowe for Mayor’ sign on my lawn or deliver one to my neighbor does that make me part of Lowe’s campaign organization?
Whathehck? says
If you make a donation for 2 signs for your yard and your neighbors it would not count as being part of the campaign. If you help put a bunch of donated signs along the major arteries in the City yes it would make you a volunteer for a candidate’s campaign.
Mythoughts says
Who in the City of PC and County Commissioners office isn’t a criminal?????? Talk about The Republican Swamp we sure have them.
This is a disgrace and any outsider reading this wouldn’t consider moving to this swamp.
As far as the kind of people supporting Lowe you may think twice before casting that vote.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Thank you FlaglerLive for always always being ‘on top’ of the news. I am continually amazed how one man can cover every inch of the county, seriously amazed. One question: Your article states the the ‘tip’ came through to the Sheriff on March 11 , a few days after Barboso’s incident… Your article also states, in two places that Sheriff Chief Engert’s letter to FDLE asking for an investigation is dated July 6- just about 4 months after the Sheriff received the ‘tip’.
Can FlaglerLive clarify ( or fill in the spaces) if any action of any kind was taken by the Sheriff or any US agency regarding the revelation of Costa Rican interpol info between March 11 and July 6th? Thanks again
FlaglerLive says
From what we’ve learned so far, the matter moved slowly because it involved coordination with DOJ, Interpol and documentation from Costa Rica. At leas5 that’s what we were told by the authorities.
PROUD HONEST DEMOCRAT says
You Republicans are funny piles of dog s#it. You will blame Democrats for everything but it was the Republicans that elected this CRIMINAL. I was always told to be careful because Republicans are gardeners and they dig up the dirt on everybody (everyone except fellow Republicans). Even if a Democrat has no dirt the Republicans will make up lies against them. Well now its time to eat what thou have sown, another CRIMINAL just not as bad as Trump. ENJOY.
David S. says
Thank you for being honest , I have always said they don’t know the difference between an A** hole and a hole in the ground they are all brainwashed.
Jimmy says
Easy there, Scooter. It’s still innocent until proven guilty in America…they don’t even know if he’s the same guy, yet. So pump the breaks on the “criminal” label.
I hope it’s him…but everybody deserves a fair shake.
Gina says
MikeC: enjoying watching people die? WTH is wrong with you, that comment is sick in itself and is very unnecessary, some people cannot take those COVID shots it will kill them! And what’s with calling people dog s**t from the proud honest dem, that is nothing to be proud about, when you lose your compassion for your fellow human being we all lose in the end.
Disgustedwithidiots says
What the heck do Covid vaccinations have to do with this article??? You are totally out in left field. People DON’T die from vaccinations! People die from NOT getting vaccinated! Quit sipping the Kool-Aid and spreading FALSE Q-Non inspired conspiracy theories! Anyone with half a brain can see through that crap! Apparently you aren’t old enough to remember the Polio, smallpox, and measles epidemics and the people who stood in lines for hours to get the vaccinations. I do, as my very wise father insisted we were all inoculated. Thank you dad for your wisdom. But seriously, what do your comments have to remotely do with this article about Barbosa and the investigation of the charges against him???
Gina Weiss says
Disgustedithidiotssays: EXACTLY RIIGHT! So you are referring to MIKE C. YES that’s right, he’s the one who brought COVID shots up not me, sayng that you all will sit back and enjoy watching while the antivacers die and YES some people cannot get the vaccine because of their medical commorbities! Pierre please educate these people!
Mike Cocchiola says
Gina… I hope you’re not confusing me with MikeC. Different people.
Gina says
No Mike, not looking at it that way.
Concerned Citizen says
Has anyone noticed how our Republican Sheriff has adroitly distanced himself from this matter?
No public statement. And he has his Chief running the investigation. Why? Because Cowboy wannabe toughguy Staly is a hard corp supporter of Barbosa and Mullins.
There have been at least two seperate occasions where Staly has offered these two the protection of the Sheriff’s Office. The first being Mullins criminal acts committed on air. And on the second there was no action taken against Barbosa in his recent accident. Now on either case you or I would have been arrested for terroristic threats. And in a motor vehicle accident we would have recieved numerous citations.
So where is the uproar in regards to a duly elected constitutional officer failing to perform his duties? We are all over the likes of Barbosa and Mullins. This county has a Sheriff who refuses to do his job. Unless it involves arresting kids over snapchats. Or makes un needed appearences at arrests in order to get in the papers and social media.
He runs an accredited agency that has seen numerous severe issues with hi staff. Yet he does no wrong.
Our politicians will never be held accountable as long as a fellow politician is wearing a badge and protects them.
Disgustedwithidiots says
You raise some very good points! I have noticed that too. Staly has developed the art of passing over actions which may ruffle the feathers of who he deems to be his cohorts, much in the style of trump. Pass it off to others so he doesn’t have to be accountable to those who he perceives are the power brokers in this county. I hope he remembers that when the REAL power brokers hit the ballot box! I hope Flagler Live will call him on all of these “inactions” when his reelection comes up. Deny, deflect, doesn’t cut it anymore.
Another One Lost says
Concerned Citizen,
You frequently complain about Sheriff Staley. What is your solution? I think it’s time you put your money where your mouth is and throw your hat in the ring. In posts you remind us (incessantly) of your vast experience in law enforcement, fire, safety etc. Concerned Citizen for Sheriff! Got a nice ring to it.
Concerned Citizen says
Not meaning to offend you by incessantly mentioning an honorable career that I am proud of.
The solution to Staly is to obviously replace him with someone who isn’t aligned with some of the worst politicians in the county. And then uses his office to protect them.
