Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Sunday, Tommy Mitchell, Sr., Florida A & M University National Alumni Association, held a press conference on the steps of Lee Hall. During the press conference, Mitchell addressed the recent death of a drum major, the call to suspend the president, and the problem with hazing.

During a telephone interview, Mitchell spoke of the death of 26-year-old Robert Champion. “Florida A & M University alumni all over the country and I are devastated by the death of Drum Major Robert Champion. Our hearts go out to Mr. and Mrs. Champion, their family, FAMU family, and friends.

“His death is a tragedy and we are very sorry that one of our own has died. He was an alumni.”

Tommy Mitchell

A National Problem
Mitchell further stated that the school plans to put methods in place to address the issue of hazing. “Hazing is something we are going to have to do something about because it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

However, Mitchell pointed out that most of the incidents of hazing, including the incident that allegedly led to Champion’s death, does not take place on campus.

“Most of this takes place away from school and the students are going to have to put a stop to it. We can address any issues that happen on campus, but it is very difficult to control when it happens somewhere else. The incident with Champion happened on a bus in another city.”

Mitchell said while all of the attention is on Florida A & M University, hazing is a national problem. “There has been 15 cases of hazing reported this year, I know because we did the research. Just last week, on December 13th, a student died at Bowling Green University.

“I’m not trying to minimize Champion’s death because we are very sorry and he is one of our own, but why is this one case getting so much attention?”

The case in which Mitchell was referring took place at Bowling Green State University last Tuesday. Joseph Monroe died after he was discovered unresponsive in the fraternity house of Pi Kappa Alpha.

Police have not released a cause of death and the investigation is continuing.

Mitchell further stated that his research includes hazing records dating back as far 1838. “Name another president who has been fired over hazing. There has never been another incident.”

Students Support President
Last Wednesday was the final day of classes for students at Florida A & M University before the winter break. However, on Thursday evening, nearly 1,000 students marched to the Governor’s mansion after learning that he was calling for the suspension of Dr. James Ammons, president of the university.

Mitchell said he was aware of the march and was not opposed to it. They were supporting our president who is being mistreated. This is why we need the support of our alumni, when things occur we need the body,” he said.

In response to the march, Governor Rick Scott denies treating Dr. Ammons unfairly. Scott called for the Board of Trustees to suspend Dr. Ammons.

Scott said Sunday, “I have not and will not try to influence their decision. I simply offered my advice and opinion based on the events and the facts I was made aware of.”

During a second meeting Monday, since Champion’s death on November 19th, the Board of Trustees decided not to suspend Dr. Ammons.

Board Issues Statement
The Board of Trustees issued the following statement: As a board, we are vested with the power and authority to govern and set policy for Florida A & M University. To clarify any concern, we are fully aware of our authority. As is always the case, the board will act with the best interests of the University in mind and will not be influenced by pressure from political or other outside forces. Our deliberations on all matters are underscored by our commitment to pursuing the right path for the University and its future.

“Furthermore, it should be noted that the board is closely monitoring all ongoing investigations. Until information and results from the ongoing investigations are made available to the board, enabling it to effectively conduct a fact-based deliberation on the role of the administration and the President in these matters, the board is deciding to leave the status of the President unchanged. The board is committed to convene and act promptly, as soon as information from the investigating agencies becomes available.”

Cause Of Death
The state medical examiner recently released the cause of death in the Champion case. It has officially been ruled a homicide.

According to the medical examiner, Champion was severely beaten and died within an hour of the beating. The report stated that Champion suffered internal bleeding that caused him to go into shock. He reportedly had bruises on his chest, arms, shoulder and back.

Anti-Hazing Steps Taken
In addition to the steps being taken by the university, a group of African American ministers have also formed a task force to battle hazing at all historically Black colleges and universities.

Additionally, FAMU student leaders have launched an initiative as well. They are encouraging every student, club, and organization to sign an anti-hazing agreement. Those who refuse risk being sanctioned by the student government.

BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

Two groups that had their beginning in Central Park Village Public Housing Complex, will be the opening acts Friday night, December 23, 2011, when Gucci Mane appears in concert.

Gucci Mane, who is set to perform at midnight, will be in concert at Vanity Ultra Lounge on West Waters Ave.

HBIC Events, Inc., which is hosting the “Welcome Home Christmas Bash,” says they are excited about using the hometown guys to display their talents before the hometown audience.

Fatty Duke and the members of Jitt World Entertainment hail from Central Park Village.

Fatty Duke says he turned to music as a way to vent when he was faced with tribulations. Being the only child of early divorced parents, Fatty Duke was easily spoiled and grew to be rebellious.

Though he was a star football player who made good grades, Fatty Duke was attracted to the street life. He had his first brush with the law at age 15 for stealing a car.

What set Fatty Duke apart from other young hustlers was his sharp business sense. He opened several lucrative businesses, such as a clothing store, fencing company and a beauty supply store.

Currently, Fatty Duke is promoting his hot single, Resume’ debuting on Talkin’ Cash Sh..

Jitt World Records

Jitt World Records started as a vision that consisted of childhood friends and family – Ronald Gordon, Chester Carithers, Justin George and Fredrick Johnson – all of whom were born and raised in Central Park Village Housing Complex.

After many years of setbacks and losing close friends to violence and crime, it became their motive to start a movement of positivity, doing something they all had a passion for – music.

As of 2011, Jitt World Records officially became an independent hip-hop and R&B record label, based out of Tampa.

Jitt World Records is currently working on an album planned for release by Spring 2012. The group is also forming s non-profit organization – Jitt World Outreach – to act as role models to young men in the local community who deal with daily struggles in life.

A Tampa judge sentenced a 40-year-old woman to 3 years in state prison Thursday. She was charged with 3 counts of fraudulent use of personal information earlier this year.

According to the State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Rachel Amones entered a plea of guilt and elected to serve a longer prison sentence to be followed without probation. Mark Cox, spokesman for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said Ms. Amones was employed at a security company and had access to personal information.

“She was supposed to destroy the information, but sold it to people implicated in the turbo tax scheme.”

Ms. Amones was serving probation on five counts of uttering a forged bill when she was arrested on April 1st. She had been arrested on those charges in April 2009, jail records showed.

Earlier this week, members of the Tampa Police Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested seven individuals on fraud charges. Each suspect is also facing additional charges.

Forty-nine people were arrested in September, following a yearlong investigation by several local and federal agencies. These arrests are a continuation of the initial investigation.

Police said that during interviews after the suspects were arrested, several said they were going to take part in their own stimulus program.

So far, Ms. Wilma Lee Gallagher, who turned 70 years old on December 6th, is the oldest person arrested in the investigation. Ms. Gallagher was charged with one count of uttering a forged instrument. She was taken into custody after she attempted to cash a Green Dot check at an Amscot facility using a fraudulent power of attorney, police said.

After arresting Ms. Briana Latisha Keaton police allegedly seized a ledger that contained more than 100 names. She is facing charges of credit card fraud and criminal use of personal information. Ms. Keaton, 22, is alleged to have used the information of a 92-year-old Alzheimer’s patient in a nursing home to pay off a 50-inch flat screen television, washer and dryer.

Ms. Endrica Michell Simpson, 37, was charged with the criminal use of personal information. Police reportedly found a Green Dot card with several U. S. Treasury refunds on the card. The search took place after a traffic stop revealed that Ms. Simpson was driving on a suspended license, police said. 

Police said the image of Rashad Ahmeir Cortez, 24, was captured on camera as he allegedly used a Green Dot card. Cortez allegedly attempted to hide the card in his shoe as police searched his vehicle during a traffic stop. The victim lives in Ohio. Cortez was charged with criminal use of personal information.[private]

Travis Rennard Johnson, 23, was arrested and charged with credit card fraud and criminal use of personal information. Johnson is alleged to have used a Green Dot card in a jewelry store at University Square Mall.

