Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Federal agents arrested two men and charged them with conspiracy, theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft. The men are said to have received more than $1.5 million as a result of the scam.

Cordell Veonzal Jones (pictured, left), 51, and Craig Calhoun (pictured, right), 50, were both arrested. Calhoun was arrested in July on unrelated charges and Jones was arrested last Thursday.

According to the federal investigation, beginning in May 2011, until February 2013, Jones and Calhoun, along with others, are alleged to have obtained federal income tax funds fraudulently and converted them to their own use and the use of others. They reportedly used the personal information of other people without their knowledge to obtain the funds.

They are alleged to have opened more than 150 bank accounts with at least 20 financial institutions. “Bank records show that Jones and other co-conspirators caused the U. S. Treasury to release $1,615,227 in tax refunds to the accounts.”

Police said the two men, along with others, filed more than 500 IRS Forms 1040 for the years 2010 and 2011. They also recruited others from the street to file the tax forms.

Jones allegedly admitted that he was the ringleader of the scam and that he involved his best friend, his wife, daughter, son, sister-in-law, cousins, ex-girlfriend, Calhoun and another friend.

Jones was arrested on September 5^th, and is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail. Calhoun was arrested on July 14^th, and charged with failing to report as a sex offender and giving a false name to law enforcement.

He is being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

The Nuccio Park area (also known as the “Fish Bowl”) has seen its share of problems over the years. The huge park on the corner of Sligh Avenue and 50^th Street was actually shut down for a while due to complaints of drug activity and other criminal acts.

Over the past 3-1/2 years, and through several operations, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has virtually cleaned up the area, and once again made the park a safe place for the kids.

Dee Solomon, wife of the late Freddie Solomon, has been named director of the community center at the park that bears the name of her late husband.

“Things are really looking up in this community. The Sheriff’s Office is taking over the community center, and they will partner with the Boys and Girls Club to run the center.

“The center is currently being renovated, and is scheduled to be opened late next month.”

Ms. Solomon said when her late husband first came to the area, he quickly noticed the kids and parents had nothing to do.

“We’re changing all of that. We’re moving forward o getting some things for the kids and their families.

“The area has gone through a lot of transformations, and although the crime rate may not be where we’d like it to be right now, we all know change takes time. We have seen some improvements.

“The fact is, when kids are idle, things happen. Our target population are 5 to 18 years olds’ and their families.”

Ms. Solomon said there has been a big cleanup in the area, thanks to the county code enforcement team, and they have done an excellent job keeping the streets clean, and dealing with the abandoned homes.

“Prior to the past three years, there hadn’t been a lot of law enforcement presence in the area. The area grew so fast, and I think officials were caught off guard.

“We want to create positive things for the kids. I know the people want a nice community, and I feel they deserve it.”

Ms. Solomon said she thinks the role of the Tampa Housing Authority has been a positive influence in the area.

“The Housing Authority has redone the Moses White complex, and they are building a new complex just west of 56^th Street on Sligh Avenue.

“We hope these new developments will bring the right people into the area to live. We want to make the negative people uncomfortable to come and hang out in this community. We really appreciate the commitment we’ve gotten from law enforcement.”

Business owner Marvin Knight, who lives in the area, said the community looked bad in the past, and the crime rate was very high.

“There were still a lot of good things happening. When the Housing Authority came in and improved housing in the area, that was a big step up.

“I believe the area has a lot of potential, and years ago, I was looking to invest in the area.”

Knight said the community centers needs to set the example for the area by giving the young people something to do.

“The legacy of Freddie Solomon should be allowed to continue and reflect all the hard work he and his wife put in to make things better.

“Change will only come when we pull together, and invest time and money in the community.”

Knight said because he lives in the community, he will continue to invest in it to make things better.

“I hope this is the beginning of something great. I just want people to enjoy the great things going on in the community.”

CHARLIE CHRISTOPHER BATES
… Killed During Shootout with Police

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

?The hunt for an armed home invasion suspect ended Friday afternoon with a police chase, shootout and the suspect being killed. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Charlie Christopher Bates, of Lakeland, died at approximately 1:21 p.m., Friday afternoon.
?According to police, an officer observed a vehicle being driven by the suspect. The suspect observed the police car following him. The suspect then began leading police on a chase that reached 80 miles per hour. When Bates reached the area of U. S. Highway 301 and Harney Road, he allegedly began shooting through the rear window of the vehicle he was driving.
?Police began firing back and Bates lost control of the vehicle and spun across U. S. 301, where he allegedly continued firing shots and police returned the gunfire. More than 100 rounds were exchanged between Bates and the officers. The chase ended around 12:40 p.m., and transported to a local hospital, where he died.
?Bates is accused of committing at least three home invasions in the University of South Florida area. Around 11 p.m., a woman reported to police that a man broke into her apartment and ordered her to undress. The woman began praying and Bates fled the scene with personal property.
?He is alleged to have continued to another apartment, where four men and four women were located. He is said to have bound the men with duck tape and sexually assaulted all four women.
?As police were investigating the reported crimes, they heard shots fired in the area. Upon investigation, deputies learned that an armed suspect had entered an apartment where about 25 people were located and ordered them on the ground. He is alleged to have fired at least one shot before fleeing the scene.
?Police began chasing the armed suspect, but lost him. The area was locked down, including several schools in the area.
?On Friday morning, the investigation continued. Police said Bates had changed his clothes and cut his dredlocks in an effort to change his appearance. However, he was recognized by a member of the U. S. Marshal’s Task Force.
?The investigation is continuing.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

