Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

State Seeks Death Penalty In Police Officer Killing

The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty in the murder trial of a Tampa Police officer. This is the second death penalty case underway this week.

For more than 800 days, Humberto Delgado, Jr., 36, has been in custody at the Hillsborough County jail. On Monday, jury selection began in his first-degree murder trial. He is also charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, carrying a concealed firearm, and depriving a law enforcement officer of means of protection.

Delgado was arrested on August 19, 2009, after he allegedly shot and killed Tampa Police Corporal Mike Roberts. Cpl. Roberts reportedly observed Delgado pushing a shopping cart near the intersection of Artic Street and Nebraska Avenue.

Cpl. Roberts, 38, approached Delgado and a fight ensued. As the fight continued, Delgado ran across the street with Cpl. Roberts in pursuit.

Delgado allegedly pistol-whipped Cpl. Roberts and then he allegedly fired one shot, striking Cpl. Roberts on the right side of the chest. He died from the gunshot injury. Delgado surrendered after a brief search.

Trial Begins For Man Accused Of Killing His Daughter’s Mother

Vincent Brown

In November 2008, the family of a Tampa woman reported her missing after she failed to attend her only daughter’s 2nd birthday. Her body was later found dead in an abandoned house in Lakeland.

On Monday, the first-degree murder trial of the man who is allegedly responsible for her murder began. Vincent George Brown, 41, is facing first-degree murder and kidnapping charges. He entered a not guilty plea in the case. The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty.

Police said Ms. Jennifer Johnson, 31, was observed arguing with Brown, who was her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child, at Apollo South, 5110 N. 40th Street, on the night of November 14th. She later accompanied Brown to his parent’s home around 3 a.m., Saturday.

When Ms. Johnson did not arrive to plan her only child’s birthday party, her family became concerned and contacted police. Brown was identified as a person of interest in the case early during the investigation.

Ms. Johnson’s vehicle was found in a parking lot at 5215 E. 15th Avenue, the same weekend she was reported missing. Brown also turned himself in to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office the same weekend for violation of probation.

Ms. Johnson attempted to contact police by calling 9-1-1 from her cellular telephone. A Plant City 9-1-1 dispatcher answered the call for help.

In a barely audible 9-1-1 call, Ms. Johnson said, “I’m  in the trunk right now. … took my car. They got me in the car. I don’t know where I’m at. … I don’t know where I am. I’m in the trunk of my car. I’m in the car right now. I don’t see anything because I’m inside my trunk. They took my car and I’m inside of a trunk.”

Body Found In House
Four days after being reported missing, Ms. Johnson’s body was found in a vacant house in Lakeland. She died of asphyxia, police said.

After the murder, police said Brown recorded a new message on his cell phone and then attended a party driving Ms. Johnson’s car. The message said, “I did what I had to do, and it’s done. Y’all will probably never see me again. Just don’t forget about me.”  Ms. Rachel Johnson said Jennifer was the oldest of her mother’s three daughters. Of the trial she said, “I’m just glad that is finally happening and I hope he gets what he deserves. My sister is not here and we won’t see her anymore. It’s just not fair.”

Jury selection began on Monday. The trial is expected to take about 3 weeks.

Jury Selection Begins In Former Commissioner’s Corruption Trial

Kevin White

The jury selection in the federal corruption trial against a former County Commissioner began on Monday.  The trial is expected to last about two weeks.
Kevin White, 46, and George Hondrellis, 45, were arrested in June and charged with  conspiracy to commit bribery; bribery; conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud; mail fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements to law enforcement.

The charges stem from the time when Kevin White served on the Public Transportation Commission from 2006 to 2010, first while a member of the Tampa City Council, and later as a County Commissioner.

White was Chairman of the Public Transportation Commission, which oversees permits for vehicles such as taxis, limos, tow trucks, and ambulances. Hondrellis is the owner and operator of Tampa City Towing Company.

The indictment stated that as part of a conspiracy, Hondrellis opened a towing company and was placed on the list for county rotation. He allegedly conspired with others to get on the rotation list.