Police said the victim does not know Johnson and is an 82-year-old resident of Illinois.

Ms. Alonia Shameka Anderson, 35, is facing five counts of identity theft, scheme to defraud, and credit card fraud.

Police said that during a traffic stop, the officers smelled marijuana and searched the vehicle. During the search, they allegedly discovered a Green Dot card in another person’s name.

Police learned that the victim, who has no ties to Tampa, is currently in prison.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 39-year-old Darryl Deon Smith on charges of credit card fraud and criminal use of personal information. He is alleged to have used a Green Dot card in someone else’s name to purchase a money order.[/private]

***Look for full story in Friday’s Sentinel***

Pictured: Top, l-r-Wilma Lee Gallager, Briana Michell Simpson, Endrica Simpson & Rashad Cortez

BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

The members of International Longshoremen Local 1402 re-elected its President to a second term.

James Harrell was re-elected by a large margin on December 6. He will serve for 3 years. His opponents were Alvin Lynch and Ernest Richards, Jr.

Harrell worked himself from the hole – loading and unloading ships — to the president’s desk. He served as Vice President for 35 years – 2 years under Perry Harvey, Sr. and 33 under Perry Harvey, Jr. He credits both with teaching him the business of the maritime market.

Under his leadership are 2 vice presidents – Larry Coleman for Port Manatee and Wardell Norman for the Port of Tampa. During last week’s election, Gregory Weston was elected Recording Secretary (replacing Sharon Wright, who died recently), 2 new board members were added: Eddie Dutchfield and Charles Johnson. And, elected to the Audit Committee were: Steve Hall, Ernest Richards, Jr. and Travis Norman.

As a young man, his interest in working on the docks was sparked by an uncle, Joseph Harrell, who was a longshoreman in Tampa.

Looking back on the business, Harrell says automation has limited the number of men who are able to make a living from working at ‘the docks.’ And, there are a number of badges that a worker has to have before starting to work, including going through background checks. “Men can no longer get out of jail and come to the docks to get a job,” he said.

The work of the Bay Area longshoreman is limited to mostly cruise and container ships. He adds, however, that the job is still very rewarding.

When he’s not conducting longshoremen business, Harrell spends time with his wife, Linda F. Harrell.  The father of 6 children occasionally attends Jesuit High School football games where his son is the head football coach.

He is Chairman of the Board of Tampa Park Apartments, Inc.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Members of the community attributed the death of a young expectant mother and her unborn child killed last month in a traffic accident to poor lighting and a lack of sidewalks. Since that time, the woman’s sister has appeared at several meetings asking for improvements in the area where the deaths occurred.

During City Council meeting on Thursday, Council members learned that the family owning land where the accident occurred has donated property for sidewalks. The installation will be completed by February of next year.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn said, “I would like to thank the Urso Family for the gracious donation of the land needed to construct a sidewalk on N. 43rd Street near Hillsborough Avenue. The City puts a priority on investing in neighborhoods and improving the quality of life of our citizens. The Urso Family’s generosity benefits the community and helps us meet that commitment.”

The accident that claimed the life of Ms. Monica Alvarez, and her unborn son, Angel, took place on November 16th. It left her 1-year-old daughter, Imani, was admitted to the hospital with head injuries. She remains hospitalized.

Ms. Shanita Little and her daughter, Marquisha, who is also 1-year-old were also injured in the accident. They were treated and released for their injuries.
Earlier this month, the first street light was installed on N. 43rd Street, with a second planned.  Speed tables are also scheduled for completion before Christmas.

Tampa Police arrested a man Monday evening for allegedly trying to run down a woman with his car.

According to the report, Michael Mack, 29, and Audrey Gilchrist, 24, were involved in an argument that led to Mack trying to, and succeeding, in striking Gilchrist with his car. She received a minor injury and was treated on the scene.

