John Wyche: Pensacola Businessman Found Guilty

Was it greed, a sense of power, forgetting that no one is above the law, a mistress or a friend that brought him to this point? Perhaps a combination of all this has John Wyche now facing 60 years imprisonment.

As reported by the Pensacola News Journal here, John Wyche, 52-year-old Pensacola executive, husband, father and son, is awaiting his sentence after being charged and convicted of racketeering.

On Monday, Aug. 9, a jury of two black males, two white females and two white males returned a verdict of guilty after hearing the testimony of his mistress, his friend and colleague and several witnesses called by the state and the defense. By far, the most damaging testimonies were those of his former mistress, Jackie Johnson, and his friend and co defendant, O.J. Rembert.

Wyche was on trial for racketeering and unlawful financial transactions. He, along with Rembert, were accused of using more than $750,000 of state education money, housing grants and loans for their own personal gain. Rembert pleaded guilty and testified against Wyche in the trial. Wyche was the director of the now-defunct Life Skills Center Charter School and the Escambia County Land Trust.

Before sentencing, Judge Linda Nobles has ordered an investigation into the background of John Wyche. In attendance, the duration of the trial was John's mother, his wife and his teenage son. Another regular, Malcolm Porter Sr., maintained a steady seat in back of the courtroom.

Porter decided before the trial began that he would not miss any of the testimony because, as he stated to Reginald Dugan, "This is one I wouldn't miss for the world. If the verdict had come back any other way, I would have been upset."

Porter originally supported Wyche. Porter helped him campaign as he unsuccessfully ran for numerous public offices several times in the past. His endeavors failed, yet he continued his move to power. Porter also stated he lost faith in Wyche because he saw how Wyche was using his position to take advantage of people. He said he saw Wyche use their money. Porter described Wyche by saying "He's a deceptive man. He wouldn't listen to anyone. He's guilty without a doubt."

Sources:

Pensacola News Journal

Reginald Dugan/PNJ