Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY CYNTHIA E. ZORN-SHAW
Polk County Columnist

A pioneer in the history of the Polk County judicial system, The Honorable Karla Foreman Wright, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2012.  She was 63.

In 2000, Judge Wright became the first African American female to be appointed as a County Judge in Polk County.  Later, in 2005, Judge Wright became the first African American Circuit Judge appointed to the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which serves Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

A first-generation college graduate, Judge Wright graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in 1983. Last year, she was one of seven Polk County legal professionals who received a service award. They were also recognized during the 18th Lakeland Juneteenth Cultural Observance.

Earlier this year, Judge Wright was awarded the 2012 Gertrude E. Rush Award by the National Bar Association. The Rush award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership in their community and profession; concern for human and civil rights, and are a model of excellence in legal education and perseverance in the law, public policy and social activism.

“Last week, she called in sick. During the call, she apologized to me and to the Chief Judge for being unable to handle her own docket on that day. She always wanted to do her own work. Now, that’s a special person. I will always remember her for the fine person that she was,” Court Administrator Nick Sudzina said.

Funeral arrangements for Judge Wright were incomplete as of press time.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Mrs. Iselyn Dallas is a 51-year-old wife and mother. But, that is her chronological age. Her life is filled with responsibilities to her family and her profession as a Nurse Practitioner.

However, on October 2nd, she will celebrate a different birthday. She will celebrate her 6th year of being a cancer survivor. Survivors often refer to the day the cancer was removed as a new beginning of life.

Being in the medical profession, Mrs. Dallas knows the importance of good health. She recalls that she was 45 years old and 32 days away from her wedding when she discovered a lump in her breast.

“I had already had a mammogram that year, but I was doing a self-exam when I noticed the tiny lump. I called the doctor and scheduled another mammogram, but the lump didn’t show. Then I had a sonogram and it was visible. I was one of the 10% where the lump doesn’t show up in a mammogram.”

She was notified a week later, and like a world wind, her life changed. The biopsy showed that the lump was cancerous. “I had so many questions. I’m a Nurse Practitioner, but I didn’t know anything about chemotherapy or radiation.”

Her future husband, Lyndon Dallas, wanted to continue their wedding plans. Mrs. Dallas said she made a deal with the doctor.
“I had the surgery and I was married on November 4th. Then I had 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 31 days of radiation that began after Thanksgiving,” she said.

Mrs. Dallas was the first in her family to be diagnosed with the disease. Two others have since been diagnosed.

“I was totally blown away. I’m not overweight, I haven’t eaten red meat in over 20 years, and my diet mainly consists of turkey, chicken, fish, and salads. My doctor said it’s not genetic and it was not because of my diet.

After experiencing breast cancer, Mrs. Dallas has become an advocate in the fight against the disease. She began her own organization where she raises money and donates it to organizations that help uninsured or underinsured women get mammograms. One year, she donated the funds to the late Mrs. Felicia Wintons Taylor to help her during her battle. She is also active in the Sisters Network, Tampa Bay Chapter, an affiliate of the national organization.

She also serves as a motivational speaker for teenage girls ages 15 and up. “I talk to my girls about breast exams and I make sure they understand the proper way to do them.”

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mrs. Dallas moved to Tampa 21 years ago. She earned her BSN and MSN from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Dallas is the mother of a daughter, 26, and a son, 23. She enjoys traveling, jazz, the theater, and outdoor concerts.

A member of Rivers of Life Christian Church of Riverview, she refuses to slow down and is currently learning to swim.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last Thursday, a Tampa resident who dedicated more than 30 years of his life as a city employee died suddenly. He was 68-years-old.

A Tampa native, Wayne Brookins began school in the Hillsborough County Public School District. However, after his mother’s death, at age 14, he moved to Ocala to continue his education and lived with an uncle.

Brookins graduated from Howard High School in 1962, and enrolled at Florida Memorial University. He graduated with a B. A. Degree in English Literature.

He taught school for about three years before applying for a position with the City of Tampa. He retired as the Director of Solid Waste for the City of Tampa in 2001.

After his retirement, Brookins and his wife, Mrs. Kathy Brookins, who retired the following year, enjoyed spending time together. Mrs. Brookins said they enjoyed traveling. She said her husband also enjoyed reading, all types of sports, and playing golf. He also accompanied Randolph Kinsey to cover basketball tournaments for several years.

“He had been having some health issues and became ill Thursday morning. He died here at home,” she said.

Brookins was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and New First Union Missionary Baptist Church. At church, Brookins served on the Deacon’s Board and was Chairman of the Trustee Board.

In addition to his wife, Brookins is survived by 5 children, a sister, Mrs. Wanda Glover, and numerous other family members, church members, and friends.

His wake will take place at the church on Friday, October 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 6th.

Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

A man released from prison on close supervision in an attempted murder case earlier this year was shot by a Tampa Police officer after he crashes car and flees.

According to police, shortly after 3 a.m., Monday, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for an expired license plate and seatbelt violation. The officer initially attempted to stop the vehicle at the intersection of Hillsborough Avenue and N. Armenia.

However, instead of stopping, police said the driver fled from the scene. The officer did not follow the vehicle, instead, he called the incident in and a Tampa Police helicopter followed the car from the air.

When the driver, later identified as Edward Bernard Thomas, (who turned 26 today), reached the corner of Coolidge and Hamilton Avenue, the Dodge Challenger crashed into a traffic sign.

Thomas is alleged to have jumped from the vehicle and ran into a wooded area. Officers established a perimeter and a K-9 unit was sent into the woods. As Thomas came out of the woods, the officers allegedly ordered him to show his hands.

When Thomas failed to comply with the commands and the “officer saw what he thought was a weapon, he shot the suspect.” Thomas was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was being treated for a single gunshot. He was listed in stable condition.

Police said Thomas said he fled because he did not want to go back to prison.

Thomas was arrested in June 2007, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm, and attempted second-degree murder.

Hillsborough County Judge J. D. Lopez sentenced Thomas to five years in prison in October 2008. Thomas was released from prison under close supervision on May 29, 2012.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

No charges have been filed against Thomas, however, the investigation is continuing.

Last October 4, a female student at Chamberlain High School reported that she had been sexually assaulted in the bathroom. Following an investigation, police arrested another student and charged him with the offense and charged him as an adult.

Joshua Bynum, 17, was originally charged with sexual battery and kidnapping. However, in court on Monday, the teenager entered a plea of guilty to felony battery. The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office dropped the more severe sexual battery and kidnapping charges.

Bynam must also serve 10 years of probation for the offense and other charges that are not related to the case.

The girl told police she left the classroom to go to her locker when she was forced into the boy’s bathroom, where she was raped.

Bynum told police that he had no contact with the girl. He then changed his story and said they had consensual oral sex. However, a medical examination proved the girl had had intercourse.

The girl’s teacher said she had asked to go to the restroom. Another girl in the class testified that the victim told her before she left that she was going to do “you know what” with Bynum.

Another witness saw the two of them leaving the bathroom and testified they looked normal.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Sunday, September 30th, members of the Hillsborough County Concerned Citizens Coalition will host an “Obama Rally And Car Show” The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Ragan Park, 1200 E. Lake Avenue.

Marvin Knight, one of the founders of the organization. He said the event is planned to bring different factions of the community together for a common purpose.

He is inviting members of the community to come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and relaxation. Planned as a family-oriented event, the rally will have activities for the entire family. Additionally, there will be free food and free entertainment.

“We are inviting everyone to come out and show support and solidarity. It’s time for us to show that we are concerned about the direction this country is headed and show that we need to keep President (Barack) Obama in office.

“It is very important for us to realize that we join together rather than allow petty things to divide us. The time has come for us to support each other, look out for our fellowman and give back to the community.”

He further stated that in addition to the food and entertainment, a Voter Registration drive will take place. Anyone who is not registered can do so at the event. Anyone who needs to change his or her voting information can also do that as well.

“We are going to make sure that our vote is respected and that it is counted,” Knight said.

During the Democratic National Convention, President Obama shared his story of humble beginnings. Knight said there are many who can identify with the story of the President. However, through education, and helping each other, many were able to have a better life. He said the time has come for those who have succeeded to give back to the community and help others.

He further said that the Hillsborough County Concerned Citizens Coalition is not about any one group of people. It is about anyone who lives in Hillsborough County and who wants to improve the quality of life. “If we can come together from county to county, state to state, then we can make the re-election of President Obama a reality.”

Kim Baker, another member of Hillsborough County Concerned Citizens Coalition said, “We would like to invite you and your family out to Ragan Park this Sunday afternoon for our Voter Registration rally. It will be a fun-filled day with lots of entertainment and free food for all.”

BY TAMECA JOHNSON
Freelance Writer

The Central City Family Y. M. C. A. is committed to teaching infants and toddlers how to swim by expanding a program currently being offered at other Y. M. C. A. locations across the area.

The program provides swim lessons for children ages six months to three years old.  It’s part of a ten lesson course that pairs the child with their parent.

“We want them to get the maximum learning in that time period,” says Jhonda Johnston, one of the instructors of the class. “Most participants say the class is fantastic.  We’ve had children who came in not knowing how to swim, and then began swimming four to five feet across the pool on their own by the end of the session.”

The parents serve as their child’s partner in the pool, assisting in floating and other life saving techniques.

Johnston worked to expand the program to the Central City Y after interacting with elementary school students during the Y.  M. C. A.’s recent summer camp.

