Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

As gun violence continues to ravage communities and destroy families, Republicans in Washington, D. C. want to posture for the sake of their party and maintain their loyalty to the National Rifle Association.

Vice President Joe Biden has asked for “common sense” gun control laws, but the GOP has rejected that and all other proposals, saying any gun control law would be a violation of the second amendment.

Locally, law enforcement leaders and elected officials were asked how they felt about gun control.

County Commissioner Les Miller said the Commissioners have not had any discussions on local gun control.

“It’s not what local governments need to do, but more of what needs to be done on a state and national level.

“As a state senator, I introduced several bills asking for gun control, but nothing ever passed. I don’t anticipate that changing anytime soon, no matter how much gun violence escalates. It has become a political issue instead of a public safety issue.”

City Councilman Frank Reddick said he believes something needs to be done to impose some regulations to deny easy access to guns.

“The gun shows must be regulated closer, and we need tighter control of assault weapons. I also support background checks on anyone trying to purchase guns. I personally don’t see why any citizen would need an assault weapon.

“Realistically, however, we know the young people causing all of this violence aren’t getting their guns from gun shows. They are buying them off the street, or out of the trunk of someone’s car.”

Councilman Reddick said too many guns are falling into the hands of our young people, and if you have the resources, you can buy a gun anywhere at any time.

“There is a market out there. We have to reach that market. No one should be selling guns on the street. I think the gun shows have a negative impact, and some of the guns they market need to be taken away.

“We need to work harder in the community to address gun violence. There appears to be a lack of supervision in the homes where these young violent offenders come from.”

Speaking on behalf of Hillsborough County Sheriff, David Gee, Captain Chad Chronister said they think there needs to be better standards on the mental health portion of control.

“We haven’t taken a position for or against gun control. We’re in favor of mandated background checks, and the gun shows would be a part of that. We can improve gun control by better focusing on the mental health aspect.”

Police Chief Jane Castor didn’t address gun control directly, but on Thursday before the City Council, she did applaud the efforts of her gang squad in identifying area gangs, and targeting those responsible for the rash of gun violence that has left many citizens living in fear.

On Tuesday morning, shortly before noon, an armed suspect entered an East Tampa business. Once inside, the suspect robbed the business and patrons before fleeing the scene.

According to police, the man entered New Creations Dominican Hair Salon, 4505 E. Hillsborough Avenue, around 11:40 a.m. He ordered the customers to the ground. He then collected the purses and wallets of the customers. The suspect pushed the customers who did not move fast enough.

There were several patrons in the business at the time of the robbery, police said.

He also forced the patrons into the back room and put them on the ground once again before fleeing the scene. There were no injuries reported to police.

Police responded to the scene and searched the area, but were unable to locate the man. He is described as a Black man, about 5’11” tall, with a skinny build. The man wore a full ski mask with nose and eyes cutout. He was also wearing a black jacket with red on the front, black pants, and armed with a long, black rifle.

The investigation is continuing.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Sunday afternoon, one young man died after being shot. The young man accused of shooting him remain at large. However, the victim’s mother wants the young man to surrender to police.

Ms. Teresa Williams, mother of Osh Totter “O. T.” Williams, said the two young men were not strangers. “I know his mother, but I haven’t spoken with her. We were very close growing up. I want him (Speights) to turn himself in. I don’t want him to hurt himself and I don’t want his mother to go through what I’m going through,” Ms. Williams said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warrant for the arrest of 20-year-old Rodney Dejontae Speights, Jr. He is wanted in connection with a shooting that took place outside the Snack Attack Food Store, 6824 N. 50^th Street, on Sunday afternoon.

According to police, the shooting took place around 3 p.m. Speights was captured on video walking up to 20-year-old Williams, who was also 20-years-old, outside of the store.

Speights engaged Williams in conversation before the shooting took place.

Police said Williams was shot with a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Williams was struck several times and died at the scene shortly after the shooting.

After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene in a light blue Chevrolet Equinox. Speights was identified as the shooter by witnesses from the surveillance video.

Police said Williams and Speights had been involved in a fight the day before. Prior to the shooting, Speights told a witness that his intent was to fight Williams in retaliation for the fight they had Saturday.

About The Victim

Williams was a Tampa native and attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He attended King High School, before attending Gary Adult School. Ms. Williams said the young man was supposed to take his GED Test next week.

Ms. Williams said her son was raised by his paternal aunt, the late Mrs. Brenda Jordan and uncle, Robert Jordan. 