When Owen Young was assigned as principal of Middleton High School in 2009, the school had received a “D” grade for several years. But, his dedication paid off when the school’s grade rose to a “B” last year.

On September 24^th, Young accompanied by Ervin Harris and Ja’von Nelson, will travel to Washington, D. C., to meet with Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education. They will be among 23 schools chosen from throughout the nation to participate in a one-day conference with Secretary Duncan.

Principal Young said, “I was invited to Washington, D. C., in June to talk about what we’ve done to turn the school around. We are recognized around the country for our success.

“They also wanted to talk to some of the students. We are going to talk about how we used the Race To The Top funding and help to create a viable model for other schools. We are going to help establish the framework on how we were able to do it.”

The conference, known as the Convening, will help identify components critical to schools becoming successful for students. Middleton High School is the only school in the district and in the state to be chosen to participate in the conference.

Since becoming principal of the school, Young has emphasized a family environment that focuses on involving students, parents, and the community in the learning process.

“Being consistent and committed to the growth and development of our children, the community, teachers, and parents will always result in transformation and success of our school,” Young said.

Ervin Harris, a senior at Middleton said, “Being a student at a turnaround school is truly an honor because I will always be a part of the foundation in the history of Middleton’s new legacy.”

Ja’von Nelson, who will also travel to Washington, is a senior at Middleton High School. “Now, I realize that small changes can make big differences in the long run after being a part of a turnaround school.”

Henry Washington, Hillsborough County Area Director said, “Middleton has come a long way under the guidance of Mr. Young. He is doing an excellent job and is making sure that the school is academically prepared to meet the curriculum so t hat students can be successful.

“He has also been very successful in involving the students and parents. He is a good fit for the school and moving it in the right direction.”

Pictured: On September 24^th, Middleton High School Principal Owen Young and two students will meet Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, to discuss components critical to student success. Principal Young, center, is shown with Ervin Harris, left, and Ja’von Nelson.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help from the community to locate a missing man. The man is listed as “Endangered” because he is mentally disabled and has medical issues.

Gift Bless Smith, 33, is described as being 5’5” tall, weighs 180 pounds, and has a large build. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, white shoes, and an unknown colored shirt. He also wears glasses and has slight facial hair.

According to police, Smith was reported missing at approximately 11 p.m., on Tuesday, September 2^nd. His caregiver told police he was last seen between 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.

The caregiver told police Smith walked away from the residence at 2403 Goodberry Place, in Brandon, and has not been seen or heard from since.

Smith is mentally disabled and is also on medication for various medical issues.

Detective Larry McKinnon said, “We have gone door-to-door, we have flyers, a detective has been assigned to the case and we are using all of the social media to help locate him. We are asking anyone who sees him to contact us.”

Detective McKinnon further stated that an option for people caring for individuals who may wonder away can be located on their website. “We call it Project Lifesaver and it’s a bracelet that the person wears that has a tracking device. We have had a lot of success with it and have actually located people within 20 minutes of them being reported missing.”

Anyone with information on Smith is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

As far as is known, for the first time in the history of the establishment of Greek letter organizations, 2 of the presidents reside in the same city.

In Tampa, that will remain so until 2014 when Atty. Carolyn House Stewart completes her term as the 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is the first president to serve a full term in the Sorority’s second century (2010-2014), and the first attorney to head the organization. Her service to the sorority began when she was initiated at the University of South Florida in 1972.

In July, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. elected Dr. Paulette C. Walker as its 25th National President.

The two presidents have already shared the same platform when they were both guests at the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Annual Convention in Houston, Texas last month.

Atty. House Stewart’s administration has been driven by the theme: “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service,” which is devoted to continuing the sorority’s 102-year-old legacy of “service to all mankind.”

When she looks back on the accomplishments during her tenure, they are numerous, including celebrating 105 years of existence and commemorating 100 years of incorporation. The sorority has 975 chapter in 7 countries.

Under Atty. Stewart’s leadership, several partnerships for undergraduates have been enhanced.

