Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

The theme of the 2012 TOBA Breakfast was “The March Continues…The Right Time To Do What Is Right.” The speaker for the 6:45 a. m. event at the downtown Hyatt Hotel was Dr. Paulette C. Walker, the National First Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Recently retired as the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida, Dr. Walker spoke to 600 attendees and told Tampa Bay to lock arms and mop out the dirt. She also asked everyone what is being doing to make sure those who come behind are left in better positions.

Sharing comments centered around the theme, she said, “it’s time to take our individual patches and put them on the community quilt” and work together. “We can no longer tolerate bullying and hating; you must walk with the wise to become wise.”
Continuing, she said, “service is the rent we pay for living on this earth…and we must march and continue to march….We can’t sit around and wait for a promissory check to be cashed.”

Before Dr. Walker spoke, the NAACP Youth Speaker delivered an inspiring message. Valiece Long, the NAACP Clearwater Oratorical Youth Winner – Elks Tampa representative, is a student at the University of Florida.

Awards were presented to several persons in the community by James Ransom and Atty. Clinton Paris, both of whom are TOBA Board members.

Board members surprised longtime breakfast supporter, Andrea M. White, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Hillsborough Region, Bright House Networks, with the Golden Service Award.

The Unsung Hero Award went to Marie Tarver White, recognizing the work she has done in the community with On-Que magazine.

Also surprised to receive an award was Chloe Coney, who received the prestigious Ike Tribble Civic Leadership Award. Her work throughout the community with the CDC was recognized. Currently, she is the District Director for Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s 11th Congressional District Office.

The Corporate Leadership Award was presented to Central Park Youth Services Foundation. Radiant Oil owner, Joe Capitano accepted the award.

Tampa Police Homicide Detectives have arrested a suspect in the November 2011 murder of a teenager.

Detectives arrested Jose Guillermo Torres-Melvis, 19, on Wednesday morning, charging him with second-degree murder.

Torres-Melvis was charged with the shooting death of Jamarie Lavon Hodges, 16. Detectives received information that Torres-Melvis was a resident on River Resort Lane. They set up surveillance, and verified he was there.

When Torres-Melvis left the home, he was arrested without incident.

On November 6, 2011, a fight broke out in the 3900 block of Ellicott Street between a group of friends associated with Hodges and a group associated with Torres-Melvis. During the fight, detectives said one of Hodges’s friends was robbed. Hodges was trying to help his friend when Torrres-Melvis allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him. He was transported to a local hospital where he died.

A 36-year-old Tampa woman was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for tax fraud. She entered a guilty plea in October.

On Friday, U. S. District Judge James D. Whittemore ordered Ms. Patricia Shaw to make mandatory restitution payments to the U. S. Treasury for $126,002.

According to the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Ms. Shaw pleaded guilty to one count of tax fraud. In her plea agreement, Ms. Shaw admitted that from at 2006 through April 2011, she agreed with at least two other co-conspirators, to knowingly engaged in a scheme to defraud the government.

She admitted to using identifying information of other individuals to prepare and electronically file dozens of false income tax returns. In some cases, the victims were unaware that their personal information was used. In other instances, the people willingly provided the information for a fee.

The refunds were most often deposited into a Bank of America bank account, controlled by her co-conspirator. The proceeds were intended to be divided, court documents showed.

Law enforcement has identified 24 fraudulent tax returns for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 created and filed by Ms. Shaw.

The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Rainmaker that was investigated by members of a task force representing several federal and local law enforcement agencies.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

While growing up in St. Petersburg, Taz, S.L.M., Dorian, and P.T. (known as Fanta-C) tried to immolate the popular R&B groups they had heard their parents listening to, and they grew up listening.

“Groups like the Temptations, Jodeci, O’Jays and others were the ones who had the biggest influence on us,” said Taz.

“We wanted to be real singers and performers, and keep the tradition of the old school R&B groups alive.”

The quartet has been honored with a request to perform as part of the Black Heritage Celebration. These four young men first came to Tampa during a show promoted by Too Smooth, and opened for the successful R&B group, Silk.

Entering their 15th year of singing together, Taz said they got their first break when they moved to Atlanta and landed a deal with Sony Records.

“We thought we were ready for the big time but we found out we weren’t mature enough to handle the success. It turned out to be a real learning experience for all of us.”

Fanta-C has been on the road quite a bit, and now they are preparing to shoot a video in February.

“We want everyone to come out and join us for our album release party,” said Taz. “No one will leave disappointed. We have a live band behind us this time, and we want the world to know that R&B is not dead.”