“My son wasn’t a thug. He was a typical young man trying to find himself. He was a mannerable and respectful young man. He was so talented. He could sing and had a different type of voice. He was an artist, he could rap, play the drums, he was into the Bible, and he could preach.

“He was into the Bible very deeply and into church. I know he made peace with God. He was very talented; he just had too much talent. He always said that when he hit it big, he was going to take care of his family. I’m just upset by all of this gun violence.”

Ms. Williams said after the death of his aunt, her son got “wrapped up in the streets the last two years. He just got tangled up.”

Ms. Williams said
his father is Gregory Shipman, and he is survived by five sisters and a brother. He also has 5 nieces and 5 nephews. He is the grandson of Mrs. Beatrice Pinder.

Ms. Williams stated the family is currently trying to raise money for his funeral. The services are planned for Saturday, April 6^th. Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

Anyone wishing to assist the family can contact Ms. Williams at (813) 532-4075.

About The Suspect

Speights is described as 5’6” and weighing 130 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing red pants and a white, long sleeved shirt.

Investigators said anyone helping Speights avoid arrests could also be charged as an accessory to the murder. Anyone with information leading to the whereabouts of Rodney Speights, Jr., is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

The caller could remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.

In a historic ceremony Friday, U. S. Representative Kathy Castor welcomed 59-year-old Army General Lloyd Austin, III during a change of command ceremony for U. S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base.

Rep. Castor said, “today I was reminded that ending the war and bringing our troops home is one of the reasons I first ran for Congress. General Austin led our troops out of Iraq, and as head of U. S. Central Command, he will now lead more than 30,000 troops out of Afghanistan to bring them home throughout the next year.

“The ceremony also brought Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to MacDill for the first time under his new charge, and we were proud to showcase the incredible workforce and intelligence that exists here.”

Gen. Austin has broken barriers throughout his 36-year military career, and is now the first African American appointed to lead U. S. Central Command.

Gen. Austin is a native of Thomasville, Georgia, and graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) with a B. S. degree in June 1975. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Auburn University, and a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Webster University. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U. S. Army War College.

Among the commands Gen. Austin has held are: Army Vice-Chief of Staff, United States Forces in Iraq, XVIII Airborne Corps, 10^th Mountain Division, 3^rd brigade, 82^nd Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, and the 505^th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Gen. Austin has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal four times, the Army Distinguished Medal three times, a Silver Star, and he received the Defense Superior Service Medal twice.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

After more than 25 years in law enforcement a Tampa native obtained employment at an exclusive golf resort. Recently, he received a promotion.

For more than two decades, Marion Lewis patrolled the streets of Tampa as a police officer. His career ended when he decided to run for public office, and he was forced into retirement.

After retiring, Lewis engaged in a 5-year legal battle with the City of Tampa. He recently accepted a monetary settlement.

Lewis was hired as the Security Manager at Saddlebrook Resort in 2007.

He was recently promoted to Director of Security at the upscale resort.

“After a long and successful career in law enforcement, we quickly saw how his calm demeanor coupled with his ability to provide security while maintaining a sense of hospitality would be a tremendous benefit to the resort. Marion’s ability to organize is sure to bring a heightened professionalism to the department and his sometimes overwhelming knowledge of law enforcement will be a training tool for all,” Patrick J. Ciaccio, General Manager of Saddlebrook said.

Lewis said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a security department that has the responsibility to provide security for a beautiful Resort that consists of 480 acres including residential communities and guests that visits our Resort from every corner of the world.

“I have approached my second career with as much determination and vigor as I did in my 27-year career with the Tampa Police Department.  Although I am extremely happy with my current position; in the distant future I do plan on making another run for political office.”

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warrant for the arrest of a young Tampa man. He is wanted in connection with a shooting that took place outside the Snack Attack Food Store, 6824 N. 50^th Street, on Sunday afternoon.

According to police, the shooting took place around 3 p.m., Sunday. Rodney Dejontae Speights, Jr., was captured on video walking up to 20-year-old Osh Totter “O. T.” Williams. Williams was outside of the store when Speights, 20, engaged him in conversation.

The video then showed Speights shooting at Williams with what was later determined to be a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Williams was struck several times and died at the scene shortly after the shooting, police said.

After the shooting, Speights fled the scene in a light blue Chevrolet Equinox. Speights was identified as the shooter by witnesses from the surveillance video.

Police said Williams and Speights had been involved in a fight the day before. Prior to the shooting, Speights told a witness that his intent was to fight Williams in retaliation for the fight they had Saturday.

