Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Tampa Police are investigating a shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning in West Tampa.

Police said Keion Joyner, 16, was standing on the sidewalk on the corner of Main Street and Oregon when he noticed a vehicle turn onto Main Street from Oregon.

Joyner told police he heard someone say something about the vehicle and he heard gunshots.

Joyner was shot in the buttock and the vehicle fled east on Main Street.

Joyner was hospitalized and listed in stable condition.

Police said the suspects were in a blue 4-door vehicle.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

Unknown to a lot of people, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved a CRA years ago, but it has never been used.

Commissioner Les Miller said when he came aboard, he realized the county wasn’t using its CRA to help areas that have now been designated as blighted.

“After two years of discussions, we’ve decided to put a CRA in our budget. I know areas like Progress Village, Palm River, Clair-Mel, Orient Road near the fairgrounds, are in dire need of help. I’ve asked that a report be presented to us March 20^th outlining what action can be taken.

“Specific blighted areas haven’t been designated, but I’ve pointed out the need for something to be done in my district.”

Comm. Miller said infrastructure repairs are desperately needed in areas where flooding is still a problem, and water quality as well.

“No dollar figure has been mentioned as to how much money will be used on infrastructure repairs in my district.

“(County Administrator) Mike Merrill hasn’t presented his budget to us yet, and after he’s done that, we can assess dollars.”

Comm. Miller said they will be referring to the blighted areas as TIF (Tax Increment Finance) districts.

“But, we haven’t gotten to that point yet. I want to look at how we will get this implemented, and we won’t know that until we have a budget to work with.”

Comm. Miller said although there are city water lines close by, Palm River has never had running water from the city or county.

“They’re all using well water, and it’s not always the best water to use.

“We want to bring Progress Village, Clair-Mel, Palm River, and the other areas back to where they should be, especially with Bass Pro Shops coming and generating more than $3 million in property tax revenues.”

The dance students at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School of the Arts are just $2,000.00 shy of making the trip to New York next month.

The dance students will be the first middle school in the nation, second in the world (China was first) to be invited to compete in the finals in New York City of the prestigious Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) Ballet Competition.

Orange Grove had 20 entries submitted in 4 categories. They beat out Blake. After placing in the top 12 in a regional competition, the ensembles travel to New York for the finals in the United States.

The two winning dances for Orange Grove were “Predator” and “Awake My Soul,” both choreographed by Orange Grove Dance Director, Shana Perkins.

Anyone wishing to donate to this cause may mail donations to the school, Orange Grove Dance Boosters, in care of the Dance Dept., 3415 N. 16th St., Tampa, FL 33605. Or, go to the website: http://orangegrove.mysdhc.org/teacher/3241perkins and click the donation button.

The students, teachers and chaperones will be in New York April 11-19, 2013.

Dr. Scott M. Rudes is principal of Orange Grove.

A 34-year-old former professional athlete pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file a false income tax claim. He faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

According to the plea agreement, Freddie L. Mitchell, II, of Lakeland, entered the guilty plea on Friday. On November 30, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Unit determined that a fraudulent tax form claiming $1,968,288 had been filed in 2008.

According to the indictment, Freddie Mitchell is alleged to have introduced another professional athlete, identified as A. G., to a couple who claimed they could get him more money on his income tax return.

Mitchell and A. G. flew to Orlando in July 2009, to meet Jamie Russ-Walls and her husband, Richard Walls. The couple claimed that they were in the tax preparation business and could get A. G. additional money because of “grey areas” in his tax returns.

The victim, (A. G.), provided Russ-Walls, who also claimed to be a former IRS employee, with copies of his personal information. Without his knowledge, a fraudulent federal income tax return was filed in A. G.’s name.

The form filed falsely claimed that A. G. had a business loss of $5,367,775, which entitled him to a return of $1,968,288.

The false return contained paperwork requesting the refund be direct deposited into the bank accounts of Mitchell and Jamie Russ-Walls. 

A. G. learned about the fraudulent activity when the IRS rejected his regular tax return filed in October 2009.

The IRS was able to cancel payment on the fraudulent return and determined A. G. had no involvement in the fraudulent return.

During the investigation, agents also discovered that Mitchell and the couple had filed five additional claims in 2009 totaling $2,264,005. Each of the five claims had been accompanied by a false W-2 form showing wages in the millions of dollars from Chameleon Enterprises, LLC.