I have served my time on councils and commisions else where. And approaching my mid 50’s feel I have done what I needed to. And am approaching a few more years of retiring completley.
After witnessing the political circus in this county. I value my sanity. And wouldn’t touch it with the proverbial 10 foot pole. I do however expect our duly elected officials to do their jobs ethically. And expect recourse when not done so.
Another One Lost says
Not offended at all. Just curious as to why all of the self -aggrandizing. I’m quite certain that many on this site have or have had honorable careers that they are proud of. They just don’t feel the need to remind everyone on a regular basis of their glory days. I challenge you to stop injecting yourself and your moral and ethical authority into most of your posts on this site. I have a hunch that your ego will not allow you to accept this challenge.
P.S. You and Staley have more in common than you think. You are both self centered and self promoting bores.
Gina says
Bill C: so close to a mil. isn’t much money to you to spend on a local candidate down here? Or even if it’s 200,000 .Let’s put it this way then it’s much more than anyone is spending on any of the others. So what’s that about?
Bill C says
As usual no facts just wild off the wall comments. Where do you get the ridiculous figure of 200,000? Numerous people have pointed out your error. I have to laugh at how you still think that 17,000 x 100 = 17,000,000. (Ms. Weiss, the correct answer is 1,700,000). I guess in your mind you’re only off by one zero, which is nothing, which means you’re correct.
Gina Weiss says
THE POINT is that there is much money being spent on Alfins campaign than any of the others as anyone with any common sense can see this with TV commercial ads on almost every major network, so deny that next, I just picked the 200,000 thousand as an example, ok so then the PAC’S spent 20 dollars does that make you happy?What you really do not like or want to accept about my comment is that PAC’S are spending money no matter how much for to get him elected.
BR#549 says
I just can’t wait until the next council meeting to here what those two clowns Barbosa and Stanko are going to say…..
DrBubble says
Though I only moved to Palm Coast two years ago, I had the opportunity to meet most of the city council members and mayoral candidates while working as a poll observer last fall. Most candidates and their boosters, both Republican and Democratic, were neighborly, respectful and seemed qualified to serve in these elected city positions.
Unfortunately the adage that “Florida is Sunny Place for Shady People” seemed to fit the crew here. Barbosa, Danko, Lowe and Mullins behaved like strange cult members or something, only engaging with other members of their extreme faction. I left wondering why any of these wing-nuts should be put in responsible positions. They are fantastically unqualified and would be laughed out of any real job interview – there is not one respectable resume between them. Where does Palm Coast get these whack-jobs?
Steve says
You havent seen anything yet. This could get real interesting if not ugly. IMO
Concerned Citizen says
I’m really not surprised that Barbosa is involved in a weapons charge.
There were several instances of him “accidently” displaying it at the library during voting. Which is illegal by the way even with a permit. Yet when concerns were addressed they were brushed off by the Sheriff’s Office.
Yet if a Deputy spots you or I improperly carrying you can best believe we are going to jail.
Right says
“may be a fugitive” may? Does no one think it strange that there’s no comment/quote from Staly? He put’s himself infront of everything else why not this if it’s possible we have a fugitive in our county and in a public position? Because its something that could end controversially and so he can say in the end that he had no control over the info that was made public in an attempt to keep his hands clean and not fall out of favor with the Portuguese voter base.
Concerned Citizen says
Thank you for saying what I just got called out for.
There has been no public statement from the Sheriff. Likewise no mention of it on social media. They are playing it very carefully. Staly has long been Barbosa and Mullins supporters. How else do you make terroristic threats on the air. Or crash into people and not get numerous citations. And then a long “delay” of warrants checks?
Sorry but in this day and age of instant information it’s few and far between on misses when it comes to catching a warrant. And then Staly started stall tactics by letting FDLE “handle” it. So why hasn’t FDLE verified yet?
Right says
“But “as part of the normal investigative process,” Engert wrote, Barbosa’s information was checked through the usual law enforcement databases. On March 11, the Sheriff’s Office received a “delayed hit” from one of the databases “indicating Mr. Barbosa was a fugitive from a foreign country and considered armed and dangerous on the charge of Kidnapping and to contact the U.S. Department of Justice, which our Agency did.”
If I were Mr. Barbosa I would be inquiring as to which one of those “usual law enforcement databases” it was that was utilized and if the same data base was utilized for the other driver as well and if that specific database is utilized routinely during crash investigations. I would want to know date and time the information was ran through the specific database that brought back delayed results.
Right says
Solong as he’s telling the truth that is. If he is, then this should concern everyone no matter what side of the fence you’re on. If it turns out he did commit these offenses then may the consequences befall him.
Doodle says
What does it matter what Database was used currently? Because of people like you that believe (“If a person has nothing to hide than what are they worried about?”) mantras, the courts don’t view invasive tools like DAVID or NCIC as breaking the law when used by Law Enforcement, even if incorrectly or for personal misuse. It may violate a state or department policy issue but it has no bearing on Mr. Barbosa who has all too much opened himself up to public and private scrutiny.
I think he’s more worried about being extradited back to Costa Rica than he is which Database was used.
Right says
My comment was based on the possibility he’s being truthful. If he is and this is a smear, then yes it would matter if an out of the ordinary database was utilized. If he did in fact commit the offenses, then who really cares? He’ll get what’s coming.
Steve says
Yeah and go shine some ultraviolet light up your nose or disinfectant In your veins and pretend your MAGA
Pat says
What is the latest in the Barbosa saga? Is he really a fugitive wanted in Costa Rica for kidnapping and extortion? Curious minds want to know…
FlaglerLive, Did you do a follow up piece to this article that I missed?