Williams’ family had not selected a funeral home at press time.

Speights is described as 5’6” and weighing 130 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing red pants and a white, long sleeved shirt.

Investigators said anyone helping Speights avoid arrests could also be charged as an accessory to the murder. Anyone with information leading to the whereabouts of Rodney Speights, Jr., is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200. The caller could remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.

Police Investigate Shooting Death Of Tampa Man

The Tampa Police Department is currently investigating the shooting death of a young Tampa man. The shooting took place early Sunday morning.

Benge Bennett

According to police, 29-year-old Benge Carlos Bennett was at Fatso’s Billiards, 1010 E. Busch Blvd., with family and friends. He parked his vehicle behind Jon’s Bridal Shop, 1102 E. Busch Blvd. Shortly after the group left the billiards parlor, an officer on patrol heard gunshots. The shooting took place at 2:45 a.m., behind the business. The officer responded to the area where the gunshots came from and observed patrons fleeing the area.

The officer found Bennett, who had been shot once, lying next to a vehicle. He was shot once and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Bennett later died from his injuries.

Police said there are no suspects at this time. However, an active investigation is underway. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call (813) 231-6130.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Thursday, the U. S. Attorney’s Office unsealed a criminal complaint charging a Probation Officer and another man with submitting fraudulent income tax returns. If convicted each faces 10 years in federal prison.

Law enforcement officials charged Corey A. Coley, Sr., and Albert E. Moore, Jr., with scheming to defraud the government by submitting the income tax returns and using the money for their own benefit.

Coley, who was a Juvenile Justice Probation Officer, is alleged to have obtained the identities of the victims from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice records.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Wansley Walters said, “I am outraged by the allegations of this blatant betrayal of trust, and I want to send a clear message that this type of behavior absolutely will not be tolerated, by close of business today (Thursday), the employee in question will be terminated.

“There are a number of policies in place regarding access to sensitive youth information, and I hold DJJ employees to standards of excellence. Taking advantage of those who’ve entered the juvenile justice system is shameful. I want to assure the victims, their families, and public that we are re-evaluating current policies and procedures related to youth information and we are committed to promptly addressing any vulnerabilities discovered through that process.” Coley was terminated from his job on Thursday.

According to court documents, beginning in January 2012 through October 2012, Coley, Moore, and other co-conspirators engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the U. S. Treasury Department.

The defendants applied for and received reloadable debit cards in the names of other people, including current and former individuals on probation in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. They also used the names and identity information of deceased people.

The personal information of the juveniles was obtained illegally from the juvenile database and through a website that listed the information of deceased people.

Law enforcement learned about the illegal activity after receiving a telephone call from a woman who admitted she was involved in the scheme in September 2012. The woman told police that she initially obtained identity information from Moore, but as some point, Coley allegedly began providing the information. She said she was allowed to keep some of the money derived from the fraudulent income tax filings.

The investigation also revealed that from July 2012 through October 2012, at least 35 tax returns claiming nearly $250,000 in refunds were filed from Moore’s home computer. Bank records show that money orders that represented proceeds from tax returns were deposited in Coley and Moore’s bank accounts.

The woman provided investigators with a list of names from a notebook. Police determined that at least 90 names in the ledger were those of individuals who were formerly or currently under the supervision of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Moore posted bond during his first appearance hearing. Coley was released on bond from the Pinellas County Jail on Friday.

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

A local basketball player, who has gone off to college and made a name for himself as a freshman, made his first appearance Wednesday night in a NCAA tournament game.

Andre Nation, a graduate of Durant High School who played his prep basketball at Faith Baptist Christian School, is a 6’5” guard on the James Madison University (JMU) basketball team. JMU is in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

As a freshman player, Nation made his mark at JMU. Early in the 2012-2013 season, he earned the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year honors. His first basket as a college player was a 3-pointer against UCLA.

The JMU Dukes are champions of the Colonial Athletic Association conference and the No. 16 seed in the East Region.

In last night’s (Wednesday, 3-20) game in Dayton, OH at the University of Ohio Arena, the Dukes faced LIU Brooklyn. The Dukes won the game 68-55. TV announcers referred to Nation as ‘The Stats Stacker.’ Wednesday night he had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. At the half, the game’s score was 32-31, JMU.

With 4+ minutes left in the game, the Dukes went on a 13-2 run, extending their lead.

Andre’s coach at Durant, Trent Tice invited Durant coaches and teachers to watch the game with him on Wednesday night.