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

On November 11, 2011, Marsha Allen and a friend were on their way home when they stopped by a Shell Gas Station on Himes Avenue. She said she wanted to get a few things to take home, and was in line behind a young Hispanic male wearing a Black, Tupac tee-shirt.

“I told the young man I liked the shirt, and his response was a group of loud racial slurs. I asked him what he was talking about, and that he must be on drugs. That’s when he assaulted me.”

“I was hit in the temple with a closed fist. I left the items on the counter, ran out of the store, and he followed, shoving me so hard, I fell and injured my elbow.”

Ms. Allen said she got up, ran back in the store, and the young man followed, grabbing her by the hair, pulling her down backwards, and kicking her as she lay on the floor. “While all of this was going on, none of the customers in the store or the clerk did a thing. By time 9-1-1 was called and police arrived he was gone.”

Ms. Allen was transported to a local hospital by her friend where she was treated for her injuries.

According to police, the incident that occurred outside was partially recorded on surveillance tape, and the report said nothing about what was captured on film inside the store.

A witness to the incident got the tag number of the suspect’s vehicle, but when police checked it out, it came back no good.

Although police said they are still investigating the incident, Ms. Allen said she lives in fear of her life, because she thinks her attacker may find her again.

“The detectives tell me they are looking for him, and I know they have a description from the video tape.”

BY TAMECA JOHNSON
Freelance Writer

Cary White has always been a man with a plan.  The desire for security, led him to take the road more traveled.  The New York native and design engineer graduated high school, moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida, transferred to the University of South Florida then earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix.

His plan for financial security was well in place, or so it seemed; then came the year 2003 that put a dent in everything.

That year the stock market took a dive and along with it, White’s years of retirement savings.  “I had stocks worth $43 a share that went down to $3 a share.”  White also lost his Executive level position with Avaya Lucent and AT&T.

With little money and no job, he needed a plan B and it came in the form of a birthday party.  “I went to a party on a farm that my son was invited to and the host challenged me to a horse ride.”  The horse’s owner told White if he could successfully ride the horse he could have it.

“That horse was a bad boy.  The lady who challenged me had gotten a cracked rib riding it.”

What the horse owner didn’t know was that White was well trained in horses and riding.  White’s grandfather used to ‘break’ horses and taught White to ride at the age of six.
“I climbed on and discovered my roots again,” says White.  The woman kept her promise and gave White the horse.

Word of White’s gift of horse taming spread throughout rural Hillsborough County.  He was given a second horse, then a third and before long he had a total of six and a second career in the making.
“People would come to me and say I need my horse broken.  A parent would spend $30 to $50 thousand on a horse and have no idea what to do with it.  As a result, I’d be called to train horses for five-year-old kids.”

White is not confined to the country.  He and his horses often venture into Hillsborough County communities.  He’s a regular at the monthly Picnic in the Park in Palm River and gives the kids the opportunity to ride and practice caring for horses.  He’s a hit with the adults, too.  He says, “One mother told me, you live out in these equestrian neighborhoods and these people don’t want us looking at their horses, much less touching them.  Comments like that make me feel real good.”

White is not the only cowboy in the family.  His two sons, Cary, II and Trey also ride and train horses on a private ranch in Odessa.

White hasn’t totally given up the corporate world either.  On occasion, he can be found in a suit and tie giving presentations on website development to Fortune 500 companies.  He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. (Photo courtesy of Ishmon Johnson)

A Hillsborough County judge sentenced a woman to prison for her role in a sexual battery of a child. Her husband was also arrested.

According to police, Marla Rowell, 38, and Taurus Ricardo Rowell were arrested in January 27, 2010, and each was charged with four counts of capital sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. Both have been in jail since their arrest.

Police said the little girl was 6-years-old when the couple reportedly began the sexual abuse in May 2007. It continued until May of 2009.

Taurus Rowell

At some point, the girl and her sister were taken to another city to live. A relative report what she observed to another family member who called police.

The investigation into the allegations began in 2009 and culminated with the arrests.

On Monday, Marla Rowell entered a guilty plea to four counts of attempted capital sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. She will be placed on probation for life after completing the 30-year prison sentence.

Attorney Michael Sinacore, spokesman for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said the sentence is contingent on her providing truthful information in the trial against her husband. In the State of Florida, sexual battery on a child under the age of 12 is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison.

A trial date for Taurus Rowell has not been set and he remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Monday, we will celebrate the 82nd birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Some readers shared their opinion as we celebrate the life and legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and responded to the question, “What portion of Dr. King’s dream has become his legacy?”