“Some of the kids had never been in a pool before, so we started teaching them lessons.  They learned so quickly and they were good at it!  I think it’s a travesty to put a child in a pool with life vest.  There’s this idea that we as a people don’t swim.  There’s no reason for that!”

Johnston joined the Tampa Y. M. C. A. division nearly a year ago.  She has 35 years experience, including time spent teaching swimming at Vanderbilt University.

The classes are offered during the spring, summer and fall months.  Prices range from $75 to $105 and scholarships are available.  For more information, call (813) 229-9622.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last year, as cases of tax fraud reached epidemic proportions in the Tampa Bay area, law enforcement formed a multi-agency task force. Through investigations, several people were arrested and charged with tax fraud.

On Tuesday, one of those individuals identified by law enforcement as a “hostess,” was sentenced.

U. S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced Ms. Arswaya Ralph, 33, of Riverview, to 28 months (2 years, 6 months) in federal prison. She was charged with presenting a false tax return to the United States government and identity theft. She pleaded guilty on May 29, 2012.

Ms. Ralph was also ordered to pay $273,254 in restitution, of which approximately $105,280 has been recovered. Additionally, she has been ordered to forfeit a 2010 Buick Lacrosse, televisions, computers, jewelry, and other luxury items.

According to the plea agreement, last June, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home of Ms. Ralph. During the search, police recovered $31,387 in cash, approximately 42 reloadable debit cards, two laptop computers, and approximately 12 handwritten ledgers.

The ledgers contained numerous names, dates of birth, social security numbers, of individuals. It also contained personal identification numbers for online tax filing services, and other financial information, that included bank account and routing numbers.

The investigation also revealed that Ms. Ralph attended and hosted “Drop Parties” during which she and others electronically filed fraudulent income tax returns simultaneously.

Ms. Ralph admitted that she filed the fraudulent tax returns using the names and personal identification of other people. During a search of her laptop computer, police discovered about 65 fraudulent tax returns for the 2010 tax year.

The false claims resulted in an intended loss of $467,781.

Runaway Teen Has Mother Puzzled

BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

On Saturday, September 29, 2012, Aniya Marcellus (pictured, left) will turn 15 years old. But her mother doesn’t know how she will celebrate her birthday because she is not at home.

Ms. Karen Flenders said her daughter ran away from home 3 weeks ago. This is not the first time she has run away, but this is the longest time she has been gone. As a matter of fact, the teen has left home on several occasions over the past 6 months.

Ms. Flenders said she cannot put her finger on the reason the teen left home. They had not argued, things seemed okay at school. The mother said she had restricted her daughter from dating and having boyfriends. Although she left home with the cell phone, Mrs. Flenders said it is not activated.

Aniya started at a new high school in August. She now attends Freedom High School. But several checks with the school have turned up negative results, her mother stated.

“Things happened the same way this time as before. She leaves for school in the morning, but is not on the bus when it returns in the afternoon. But then when she decides to return, she goes back to school and then the school calls to let me know she’s back.”

Ms. Flenders, who has a month-old newborn and 2 other children, said she has not been able to get out and walk the streets to look for her daughter. They’re in a different community in Lutz and Aniya hadn’t made new friends there.

“She’s kind of shy and quiet. She loves music, going to the mall, and said she was going to run track this year at school,” her mom further explained.

Family members have been assisting with the search, but have not been able to locate her.

Aniya has been reported to the Tampa Police Department as a missing person.

If anyone sees her or knows her whereabouts, please contact P. Regalado at (813) 276-3561, or Ms. Flenders at (813) 728-2047.

Aunt Needs Help To Find Missing Teen

In July, Nadia Tulloch asked for help in locating her niece, Nngozi Evans (pictured, right), 15. Ms. Tulloch is the guardian for Evans.

Ms. Tulloch said shortly after she reported Evans missing in July, she was found sitting in the lounge of a motel.

“I walked in, and she was just sitting there. She was speechless when she saw me, and just came back home.

“We talked about her running away, and she said it felt good to be out on her own. She also said she had been prostituting to take care of herself.”

Ms. Tulloch said she found out an adult had rented a motel room for Nngozi, but no one has been able to locate him. Ms. Tulloch said Nngozi has disappeared again.

“She left around the middle of August on a Sunday while I was in church. I know she had help, because she took a lot of her clothing. I am in fear of something bad happening to her. She had seen a mental health counselor to talk about her problems, but only for 2 sessions.”

Ms. Tulloch said she was also caring for Nngozi’s two brothers, but when their mother came to visit them, she took the boys with her and never came back.

“Nngozi wrote a letter this time, saying she felt abandoned because her mother took her brothers and left her,” said Ms. Tulloch.

“She also said she loved me, but just couldn’t stay with me.”

Tampa Police have been notified, and if anyone knows the whereabouts of Nngozi Evans, they are asked to contact the police at (813) 231-6130.