“I coached Andre as a freshman when I was the head JV Coach and then received the Varsity job his junior year, so we did spend a lot of time together.

“Andre is the first Division I basketball player Durant has ever had and it is a great experience with him being in the NCAAs.

“Andre always had talent, but I have enjoyed watching him grow into a young man from a cocky 14-year-old freshman to a serious Division I basketball player.

“I enjoy the fact that we can call each other friends. We still talk or text each other every once in a while, and it’s fun watching him on TV and Sportscenter, living his basketball dream.”

The Dukes, #16 seed, will play Indiana (27-6), #1 seed, on Friday on TBS.

Nation, of Plant City, the son of Victoria and Larry Nation, has known that he wanted to play basketball in college since the age of 13. He is studying Sports and Recreation Management. He says he chose this college major “because if I don’t make it in basketball, then I want to be a coach.”

Other Players In NCAA Tournament

Other local players in NCAA tournament games are Derick Beltran, a 6’4”, 185 pound senior guard at Southern University. Beltran (#2) graduated from Riverview High School. He attended Tallahassee Community College before transferring to Southern.

The Jaguars (23-9) take on Gonzaga (31-2) Thursday night.

Evan Ravenel (#30), a senior at Ohio State University, is a graduate of Brandon High School. Before transferring to Ohio State, he played at Boston College.

Ravenel, 23, gets lots of clock for the Buckeyes.

The 6’8”, 260 pounder is the son of Pamela and Eugene Ravenel. He has a younger sister, Erin.

The Buckeyes (26-7), #2 seed, will Iona (20-15), the 15 seed, on Friday on CBS.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A federal judge sentenced a Tampa businessman to prison on Monday. He was arrested in September 2011 as part of an income tax fraud investigation.

U. S. District Judge James D. Whittemore sentenced Russell B. Simmons, Jr., 42, to 15 years in prison. The court also ordered Simmons to forfeit a 2005 Bentley, more than $100,000 in jewelry, $25,000 in cash, and more than $118,000 worth of fraudulently obtained tax refunds, which are traceable proceeds of the offense.

Simmons was among 47 suspects originally arrested as part of the “Operation Rainmaker” investigation in 2011. The joint investigation included law enforcement officers from the city, county, state, and federal levels.

During the investigation, police seized computers, vehicles, televisions, expensive purses, shoes, clothing, and other electronic devices from the homes of the suspects.

According to court documents, Simmons began engaging in tax fraud at his business, Simmons Auto Sales, during the summer of 2011.

Court records show that Simmons filed $8.9 million in attempted refunds with Intuit and Turbo Tax. Approximately $5.5 million of those were rejected by either Turbo Tax or the IRS. Of the remaining amount, returns with refunds totaling approximately $3.2 million were accepted by the IRS. Refunds were issued, but some were stopped or cancelled by the IRS, Turbo Tax, or the debit card companies.

The Internal Revenue Service confirmed that Simmons filed approximately 120 false returns, with refunds totaling $1,176,787 for the tax year 2010.

He began selling cars in exchange for fraudulent income tax checks at a higher price than the sales price of the vehicles. Police said he negotiated the checks and laundered the money through his business accounts.

He also filed fraudulent tax returns on his home and business computers and maintained a ledger that contained several “personal identifiers associated with the fraudulent filings,” police said.

Law enforcement interviewed several individuals whose names appeared on the pre-paid cards Simmons used. None of the victims acknowledged knowing Simmons, nor giving him permission to use their personal information.

Investigators learned that on July 22, 2011, a tax refund in the amount of $9,997 was loaded onto a card. Simmons’ photograph was captured on video on July 27, 2011, using the same card to withdraw money from an ATM in Gibsonton. The following day, Simmons was captured on video using a pre-paid debit card at a Wal-Mart.

During that transaction, Simmons received $2,050.04. The transaction included four money orders valued at $500 each.

On August 7, 2011, Simmons was videoed at a Wal-Mart in Brandon, where he made a purchase of $11,500. That transaction included a withdrawal of $200 in cash, the purchase of twenty-one (21) money orders valued at $500 each. He also purchased two other money orders valued at $400 each.

Police said Simmons used seven different cards, each loaded with fraudulent income tax refunds, and none of which were in his name. A total of $76,088.20 was loaded onto cards.

Once Simmons had obtained the money orders, he made them payable to Simmons Auto Sales and endorsed them with his name, court documents showed.

Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft December 11, 2012. He was sentenced to 13 years for mail fraud, and he was also given a 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft that must run consecutively to the 13-year sentence.