Dr. Samuel Wright said, “Dr. King’s overall espousal of faith-filled words ultimately has become his legacy. He spoke about things that were far-fetched, but today many of them have materialized. He is the only Black in America, who has a holiday in his memory; but was never elected to any public office; the election of the first Black President of the United States has taken place; desegregation of schools and universities like never before and believe it or not, a greater assemblage of Blacks and whites in churches during the noon hour in America.”

Ms. Ann Porter (pictured, right) said, “One of the primary focuses of Dr. King’s dream has become a reality.  We have celebrated the first African American becoming President of the United States of America.  Our Civil Rights have moved forward up to this time with the Voting Rights Law. “However, there seems to be various plots to slow this process. The need for strong economic activity is still on life support.”

Attorney Clinton Paris said, “Eighty-two years after the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy is one of our shared responsibilities to each other. We must work to right wrongs and collectively strive in own individual way to make the world a more humane place for all to live.”

Billy Wheeler said, “I think Dr. King’s vision to end institutionalized racial segregation has become reality; it is a great part of his legacy. With effort and preparation, our children are able to go anywhere and do anything they wish by use of their intelligence and resources.”

Danny Green said, “The legacy that has become a reality is that some of the little Black and white boys and girls have certainly joined hands as sisters and brothers.  Without a doubt, the “victorious” accomplishment is President Obama!”

Dr. George Foxx said, “According to Dr. King’s dream, Pres. Barack Obama demonstrated achievement in a portion of his legacy; indicating color or skin and content of character. Dr. King tried to bring America together via politics of moral suasion – adherence to not only what is right, but what is just; justice being the standard for all that is right (not the other way around). What some think is right isn’t always just, but what is just is always right. The legacy is still lacking.”

Howard Harris said, “Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is the destruction of Jim Crow laws and other barriers that kept the ‘Colored in their place.’  As a result, many African Americans rose to great heights including the presidency of the United States.

“However, many who made it do not reach back to assist our children through mentoring and tutoring.  Keeping the dream alive can be accomplished with a few hours of volunteering.”

Milton Andrews said, “The portion of Dr. King’s dream that has become his legacy in my opinion is the new and revised interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees all Americans equal protection under the law.

“This revised view of the law not only includes people of color, but involves those from all walks of life, nationality, orientation, race and gender.”
James Ransom said, “The dream that one day the nation will rise and live out its true meaning that all men are created equal is supported by the nations laws but all in the nation do not this creed.

“The dream that sons of former slaves and slave owners sitting down together at the table of brotherhood is mostly true in larger cities, still a work in process in many other places. This dream has improved by the nation’s laws, which are supposed to ensure justice for all. However, the percentage of incarcerated Blacks is far greater than any other race, which reeks of injustice and continued unfair and inequitable treatment. In employment, education and business indicates that this dream is still unfulfilled.

“The dream that all children will live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character is better, but still a work in progress – most recent example – the disrespect of our nation’s President Barack Obama – the work is not over!

“The dream that little Black boys and white girls will be able to hold hands and sisters and brothers is topically true.

“The dream that every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together is inevitable.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Earlier this week, a U. S. District judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Tampa Housing Authority. Several former residents of the Tampa Housing Authority filed the lawsuit in November 2011.

In a written order, Judge James D. Whittemore cited several reasons for dismissing the lawsuit. “Even a cursory review of the Complaint reveals that it is replete with numerous technical and substantive deficiencies warranting dismissal.”

The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice. The ruling gives the plaintiffs 20 days to file an amended complaint.

The lawsuit named the Tampa Housing Authority, its CEO/President, Jerome Ryans, City of Tampa and Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It was filed in the U. S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, on Friday, November 4, 2011.

The civil suit, filed through the Law Office Of Kaydell Wright-Douglas, Esquire, stated that residents in four former housing complexes, Central Park Village, Ponce de Leon, College Hill Homes, and Riverview Terrace did not receive their utility allowances as stipulated by HUD. The suit covers a period from 1999 to 2007.

Plaintiffs listed in the lawsuit were Annie Bright, Patricia Brown, Brenda L. Catuy, Maryse Codeio, Bernestine Cotton, Doniquisha Donaldson, Carol A. Harley, Hannah Williams-Johnson, Ruby Scott, Mattie Shine, Ruby Williams, and Wanda L. Anderson-Gilchrist.

They represent a class of 1,892 tenants and their families. The plaintiffs were seeking $65,000 in financial damages, costs of attorneys’ fees and utility reimbursement.

The civil lawsuit was filed through the law office of Kaydell Wright-Douglas, Esquire.