Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Friday, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor made several promotions. The promotions came about with the retirement of three high-ranking members of her staff.

Three majors, all with 30 years of service to the department have announced plans to retire. The new majors will assume their responsibilities at the beginning of fiscal year on October 1st.

The retiring majors are: Major Gerald Honeywell, who led the officers in Uniform District I; Major Kenneth Morman, who served as the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division; and Major Jill Kwiatkowski, who is retiring as the Major of Uniform District I.

Major Diane Hobley-Burney will assume the duties of major in Uniform District III. Her new responsibilities include Downtown, Channelside, Ybor City and East Tampa.

Major Hobley-Burney becomes the second African American woman to reach the rank of major with the department. She launched her career in law enforcement 24 years ago.

“It’s an honor to oversee police services in the community that I consider home,” she said.

During her tenure as a Captain in District III, Major Hobley-Burney has helped with crime reduction in East Tampa and has helped economic redevelopment by partnering with other community organizations. She oversaw the federal Weed and Seed Program that created anti-drug programs to revitalize the neighborhood and help disadvantaged children in East Tampa.

Major Hobley-Burney has also served as a mentor at the department’s RICH House that is a safe haven for underprivileged children in Sulphur Springs. She looks forward to strengthening partnerships in the East Tampa community to create new programs helping children in need.

As a Captain in District III, Major Hobley-Burney has overseen the Support Services Bureau that includes the Personnel and Training Unit, Evidence Control, Records and the Reserve Force.
Major Hobley-Burney earned both her Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminal Incident Management, and her B. S. Degree in Sociology from Saint Leo University. She is a 24-year veteran with the department.

Chief Castor also promoted Captain Keith O’Connor and Captain Paul Driscoll to the roles of Majors.

Major Driscoll has served in various capacities throughout the department. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Buffalo. He is currently a student at Stetson University, School of Law.

Major O’Connor also began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer. Major O’Connor earned his B. A. degree from the University of South Florida.
Three individuals appointed as new Captains to fill those vacancies are: Captain Ruben Delgado, Captain Eli Vazquez, and Captain Mary O’Connor, wife of newly appointed Major Keith O’Connor.

This year’s winner of the world renowned Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz competition has a Tampa connection.

Jamison Ross, already an accomplished drummer, won a $25,000 scholarship and a recording contract Sunday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D. C.  His wife, Adrienne, a native of Tampa, was in the audience to cheer her husband on. The event was the 25th Annual Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.

Ross was one of 12 drummers from around the globe who competed on Saturday to become one of 3 finalists to perform on Sunday evening. The competition was open to musicians under age 3o, and this year’s spotlight was on drummers.

The judges included an all-star panel of drummers.

One of the evening’s performers was Aretha Franklin. Herbie Hancock is Chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

Ross, a native of Jacksonville, FL, began playing drums at the age of 4 and won the Florida All-State Jazz Band Drummer Award for 4 consecutive years.

He has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, George Clinton, P-Funk and is currently a member of the Wes Anderson Quartet and Carmen Lundy’s band.

Mr. and Mrs. Ross met in Tallahassee; Adrienne was a student at FAMU and Jamison was at FSU. They met at a church in Tallahassee.

Adrienne is a member of the Cooper family. She is the daughter of Carol Cooper-Jarrett and niece of Patricia (Pat) Cooper.
The couple lives in New Orleans.

Last Wednesday, a 26-year-old woman was arrested during the execution of federal search warrant. Two days later, she was arrested again on a federal warrant.

Ms. Rashia Tocara Wilson was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on Wednesday. She was released shortly before 5 p.m., the same day on a $7,500 bond.

On Friday, Ms. Wilson was arrested again on the same charge — this time on a federal warrant. She was denied bond during a hearing on Friday afternoon.

According to the criminal complaint, Ms. Wilson’s home was searched during the execution of a federal search warrant. During the search, police located a Walther .22 caliber handgun, under the mattress in the master bedroom of her home. The search warrant was executed in connection with a 39-count tax fraud indictment against Marterrence “Quat” Holloway, and Marcus “Thirst” Larry, 26.

Law enforcement had been monitoring Ms. Wilson’s activities for more than a year. At one point during the investigation, police said her Facebook page was listed with the username “RashiaFirstLady Wilson.”

However, around June of this year, Ms. Wilson discontinued that page and opened a new Facebook page under the name of “Rashia FirstLady Johnson.”

The criminal complaint said, “Law enforcement documented posts on Wilson’s Facebook page, which include photographs of Wilson displaying a firearm. Specifically, in a Facebook entry dated August 21, 2012, Wilson is shown holding a handgun at a firing range.”

Police also produced a sign-in sheet where Ms. Wilson reportedly signed in at a gun range on the date of the posting. She also allegedly indicated on a check-in sheet that she was not a convicted felon.