Mitchell had incorporated the business in 2003 and listed himself as its manager. He opened a mailbox in Kathleen, Florida, to receive correspondence. When contacted about the wages allegedly paid to the five individuals, Mitchell falsely verified their employment and income. Records later revealed that Chameleon actually had been dissolved as a corporation by the State of Florida in 2007.

Jamie Russ-Walls and Richard Walls previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the criminal offense.

Jamie Russ-Walls was sentenced to 5 years of probation on February 1, 2013. Richard Walls was sentenced to 3 years and 1 month in federal prison on February 14, 2013.

A sentencing date has not been set for Mitchell.

The roll call of a Tampa Police Squad was interrupted Friday when gunshots filled the air. Following an investigation, a 20-year-old man was arrested and is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond. He is alleged to have fired several shots after becoming engaged in a quarrel with his mother.

According to police, Sgt. L. Houston was holding roll call near Tampa Park Apartments shortly after 8 p. m. The officers heard several gunshots and the entire squad responded to the intersection.

A witness provided the officers with a description of the two vehicles involved in the shooting. Cpl. D. Croteau observed one of the described vehicles near the intersection of N. 13^th Street and E. 9^th Avenue. Cpl. Croteau approached the vehicle after it stopped suddenly in a parking garage.

However, the driver got out of the vehicle and fled the scene. The officers established a perimeter around the parking garage and the man was located. The officers discovered a handgun inside the vehicle and determined that it was used during the shooting.

During the subsequent investigation, officers learned that Mikeil Terrell Royal had become engaged in a verbal argument with his mother, Ms. Rhonda Wallace, 41. At some point during the argument, Royal is alleged to have fired several shots into the air, and at several bystanders who attempted to intervene.

Royal allegedly fired several more rounds in the direction of the bystanders, striking an unoccupied, parked car. Bullets also struck his mother’s occupied apartment at 1710 Simon Court. One of the unidentified bystanders returned fire. However, no injuries were reported, police said.

Royal was charged with 2 counts of shooting at, within or into a building; felon in possession of a firearm, obstructing or opposing an officer without violence; aggravated battery with a deadly weapon; and discharging a weapon in public. Royal was also on probation for several charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and his probation was violated, police said.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Within the last month, two young men have been killed and five others injured by gun violence. In response to the violence in the community, one Tampa pastor has launched a program to address the problem.

Last month, Pastor Antonio Hawkins, of Exciting Alive Church, 5705 E. 32nd Avenue, hosted a community meeting at his church. In subsequent meetings, members of the community have outlined various avenues to divert the attention of these youths to positive achievements.

Pastor Hawkins said, “I have spoken with the GED Department at the school board and I am looking forward to adding a component at the church. Hopefully, we can expand the program to some of our other target communities.”

He further stated that he plans to meet with Lewis Brinson, Assistant Superintendent for Administration for the Hillsborough County Public School District to get support for the school adoption program.

“We are reaching out to businesses, churches, non-profits and others in hopes of them adopting one inner-city school. The partnership could provide mentors, tutors, and other programs for the student population,” he said.

Pastor Hawkins said he has also set up a meeting with Greg Bayor, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Tampa. “We want to build a relationship with him so that when we have events, we will also have the support of the Parks & Recreation Department.”

The next meeting of Saving Our Youth will take place on Monday, March 11th, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

If you talk to Michael Trujillo, Senior Director of the Zonta Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, he will tell you there is something really special about one of his kids.

Cory Poole, II is an 18-year-old senior at Chamberlain High School, who was recently honored as “Youth Of The Year” for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. This is the highest honor a club member can receive. Along with the honor is a $1,000 scholarship, and the opportunity to compete for state, regional, and national Youth of the Year honors, and more scholarship money.

The soft-spoken Poole said it is a great honor to receive the recognition.
“I’ve been coming to this center for 5 years, and I was first drawn here by my peers, and I stayed because the staff treated me like family. I also look forward to competing for the state title.”

After graduating from high school, Poole said he wants to become a Marine, and get involved in crash/fire rescue activities.
“I plan to attend college after the Marines, and I’ll go to whatever school the scholarship will take me.
“I’ve gained the gift of leadership experience since I started coming to the club, and some of the guys who were here when I first started coming are still around.”

Poole said the problems his older brothers, ages 25 and 20, experienced that sent them both to prison only served to motivate him.

“Both of them would talk to me and say no matter what happens to them, they didn’t want me to follow in their footsteps. Now, I’m looking forward to both of them coming home.”

Poole doesn’t share much information about his older brothers, but said he has a younger brother, Nathaniel, who is a football player and sophomore at Chamberlain.

