Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

The final arguments in the double murder trial of a Tampa man began on Thursday. Around 2 p.m., the six-member jury left the Hillsborough County Courtroom to decide if he was guilty of killing his brother and his brother’s friend nearly three years ago.

Around 6 p.m., Thursday, after deliberating for four hours, the jury decided that 31-year-old Derrick Eugene Cullins was guilty of the charges lodged against him. The trial lasted for nearly 3 weeks.

Cullins is facing two life sentences for the murders. Judge Emmett Lamar Battles will sentence Cullins on April 13th.

On April 7, 2009, a passer-by discovered the nude body of a young, Black man in a wooded area in the 6400 block of Thonotosassa Road in Plant City. A few days later, a Tampa mother filed a missing person’s report on her 21-year-old son to Tampa Police. Working in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined that the missing man, identified as Carl Walters, was the murder victim found in the wooded area three days earlier. Walters had been stabbed 18 times.

Tampa Police executed a warrant at 1810 E. Humphrey Street, just before midnight on April 10, 2009. Police said there was evidence of a violent struggle inside the house.

Cullins, who shared the home with Walters who was his brother, had unexplained cuts on his fingers, a bite mark on his chest, and blood on his clothing and shoes, police said.

However, there was no sign of 20-year-old Ryan Jerard Darkins Davis, at the residence. Davis had left his home on April 5, 2009, in the company of Walters. After not hearing from her son, Ms. Robin Harris reported him as a missing person.

On April 11, 2009, police arrested Cullins and charged him with second-degree murder in the death of his brother, Walters.  Fearing that Davis was in danger, Tampa Police conducted an aggressive search for Davis. An extensive search took place, including the landfill, but the search was to no avail. Davis remained listed as a missing person until February 2, 2010. Children playing in a wooded area in Plant City, found bones.

Police later identified them as Davis’ remains. Cullins was charged with Davis’ murder on March 3, 2010.

Davis’ Mother Speaks
Ms. Robin Harris, the mother of Ryan Davis said the defense attorneys “tried to blame it on other people, everybody but him. He took the stand and testified. But, evidently, the jury saw through it all. He is facing two life sentences and I hope he gets the maximum.”

Ms. Harris further stated that the evidence was overwhelming and that Cullins could not explain the blood on his clothes and shoes, or receipts showing where he made purchases.

She also said police found evidence of where he purchased chemicals in an attempt to clean up the murder scene.

Ms. Harris also said, “Attorney Michelle Doherty and Attorney Ada Carmona were awesome in presenting their case. I really appreciate the way the police department came out to support us, too.”

Hillsborough County’s Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) has funds immediately available to assist senior citizens with payments of their delinquent electric bills.  Applications and qualification requirements must be submitted by March 31 at a Neighborhood Service Center.

Households may qualify if they meet the following criteria:

*    Have a total household gross income below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines;
*    Have at least one member that is 60 years or older;
*    Reside in Hillsborough County;
*    Are a U. S. Citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident of the U.S; and
*    Have a recent past due or final notice energy bill.
Additional requirements may be necessary for eligibility determination. Applicants will be informed of these requirements at the time of application.

How To Apply

*    Applications are accepted at a local Neighborhood Service Center.
*    Proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days. This proof can be a pay check stub,
employer letter, public assistance check, Supplementary Security Income check, unemployment check or a pension check stub.
*    Proof of home energy obligation or electric bill.
*    Picture identification.
*    Proof of Hillsborough County residency, such as: valid driver’s license with current address, a letter from your landlord or mortgage company, voter’s registration card, etc.
Residents can apply at their local Neighborhood Service Centers

*    Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center, 3402 N. 22nd St. in Tampa, (813) 272-5220
*    Plant City Neighborhood Service Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave. in Plant City, (813) 757-3871
*    SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. S.E. in Ruskin, (813) 671-7647
*    University Community Resource Center, 13605 N. 22nd St. in Tampa, (813) 975-2153
*    West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave. in Tampa, (813) 272-5074
Hillsborough County’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) is a federally-funded program offered by the Department of Family and Aging Services. For more information contact one of the above neighborhood service centers or (813) 272-6770.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

A panel from the Urban Land Institute Rose Center for Public Leadership in Land Use has concluded its study visit to Tampa by presenting recommendations for redeveloping the riverfront, specially the area northwest of downtown, which includes West Tampa.

The recommendations were revealed to Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Housing Authority CEO, Jerome Ryans, West Tampa Resident Association Leader, Mike Vinetta, and real estate developer, Ed Turanchik.

Ryans said as far as the North Boulevard Homes Public Housing Complex is concerned, they’ve met with residents for several months to discuss the future of North Boulevard Homes and the Bethune Hi-Rise Building.

“In the next 3-to-5 years, we will be redeveloping the area along the same lines as we did in Central Park. No plan has been put together yet, and our Board is reviewing material.

“Also, Robles Park will be redeveloped in the next 5-to-7 years, with the thought in mind of what to do with all the people who will be displaced.”

Ryans said the opening up of the riverfront will be instrumental in the redevelopment of West Tampa.

“The North Boulevard Homes complex was going to be torn down anyway. We are still developing partnerships to make this all happen.

Funding is the primary issue on making this happen.

“I agree with Mayor Buckhorn that the area needs to be redeveloped, and the North Boulevard Homes complex sits on 44 acres.”

Ryans said something needs to be done in West Tampa and it’s time they look at putting together the dollars to get some things done.

“There will be opportunities for business owners to present their plans and say what they want to happen. As far as providing housing I think we can do better. We’re not going to do anything to adversely affect the people we serve.”

Ryans said Turanchik also presented plans and recommendations he brought up years ago when he was part of a group trying to acquire the North Boulevard Homes property for an Olympic Village.

“Ed presented what he wants to do in West Tampa.”

Earlier this week, the State Attorney rested and Defense Attorneys began presenting their case in a double murder trial. This is the second week of the trial of Derrick Cullins, which was expected to last three weeks. Judge Emmett Battles is presiding.

Cullins, 31, has been held at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond since April 11, 2009. He is charged with the murder of his brother, 21-year-old Carl Walters (pictured, right), and his brother’s friend, 20-year-old Ryan Darkins Davis (pictured, left). Neither man had been seen since April 5, 2009.

A passer-by found Walter’s nude body in a wooded area in Plant City on April 7th.  He had been stabbed 18 times. Davis’ skeletal remains were discovered in a different wooded area in February 2010.

Cullins and his brother, Carl, shared a home on E. Humphrey that Tampa Police said was the scene of the crime. Blood was reportedly found throughout the house, the carpet was missing, and there was evidence that a violent confrontation had taken place, police said.

Cullins also had a bite mark on his chest. He was charged with his brother’s murder at the time of his arrest. He was not charged with Davis’ murder until March 3, 2010, after his remains were found.

A spokesman for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said there was a large amount of evidence involved in the case and three crime scenes.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

For more than 20 years, Mrs. Lorita Shirley has campaigned for children in state custody. Last month, Eckerd Community Alternatives was awarded the contract to provide services to Hillsborough County, replacing Hillsborough Kids, Inc., (HKI).

Mrs. Shirley now serves as the Executive Director of the Circuit 13, CBC Lead Agency for child welfare services in Hillsborough County.   Mrs. Shirley introduced herself to the community Tuesday during a news conference with David Wilkins, Secretary of State, Department of Children and Families.

During a telephone interview Ms. Shirley said, “I am coming back home. I’m happy to be back in my own community working. Our children are being pulled from their homes and placed in the system, and are not connected to their relatives or people in the community.

“Our belief at Eckerd is in God and respect for all. We are committed to kids and our vision is to provide every child with an opportunity to succeed.”

She further stated that she plans to reconnect with the minority communities and call on members of the community to step up.

Mrs. Shirley said she believes in being accessible to the community and keeping an open line of communications. She wants to know about things not done correctly. Echoing the philosophy of Eckerd, her goal is to focus on safety, quality outcomes, accountability, and transparency.

A Florida native and longtime Hillsborough County resident, Mrs. Shirley completed her education earning BSW and MSW degrees from Florida State University.

She began her career with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Her leadership role began in Osceola County.
She became the Executive Director and served in Pinellas and Pasco Counties, overseeing the second largest child welfare system in the state. Mrs. Shirley and her team are currently preparing to fulfill their contract on July 1st.

A Hillsborough County resident, Mrs. Shirley commuted for several years. Now, she looks forward to working in her own community.

Mrs. Shirley is married and is the mother of three daughters. She is a member of First Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in St. Petersburg, and attends Love First Christian Center, in Tampa.

The students at an East Tampa school were surprised Thursday morning by a visit from Gerard Robinson, Florida’s Department of Education Commissioner. After meeting with school officials, he toured Middleton High School and mingled with the students.

Last summer, Governor Rick Scott appointed Robinson as the Commissioner.

Shown from left to right are: Commissioner Robinson, Mrs. MaryEllen Elia, Hillsborough County School Superintendent, Mrs. Dorothea Edgecomb, School Board member, and Owen Young, Principal of Middleton High School. (Photography by BRUNSON).

