FRANKLIN—Leigh Z. Person was named Franklin’s Moocher of the Year, and neighbor LaTrevis Moody knows why.
Person was on Government assistance in 1998 when Moody, now Person’s next door neighbor, moved into the neighborhood.
“Everybody talked about her and numerous men could be seen leaving her apartment at all hours of the night,” said Moody, an assistant manager at Dollar General. “She wasn’t well respected and she was constantly pregnant… matter of fact she still is.”
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A Franklin High School dropout, Person was surprised by the award. “I think we have some great people living off the current system, so many that are deserving of this,” Person said. “It means a lot coming from your peers.” Southampton’s Baybee Pehsheks and Isle of Wight’s Jimmy Ebt were also recognized as Moochers of the Year in their counties during a reception Thursday. |
“I just love having more and more kids and I hope that the government will continue the payments with each additional life!” Person said.
Citizens from each district voted for a top moocher from their county.
Pehsheks, 24, said she was very humbled and flattered.
“I have a strong passion for free money and provided housing, so combining the two passions has turned out to be a good career choice,” she said.
Pehsheks moved to Courtland in 2008, and promptly applied for Social Security and her very own EBT card. She was nominated because she procured fertility drugs, enabling her to have sextuplets in 2010. “That was a gift from God,” said Pehsheks, “that money was greatly needed, I’m blessed.”
Ebt, 33, said being recognized was exciting.
“I was excited that my peers thought I’d done enough to vote for me,” he said. “I don’t work at a so-called job, I just kinda watch Wendy Williams a lot in the afternoons and try to get the guy at Food Lion to ring up my Miller High Life as cereal so my food stamp card will cover it. I do all that because that’s what’s in my heart to do.”
Moving to Smithfield in 2000, Ebt started slumming part time but was drawn to it full time on the advice of his mentor, Githat Paper.
“I learned that I could mooch and people could support me,” he said. “I like the interaction with people in line at the store. For instance, how they stare at me swiping my food stamp card when I’m trying to pay for my carton of Newports, along with that delicious smelling pack of hot steamed shrimp I just had wrapped fresh at the seafood counter. But the restrictions on the card cause me to have to fumble through my wallet and pay with a wad of cash from Social Security instead, as the smell of Old Bay and yesterday’s booze wafts through the air.”
Moocher Committee Chairman Lan Lore said it’s important to note the sacrifices of citizens that let these and other moochers hold back progress of Franklin.
“We will continue to recognize these Moochers of the Year until we’ve awarded them all. They’re the best at their craft and ultimately deserving of such high praise,” he said.