“My favorite subject in school is math, and when I’m not at the club, I’m at home doing my homework, or spending time with Nathaniel.

“My mother has always encouraged me to go out and be the best I can be, and my father, Cory, Sr., has also been a positive figure in my life, and encourages me to strive to be the best I can be.”

 Cory, Sr. describes his son as being a wonderful young man who made up his mind a long time ago what he wanted to do.
“He’s an excellent son and student, and has never given me or his mother, Mary, any problems.
“He has a strong family base in spite of what’s going on with his brothers, and he’s evidence that sometimes you learn what not to do by being observant.”

Cory, Sr. said his son is very protective of his brother, Nathaniel, and constantly talks to him. He also said between Cory, II’s Marine training and the club, he stays quite busy.

“He’s in Chamberlain’s ROTC Program, and also has early entry into the Marine Corps. He trains with the Marines weekly at a field near Al Lopez Park.

Cory, II’s mother, Mary, said her son has always been somewhat of a loner who walked to the beat of his own drum.
“He followed in the footsteps of his big sister, Linda, who got him interested in ROTC.
“I’m so proud that he didn’t allow all the negative things going on round him to throw him off course. I’m proud of all my children, and I’m happy others can see what a special person Cory is. I have faith in God, and I just leave it all in His hands.”

Cory, II said he never expected to get all of this attention, but he’s grateful and honored. “I see myself returning to Tampa later to work with kids as a volunteer, because it’s something I really enjoy doing.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A former employee of a local finance company has entered a plea agreement in the theft of $2.2 million. Her husband entered a plea agreement last month.

On Monday, Ms. Michelle Guy pleaded guilty  to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. If convicted, she could receive up to 30 years in prison. The agreement must be accepted by the court.

According to the indictment, beginning in January 2007 through November 2011, Ms. Guy allegedly admitted that she conspired with others, including her husband, Kevin Guy, 41, to defraud HSBC Mortgage Services, Inc., (HSBC Mortgage Services), HSBC Finance Corporation (HBSC Finance), and HSBC Bank, USA, to obtain money and property fraudulently. As a result of the scheme, approximately $2,216,776.12 in American Express gift cards, AMEX gift cheques, and store gift cards, were fraudulently obtained.

She admitted to using interstate wire and telephone communication devices to order the gift cards and checks, and then had the vendors mail them to her residence and office. She reportedly used Federal Express and DHL Companies. The purpose of the cards was to reward employees.

Ms. Guy worked at the company from February 2001 in various capacities until August 2011.

On September 12, 2011, a federal search warrant was executed at the couple’s Brandon home. “After the first search warrant was executed, Michelle Guy and Kevin Guy enlisted other individuals to aid them in their scheme. The Guys recruited at least two other persons to deposit and cash AMEX gift cheques that had been obtained by fraud,” the indictment stated.

A second search warrant was executed on December 20, 2011. During the search warrant law enforcement seized over 25 Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Coach purses; over 100 pairs of designer shoes, over 100 pair of True Religion jeans, more than 20 pairs of designer sunglasses, four flat screen televisions, two computers, and an expensive refrigerator.

Kevin Guy entered a guilty plea last month. Judge James D. Whittemore accepted it on Wednesday. Sentencing for Kevin Guy will take place on May 6^th at 3 p.m. He is facing up to five years in federal prison. Kevin Guy is an employee of Hillsborough County.

Michelle Guy will make her initial appearance, bond hearing, and change of plea hearing on April 2, at 2 p.m., before Magistrate Judge Thomas B. McCoun, III.

On Thursday evening, a candlelight vigil was held for 43-year-old Dametrius “Dean” Edwards, Jr. The vigil was held at Cyrus Green Center, 2101 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where Edwards worked as a lifeguard for several years.

The day before the vigil, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office charged his son with his murder.

After not hearing from him, Mrs. Cynthia Felton went to her son’s apartment on San Ramon Place in the Granada Apartments on February 25^th. After entering the apartment, Mrs. Felton discovered her son in his bedroom. He had been shot in the head.

During the investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office learned that the victim’s son, 22-year-old Dametrius Edwards, III, and his truck were also missing. His son lived with him, police said.

Shortly after midnight on February 26^th, police located the truck in front of 14632 Banyan Bluff Dr., and the son was reportedly hiding inside the truck. He was arrested and charged with several outstanding felony warrants.

On Wednesday, Homicide detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office completed their investigation and charged Edwards, III, with the first-degree murder of his father. He was being held at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond.