For decades, Richard Bradbury nursed his hostility for former ambassador Mel Sembler — who finally struck back when it got too personal. Now their grudge match has spilled into a public courtroom.
November 11, 2006
The wealthy, politically connected developer has it all over the jobless guy who can’t remember the last time he paid his taxes. Except for this intangible: Bradbury is on a mission. And he’s obsessed.
For 10 years he combed through the garbage outside Sembler’s home on Treasure Island, meticulously cataloging little treasures he discovered, including documents with the ambassador’s seal and presidential schedules complete with aircraft tail numbers.
Three years ago, Bradbury’s garbage runs hit what for him was the mother lode: Sembler’s discarded penile pump.
Thoughtful soul that he is, Bradbury offered the item on eBay:
“Pump, one of a kind formerly owned by current United States Ambassador to Italy …” Minimum bid: $300,000.
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/11/11/Tampabay/Dirt__the_diplomat.shtml