WARNING: STORM PROFITEERING DOES NOT PAY

During the aftermath of Hurricane Charley last August, a lot of help came through to people who suffered. Sadly, some Polk Countians did not receive some of that help.

Alturas store owner Salah Darwish was convicted Thursday of common law cheating, a third degree felony, for selling water which had been donated and intended for hurricane victims. A more serious felony, dealing in stolen property, had been dropped earlier.

Darwish was charged after the state's Agricultrual Law Enforcement Department investigated allegations made in an e-mail sent to Governor Bush by an area resident. He was sentenced to five years' probation and 150 hours of community service that must be spent helping hurricane victims or preparing for hurricane season.

After the sentencing, Darwish tried to use the race card, saying he was discriminated against because he is of Middle Eastern descent.

Sorry, sir...but you don't take advantage of the generosity of others in order to line your own pockets. This is not a racial issue. People were suffering after the hurricane, and this guy was selling water intended to be given away. That, my friend, is just plain wrong!