No.1 in the No. 2 biz... and willing to kill!

“from the Suwanee FLA Democrat:

Murder for hire plot brings arrest

Author: Susan K. Lamb, Suwannee Democrat Managing Editor
Publication Date: 2004-12-16

Citing his alleged attempt to hire a hit man to murder a local businessman who is a competitor, authorities have arrested and charged Live Oak septic tank business owner John Hudson Lundy, 61, with solicitation to commit first degree murder.

Lundy was arrested Tuesday night after authorities said he conspired with and requested that a subject kill Donald William "Don" Wainwright. Wainwright is a competitor of Lundy's in the septic tank business.

According to a press release issued by authorities Tuesday night immediately after Lundy's arrest, Lundy allegedly met with a subject, identified in court records as Richard Earl Marley Sr., on several occasions. However, in all the court records the name is misspelled, according to those close to the case. The subject's correct name is Richard Earl Marler Sr., a local debt collection businessman who also collects debts for Lundy, sources said. On one occasion Lundy showed Marler Sr. where Wainwright lived and worked, stating to Marler Sr. he wanted Wainwright killed, the release said. Authorities said Lundy reportedly paid Marler Sr. money to carry out the alleged murder for hire scheme and on several occasions Lundy told Marler Sr. he was serious about wanting the intended victim killed.

Investigators still aren't sure why Lundy allegedly wanted Wainwright killed. However, the case is still under investigation.

Lundy was booked into the Suwannee County Jail shortly after 7 p.m. Dec. 14 after Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Bill Pfeil obtained a warrant charging Lundy with solicitation to commit first degree murder. The affidavit for arrest was signed by Third Circuit Judge Vernon Douglas of Lake City Dec.13. Bond was set at $750,000 by Judge Douglas.

In order to post bond, Lundy would have to pay $75,000 in non-refundable cash to a bonding company or put up property valued at $750,000 as security. Lundy was still incarcerated Thursday morning but had made a first appearance before Suwannee County Judge Bill Slaughter Wednesday morning where he indicated he would have private counsel, Lake City attorney Ron Peacock, jail officials said. A hearing where Lundy's attorney will ask for a bond reduction was believed imminent on Thursday.

If Lundy is convicted of the felony charges, he could serve up to 30 years in prison. There is no minimum sentence for the charge, which means he could also be sentenced to probation if convicted, officials said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Suwannee County Sheriff's Office and Live Oak Police Department were jointly involved in more than six months of investigation that led to the arrest the evening of Dec.14 when Pfeil actually made the arrest.

Lundy, who owns Lundy's Septic Service and is known for his business slogan, "We're number 1 in the number 2 business," is a well-known businessman active in the local business world.

Wainwright is also a well-known businessman, currently involved in the DDJ project north of town on US 129 at the Interstate 10 business corridor. Wainwright is also involved in other business ventures, including a septic tank business.

Third Circuit Assistant State Attorney David Fina, whose office would normally prosecute the case against Lundy, told the Suwannee Democrat Wednesday that State Attorney Jerry Blair, who was out of town, has asked the governor's office to appoint a special prosecutor to handle the case. Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Willie Meggs of Leon County will likely be appointed to handle the case, he said. The case, however, is expected to be tried in Suwannee County.

It was learned that Third Circuit Judge Jim Roy Bean of Perry will handle the judicial end of the case locally.

Attempts to reach Wainwright before press time were unsuccessful.”

“This just proves the old saying "if you want something done right, do it yourself".”