In 2012, the sorority intensified its AKA C.A.R.E.S. program and registered 60,269 voters.

Because of her association with so many organizations, Atty. Stewart has kept the sorority in the forefront globally.

Atty. Stewart has a scholarship established through the AKA Educational Foundation and has given scholarships which total $35,000. Two of the scholarships were given to a student in Tampa and one in Lakeland.

As she prepares to depart, Atty. Stewart says, “Serving as the 28th President of this great organization, has been a life changing experience. Service empowers others, provides opportunities, gives hope and makes this world a better place for today and future generations.”

A graduate of the University of South Florida and the University of South Carolina Law Center, Atty. Stewart is of counsel in the law firm of Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen. The wife of Atty. Delano Stewart, she has one daughter.

Dr. Paulette C. Walker was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Michigan State University in October 1966.

Described as a dedicated leader, Dr. Walker is looking forward to continuing to move the more than 300,000 member, 100-year-old sorority forward. She serves on many boards and her noteworthy accomplishments have earned her recognition from several professional, civic and religious organizations.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Walker has called the Tampa area her home since February of 1990. She retired in July 2011 as the director of undergraduate programs and internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University, Master of Arts and the Doctor of Education from The University of Michigan.

Dr. Walker is an active member of Mt. Olive AME Church where she serves on the Trustee Board. She is co-author of the book, “We Can Have Better Urban Schools.”

A widow and the mother of 2 adult sons and 8 grandchildren, Dr. Walker is the only child of Helen and the late Otis Felton.

Dr. Walker’s motto is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” In her spare time she enjoys reading and sewing.

Atty. Stewart will leave office in July 2014 in Charlotte, NC at the 66th Boule.

At 2:20 a. m. Tuesday, Tampa Police officers answered a call of shots being fired at Club Dreams, 4217 East 7^th Avenue. When they arrived, they were told a pair of vehicles had fled from the parking lot before they arrived.

Moments later, officers were told the driver of a black Jeep Cherokee was shooting at the driver of a red Infiniti in the area of 40^th Street and East Chelsea. The driver of the Infiniti, identified as Waitus Howard, 39, reportedly took a defensive measure and intentionally rammed the Jeep Cherokee.

The Jeep overturned and crashed into a building at 3802 North 40^th Street. The driver of the Jeep jumped out and fled.

Howard was not injured and he saw a bullet hole in the driver’s door of his vehicle.

Officers are trying to determine what happened at the club that led to the shots being fired, and to identify the driver of the Jeep. No charges have been filed at this time.

On August 30^th, Gaither High School Cowboys took on the Chamberlain Chiefs in a Class 7A Battle. Gaither walked away with the victory leaving Chamberlain with 28-0 defeat.

Chamberlain saw signs of a strong defense but, the offensive could not score. The Chiefs were down 14-0 at the half.  Gaither poured on some more scores in the fourth quarter. The final score was 28-0. Chamberlain will travel to Leto High School to take on the Falcons on September 6^th. (Photographs by Toby Scott, of Chow and Scott Keepsakes).

#7 Anthony Davis and #22 Tahwan Keels were proud of the stop they made.

Cynthia Washington and Alicia Wilson came out to support Gaither’s running back Stanley Washington.

Jamarcus Adams, Darlene Cobb Johnson (mother of Brandon Johnson #39), Veronika Jackson (mother of Andre Robinson #43), Mairi, and Milan (blue shirt in the back) had hoped for a better game out of the Chiefs.

Charles Booth, of Jefferson High School’s Championship team, came out to have a good time.

More than two years ago, the City of Tampa decided to build a roundabout in East Tampa. On Wednesday morning, Mayor Bob Buckhorn will host a ribbon cutting of the completed project.

Many East Tampa residents questioned the need for a roundabout at that intersection. Some talked about space needed by city buses, fire trucks, and semis trying to maneuver through the narrow lanes.

Some citizens reported overhearing bus drivers complain that it is difficult to direct the large vehicles in the narrow lanes. Others have said they simply don’t feel comfortable driving through it.

City Councilman Frank Reddick said, “It’s coming to an end and I think it will enhance the community. A lot of people had mixed emotions because they thought it would be similar to the ones on N. 40^th Street. I don’t think it will be too confusing.”

Mrs. Evangeline Best said, “It could be a beautiful thing. But, people my age just don’t feel comfortable driving around it. I have been through the training and I just don’t feel comfortable. I feel in time, people will grow to use it, but I’m concerned about safety more than anything.”

Mrs. Queen Miller said, “It’s been going on for so long, I don’t know what to say. During the entire time, they had stuff all over the place, and the City buses were going down streets not designed for them.

“I also don’t think the roundabout is a good idea. I think it’s dangerous and I do expect accidents one of these days. I think it was really a waste of money. I think the money could have been used for better purposes.”