Police also seized a cell phone with images of Ms. Wilson holding a pink handgun. Ms. Wilson has been convicted of the felony crimes of grand theft and burglary. Although Ms. Wilson had some of her civil rights restored, she did not have the right to own, possess, or use a firearm.

In addition to the firearm charge, federal prosecutors informed the judge that Ms. Wilson had purchased a 2013 Audi, with a money order valued at $90,000, and that she had proclaimed herself as “The First Lady” of tax fraud on her Facebook page. Prosecutors read a message posted on May 22nd. It read: “I’m Rashia, the queen of IRS tax fraud… I’m a millionaire for the record. So if you think that indicting me will be easy, it won’t. I promise you….”

Ms. Wilson was denied bond on Friday.

At 1:23 a. m. Sunday, Tampa Police were called to the area of East Chelsea and Booker T. Drive after a 9-1-1 call was made of a male that had been shot.

When officers arrived, they found a young Black male lying the driveway of a home with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

The young male was later identified as 17-year-old Andrew Hancock, III.

According to his father, Andrew Hancock, Sr., his son and a friend had been tussling over a gun when it discharged and struck Hancock in the head.
Police are investigating the incident as an accidental shooting at this time.

Hancock said his son was a student at Chamberlain High School, and was looking forward to his school’s upcoming Homecoming Day celebration. “He had just taken his senior class photos, and was excited about graduating and joining the U. S. Army.”

Hancock said his son had just recently reunited with his older brother after three years, and the two were planning to spend a lot of time together. “Andrew loved being with his brother and sisters, and sports.

“He had made some mistakes in his life, but was really doing everything right. He worked at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, and enjoyed his job.”

Mr. Hancock said his son had spent the weekend at his friend’s house.

The family has asked Aden Funeral Home to help them with arrangements.

Hancock said the family had no insurance on Andrew at the time of his death, and if anyone wants to help with funeral arrangements, call him at (813) 770-1480.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

On Tuesday evening in City Council Chambers, a public hearing was held to discuss the process to consider the inclusion of the V. M. Ybor Neighborhood into the Ybor City Local Historic District. The area being considered is the community north of I-4, starting at Columbus Drive and stretching north to 21st Avenue.

V. M. Ybor Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch President, Kim Headland, said the public hearing lasted a little over an hour, and about 35 people attended.
“Dennis Fernandez (City of Tampa Historic Preservation and Urban Design Manager) gave us a history of the area, and where the original boundaries were.

“The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to continue the process for the expansion. Those in attendance who took advantage of the public comment part of the hearing, all supported expanding the boundary. The final decision will be made by the City Council after it’s gone to the Planning Commission and cleared a few hurdles.”

City Councilman Frank Reddick said he didn’t attend the meeting, because he was notified of it only a couple of days earlier.

“I’d like to talk to Dennis Fernandez about sending out these notices in a timely manner to give people a more advanced notice. That’s why I didn’t attend.

“My position now is to encourage everyone in the area of the proposed change to take notice of what they will be required to do if this is approved. Residents also need to be more attentive to these meetings and make sure they are there.”

Councilman Reddick said when the issue comes before the Council, he will listen to his colleagues before he makes a final decision.

City of Tampa Growth Management and Development Services Director, Tom Snelling, said more than 500 notices were sent out to residents and businesses within the boundary, 30 days prior to the public hearing.

“Anyone outside those boundaries would not have gotten a notice. The notices are sent to property owners within 250 feet of the district, and there were signs posted throughout the area about the public hearing.”

According to Snelling, the boundary expansion request is for the area of Columbus Drive to the south; 21st Avenue to the north; 15th Street to the east, and Nebraska Avenue to the west.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

With their days of glory as athletes and/or coaches gone, a group of men get together twice a month to share their life stories and discuss today’s sports scene and political landscape.

These men call themselves “Legends,” and when you read who they are, you’ll know why.

The youngest athlete of the group, and the first African American athlete to win the Guy Toph Trophy, Alfred Pyles, said he sits in awe of these gentlemen, and has learned a lot just being around them.

“These guys have so much history to share, it’s a shame more people don’t come around. Some of them don’t walk as upright as they used to, and for others their speech may be impaired.

“But, their energy level hasn’t changed when they start talking about their past, and what’s going on today.”

Among the legends are men like Morris “Blizz” Everett, Cleo Stinyard, Sr., Troy Collier, John E. Glenn, Willie Thompson, Coach Chuck White, John Billups, Bryant Everett, Julius Adams, Willis Everett, Leroy McBride, Arthur Dunnigan, Alfred Pyles, Henry DuPree, James Billups, Coach Billy Reed, and Arnold “Daddy Bo” Watson.