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last fall, a year-long investigation resulted in the arrest of several individuals. Known as “Operation Rainmaker,” the investigation focused on theft and tax fraud.

The joint task force executed the first level of arrests in what has become known as the drop scam with more than 40 arrests. Since that time, several others have been taken into custody and charged with grand theft and identity theft by the Tampa Police Department.

However, Ms. Laura McElroy, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said that although many of the defendants have already gone to state court, they could face other charges.

“We can’t charge them with tax fraud because that is a federal offense. We have charged them with grand theft and identity theft. But, we have sent more than 100 cases to the Internal Revenue Service for violations of the tax code.

“This means that even though they make have been to state court, they can still face federal charges for tax fraud,” Ms. McElroy said.

The investigation began more than two years ago and culminated with arrests as “Operation Rainmaker” last September.

Police discovered that several suspects were obtaining the personal information of individuals, living or dead, and filing a tax refund in that person’s name. The refunds were received on a prepaid debit card, treasury check through the U. S. mail, or through direct deposit.

The task force included the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, and the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

As the 2012 tax season begins, some individuals are discovering that their personal information has already been used to file a federal tax return.

Ms. McElroy said, the department receives several complaints a week. “We are continuing to work with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Secret Service and the Postal Service. Our investigation is ongoing and very active,” she said.

Ms. McElroy said that rather than a sudden spike in reports because of tax season, “It appears that the complaints of identity theft are fairly constant.”[private]

Some of those who were arrested last year include: Marterrance “Quat” Holloway, Kenneth Goodson, Quincy Wimberly, Janica Bullock, Raid Faria, Reem Faria, Russell Simmons, Jr., Derrick Parker, Deemma Coleman, Bobby Mosley, Jr., Micah Alexander, Jeff Borgelin, Kenyarta Gaines, Alexis Harrison, Sheila Allen, Damien Harrison, Serio Miller, Eric Ingram, Roger Snells, Danielle Denson, Patrick Shaw, Tarrananzton Barr, Alexander Lennox, Hantz St. Marc, Kahaldoun “Tony” Khawaja, Dwayne Johnson, Brinton Gaston, and Michael Williams.

Rachel Amones, Roger Snells, Patrick Shaw, Tarrananzton Barr, Patricia Shaw, Shawntrece Sims, and Jacqueline Ferreira have been convicted and sentenced to federal prison.[/private]

Pictured, l to r: Roger Snells, Patrick Shaw, Patricia Shaw and Rachel Amones

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

The East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership and the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department are announcing the YET Center’s New Community Senior Program at 3310 East Lake Avenue.

The program will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a. m. until 2 p. m.

The day program will include aerobics, line dancing, card and board games, computer training for beginners, telling our life story through scrapbooking, and memory boxes.

The YET Center New Senior Program will also have free monthly social events by bringing in speakers, the Department of Aging, and other health care professionals and agencies.

Seniors will be provided free monthly information on health and healthy living, and group outings to local restaurants, museums, festivals, and entertainment parks.

The program will officially kick off March 5, 2012 at 9 a. m. with a “Red Hat Special.”

The first 50 seniors to walk in the doors with their red hat will receive a free recreation card. The card will be good for a year.

ETCRP Co-Chair, Richedean Hills-Ackbar, said through her program, Caregiver’s Helping Hand, she’s been working with seniors for decades.

“Most programs that deal specifically with seniors in east Tampa are gone. We’re trying to bring them back, and make them convenient for the seniors to get to.”

Ms. Hills-Ackbar said we are judged by how well we take care of our seniors and youth, and it’s time we stepped up. “This program is starting off in East Tampa, but if it is successful, I’d like to work with seniors in other areas”

For more information the event, call Richedean Hills-Ackbar at (813) 379-8966.

Hillsborough County Commissioners will join Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services to welcome a senior citizen back to her newly renovated home in Progress Village with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Feb. 16 at noon.

Mrs. Authorine Clark’s home was heavily damaged in the March 31, 2011, tornadoes that ripped through Tampa, particularly the Progress Village neighborhood.  Although Mrs. Clark’s home was paid in full at the time, she did not have funds to repair the damage.

Through the County’s Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program, Mrs. Clark applied for and received a home rehabilitation loan which provided funding for a contractor to repair or rebuild the home’s roof and ceilings, porches, structure, and carport, as well as upgrade the windows, doors, floor tiles and other features to make the home safe, meeting County code standards, and livable.

Commissioner Leslie “Les” Miller, Jr., District 3, will be on hand to help cut the ribbon and welcome Mrs. Clark home.

For information on the County’s Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program, contact Don McKnight.