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| Caught 'orange-handed'. Camera phone technology is saving the orange industry billions as it is enabling young kids to catch grownups stealing oranges by nearly swallowing them whole and concealing them in their mouths. |
By Scratch DeReno
CoverUps.com Investigator
FLORIDA - Kids, some as young as 10, have been employed by the Florida Citrus Commission to crack down on “grand theft citrus,” a crime punishable by “concentration and pulp removal.” The practice and its following commission were both originated in Florida.
The 'Sunshine State' is resorting to hiring young children with camera phones to catch adult orange pickers, who think nothing of pulling over on a side of the road and snagging a bit of the sweet, juicy fruit. The program has worked well, but many wonder if turning kids against their parents is a wise thing to do at such an early age.
“I really felt bad about turning in my father,” said Anita Bryant, 12, of Jacksonville, FL, but he should be thankful that I know the difference between right and wrong. My father shouldn't just take an orange whenever he feels like it and can tell nobody is looking. This will prepare him for when I am a teen and begin to curse his very existence.”
Bryant claimed she has witnessed her father, on many occasion, grab fruit in the grocery store and eat it by the time they got to the check out line.
“I always wanted to say something, because it made me feel uncomfortable,” Bryant said.
That all changed when she was recruited by Sunkist to do the right thing and turn in her father to get him help with his orange problem.
“I just want my father to quit drinking (orange juice) and I know Sunkist can help,” she said. “Plus, they will give me an iPod shuffle for my trouble.”
Sadly, however, Bryant’s situation took a turn for the worst. During the first month of his 3 – 5 at the Florida State Penitentiary, Bryant was “freshly squeezed.”
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