Audrey Gilchrist

Mack fled after the incident, and police later spotted his vehicle near Yukon and 22nd Street. The vehicle was pursued through Temple Terrace on Bullard Parkway to Highway 301, then to Hillsborough Avenue and later to the area of Lakeshore Drive and Crenshaw.

At that location, police said Mack got out of the vehicle and fled, but was caught by officers. A search of the vehicle revealed Mack was in possession of 112 grams of marijuana and a large amount of cash. He also had several outstanding warrants.

Mack was charged with aggravated battery with a vehicle, aggravated fleeing to elude, driving with a revoked license, and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

A judge sentenced a 31-year-old woman, twice arrested in connection with filing false income tax returns, to prison Thursday. Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington sentenced Ms. Shawntrece Sims to 9 years in federal prison for tax fraud and mail fraud.

Ms. Sims was also ordered to make mandatory restitution payments to the U. S. Treasury of $672,887, and to forfeit profits obtained from her scheme to defraud the government.

Ms. Shawntrece Sims was originally arrested on August 11th and was released on October 15th. The second arrest came about on November 5th.
According to court documents filed by the U. S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Sims signed a plea agreement on previous charges on February 14th. She appeared before U. S.

Magistrate Judge Thomas G. Wilson on March 17th and pleaded guilty to one count of making a false claim and one count of mail fraud. She also agreed to cooperate with the investigation.

During the court appearance, Ms. Sims allegedly admitted to preparing and electronically filing false income tax returns, which totaled $263,004.00 in 2008.

Ms. Sims was arrested again in November after police learned that she had filed approximately $400,000 in fraudulent tax returns in 2010. According to court records, Ms. Sims went on shopping sprees and paid $6,600 for tubal ligation reversal surgery. Investigators obtained payment records that showed Ms. Sims paid $4,500 in cash and the remaining balance on a pre-paid MasterCard issued in her name on March 31, 2011. The card had reportedly been loaded with $3,453 on March 17, 2011, the same day she appeared before Judge Wilson and entered a guilty plea.[private]

Ms. Linda J. Osuna, Special Agent in Charge, Tampa Field Office said, “The IRS Criminal Investigation has made investigating refund fraud and identity theft a top priority. Refunds are issued to taxpayers who are entitled to them. Our office will continue to aggressively pursue those who prepare false claims for refunds for the purpose of enriching themselves and depleting the U. S. Treasury.”

Last year, police launched a multi-agency investigation known as “Operation Rainmaker.” Police learned that the defendants allegedly filed fraudulent tax returns electronically and receiving money in checks, on debt cards, and direct deposit.

On some occasions, the victims were deceased and in other cases, the victims were unaware that income tax claims had been filed in their names. During the first round of arrests, the multi-jurisdictional task force arrested nearly 50 people and the investigation is continuing.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Saturday, the Tampa Police Department held the first gun buy back in several years. The event was successful with more than 1,000 guns turned in.

Ms. Janelle McGregor, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said, “We haven’t held a gun buy back in several years. The turnout was overwhelming because we set a goal of 500 guns and we easily doubled that. It was definitely a success with more than 1,000 guns taken off the street that had the potential of falling into the wrong hands.”

The Gun Buy Back took place at the Seminole Heights Baptist Church, 801 E. Hillsborough Avenue from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Individuals surrendering guns received $50 per gun.

Members of City Council unanimously approved $25,000 for the Gun Buy Back. In the past, those surrendering weapons were given gift cards to participating department stores.

The Gun Buy Back was part of the “Stop The Violence” Initiative that came into existence after a rash of violent crimes took place in Hillsborough County.

Ten murders took place during a 14-day period in November. Some of those homicides involved teenagers. Additionally, several individuals survived shootings.

In addition to the Gun Buy Back, members of the community gathered at Greater Mount Carmel A. M. E. Church for a “Stop The Violence From Dope To Hope March.” The march ended at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. A Candlelight Vigil followed the march.