Bubba/Lunsford War Of Words Resolved

Bubba The Love Sponge Clem

As tipped YESTERDAY on ALL ACCESS (NET NEWS 3/19), the dispute between COX RADIO Classic Rockers WHPT (THE BONE)/TAMPA and WFYV (ROCK 105)/JACKSONVILLE morning host BUBBA THE LOVE SPONGE and MARK LUNSFORD is settled. Attorney ERIC BLOCK, representing MARK LUNSFORD, the father of a CITRUS COUNTY, FL girl abducted and slain three years ago, announced on the show that he has abandoned plans to sue the sheriff's office over the case, reports TBO.COM.

JESSICA MARIE "JESSIE" LUNSFORD was kidnapped, raped and slain in FEBRUARY, 2005 by a neighbor with a history of child sex crimes. The case drew widespread sympathy and led to child protection laws changing in many states. When LUNSFORD's attorney filed a notice of intent to sue CITRUS COUNTY Sheriff JEFF DAWSY, alleging mistakes made during the investigation, sentiment turned against LUNSFORD. Leading that charge was BUBBA "THE LOVE SPONGE" CLEM, who called LUNSFORD's motives into question.

This morning, BLOCK was a guest on the show, and the lawyer announced the decision not to sue the sheriff. He said the decision was made after sheriff's officials agreed to re-examine procedures for such investigations, which was what his client wanted. The criminal case ended in the conviction of JOHN EVANDER COUEY, the neighbor, and subsequent imposition of the death penalty.

CLEM apologized to BLOCK and his firm for any attacks, "both personal and professional," during the past month, saying he was speaking on behalf of the people of CITRUS COUNTY who would shoulder the cost of the suit and any monetary settlement. The feud between CLEM and LUNSFORD drew widespread attention, culminating this month when the attorney sent a letter to CLEM asking him to stop and apologize.

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