“No one is prohibited from being around these gentlemen,” said Pyles.

“This is living history I’m talking about, and it’s right here for everyone to enjoy. We have to appreciate them while they are still with us, and let them know how grateful we are for the roles they all played in our lives.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last September, a joint task force arrested more than 40 people associated with tax fraud. The year-long investigation that culminated with the arrests was named “Operation Rainmaker.”

On Wednesday, an on-going investigation has identified fifteen suspects involved in tax fraud. Members of the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the U. S. Attorney’s Office, the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the U. S. Secret Service, the 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement were involved in the investigation.

Police said this is the continuation of the investigation launched in 2010. The suspects are allegedly key figures in the tax fraud and identity theft cases that have reached epidemic proportions in Tampa.

“In addition to designing the schemes, they have recruited and trained others to commit tax fraud and identity theft,” police said in a press release.

Tampa Police Cpl. Sal Augeri said, “We are still following up on tax fraud cases. We have issued warrants for 12 people on state-related charges of identity theft, fraudulent use of credit cards, and grand theft. The investigation is continuing.”

A thirty-nine count federal indictment was unsealed on Wednesday. Marterrence “Quat” Holloway, 33, and Marcus “Thirst” Larry, 26, were charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and access device fraud.

Holloway was arrested last September during the first roundup. However, he was never convicted on any of the charges.

Police also confiscated two vehicles belonging to Larry. One of the vehicles is valued at $100,000 because of its added features.

The Task Force served a federal warrant at the home of Ms. Rashida “First Lady” Wilson at 10917 Dunscore Cottage Way, in Wimauma Wednesday afternoon.

Ms. Rashida Wilson, 26, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. She is being held on a bond of $7,500 on the charge. However, police said additional charges are pending.

Police also arrested 26-year-old Algernon Leon Belin. He is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail on charges of fraudulent use of credit cards, scheming to defraud, and identity theft. Police reported seized $23,089 and public assistance cards. He is being held on a $300,000 bond.

Curtis G. Williams, 32, was arrested and is being held on a $50,000 bond. He was charged with identity theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and grand theft.

Christopher Garland Johnson, 35, was also charged with identity theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and grand theft. His bond was set at $25,000.

Christopher Jarrell Rimmer, 26, is being held without bond. He was charged with 5 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, scheming to defraud, and 5 counts of identity theft.

Additionally arrest warrants on similar charges have been issued for:
Calvin Leon Toombs, 43; Mar’ Shannon Dorsey, 20; Darious Wingfield, 20; Ronald Mills, 19; Ellis Everett, 27; Bill Watkins, 24; Christina Humphrey, 37; and Johann Best, 41.

Pictured, l to r: Marterrence “Quat” Holloway, Marcus “Thirst” Larry, Rashida “First Lady” Wilson and Algernon Leon Belin.

Police confiscated $23,089 and public assistance cards that allegedly belonged to Algernon Belin.

This Monte Carlo is adorned with advertisement for Sprite soft drinks, and is also owned by Marcus “Thirst” Larry, police said.

A 34-year-old Tampa rapper was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Wednesday. He was also ordered to served eight years of supervision upon his release.

According to the U. S. Attorney’s Office, Demetrius Gregory “Money Clipz” Floyd was arrested in October 2010 and charged with possession of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it. His trial was held in June and a jury found him guilty of the charge on June 6, 2012.

According to court documents, during the execution of a search warrant, Floyd was found in the bedroom of the home. In addition to his clothing, mail, and driver’s license, more than 300 grams of crack cocaine was discovered in the bedroom. Police also found sandwich bags, a digital scale, and a razor blade. Floyd’s DNA was also found on packaging that contained 33 grams of crack cocaine, documents showed.

Court documents showed that Floyd is a local rapper. In addition to serving the 30-year sentence, he was also ordered to serve a term of eight years of supervision upon his release from prison.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A Tampa teenager, wanted in connection with a murder at a local club, surrendered to police. The suspect had been identified and police had issued a warrant for his arrest.

Bryan Jefferson, 18, was charged with second-degree murder. Police said Jefferson allegedly shot into the crowd during a fight outside the club, and fled the scene. Rickey S. Ligons, 24, was struck by gunfire.

He was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he died. Another person who police have not identified, was also hit by gunfire, but that person survived.

According to police, the shooting took place last Friday outside Club Ice, 1704 N. 17th Street.

According to reports, the fight started inside the club and bouncers ejected several people. Two young women began fighting behind the club. Witnesses said Ligons became involved after a young man began fighting with one of the women and he (Ligons) tried to stop him.

Ligons’ mother, Mrs. Odessa Marshall said her son was attempting to break up the fight when he was shot.

Rickey Ligons