White is alleged to have used his influence and position to help facilitate getting the company on the rotational towing list. White allegedly received more than $10,000 in 2010, the indictment stated. White’s father, the late Gerald White, was implicated in the indictment, but died in May before an arrest was made.

The federal investigation began in September 2009, Hondrellis met with a Confidential Informant and allegedly “explained that the PTC was giving away towing certificates for money.”

Attorney O’Neill stated that there are more than 150 hours of taped evidence in the case. Some of that evidence includes meetings with “Darryl,” an undercover agent who met with White on more than one occasion. The affidavit alleges that money changed hands during those meetings.

Attorney Grady C. Irvin, Jr., is representing White. Hondrellis’ trial will not begin this week because he was court-ordered to undergo a mental evaluation.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Saturday, family members will gather for the double funeral of brothers who died within hours of each other. Both men died last Sunday after they were removed from life support.

Mrs. Belinda Brown said her brothers, Donnie “Duck” Harris, 58, and Ronnie “Special Harris, 50, suffered heart attacks two days apart. Donnie Harris was visiting a friend Wednesday, October 12th, when he became ill. He was transported to Tampa General Hospital.

Two days later, Ronnie Harris was visiting a friend when he, too, became ill Friday, October 14th, and was transported to Tampa General Hospital.

Both men were admitted to the hospital unresponsive on life support and placed in the same room, three beds apart.

Mrs. Brown said Donnie was removed from life support at 12:15 a.m., Sunday. After he began breathing on his own, he was relocated to another room. Donnie died 12 hours later at 12:28 p.m., Sunday, exactly two hours after Ronnie was disconnected at 10:28 a.m., Sunday. Ronnie died almost immediately.

The sons of the late Albert and Mercedes Harris, the brothers were born and raised in Tampa. Donnie was the 4th of 6 children and Ronnie was the youngest.

They attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. Donnie was well known as an athlete at Tampa Technical High School. He was born with a heart condition. He also had heart surgery as a child. He is survived by three daughters and 4 grandchildren.

Ronnie attended Brandon High School, where he ran track. He also worked on several jobs. He got into trouble as a youngster and planned to work with his friend, Gilbert Brinson, to help kids avoid making the same mistakes he made, Mrs. Brown said.

Ronnie suffered a mild heart attack about two months ago and underwent surgery to have a shunt implanted. He is the father of four daughters and the grandfather of three.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 29th, 1 p.m., at St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, of Largo, is in charge of handling arrangements.

On Monday at 2:40 p. m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 2202 131st Avenue.

When deputies arrived, they found Michael Massaline, 26, laying in a yard between two duplexes. He had been shot in the upper body and was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Deputies were able to speak to Massaline, but he did not provide any information or description of the person who shot him.

Detectives interviewed several individuals in the area of the shooting, but wee unable to obtain any leads, police said.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

Massaline is from Sebring, Florida, and his family there has been notified about this tragedy. The investigation into the murder is continuing.

Swann Mortuary Services of Winter Haven is working with the family on arrangements for a service.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Monday, Federal Judge Mary Scriven temporarily blocked a controversial law that requires individuals applying for state assistance to undergo drug testing. In a 37-page order, Judge Scriven stated that the law could violate the Fourth Amendment of the U. S. Constitution.

Last month, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on behalf of U. S. Naval veteran Luis Lebron, 35, of Orlando, who is a single father and full time student at the University of Central Florida. Lebron applied for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Program and met all qualifications.

Under the controversial new law, however, Lebron was required to submit to and pay for a drug test. If the test revealed that he was not using illegal drugs, then the state would reimburse the money he spent.

On September 6th, the ACLU and Florida Justice Institute (FJI) filed the lawsuit in the Middle District of Florida on behalf of Lebron. Lebron applied for the TANF Program in July 2011, to support his 4-year-old son.

However, he refused to waive his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure and submit to the newly required drug testing.

In the temporary order, Judge Scriven wrote, “It is well established that a drug test is considered a search under the Fourth Amendment. … The Supreme Court held that the “collection and testing of urine intrudes upon expectations of privacy that society has long recognized as reasonable” and that “these intrusions must be deemed searches under the Fourth Amendment.”

Her written order also stated, “The intrusion here also extends well beyond the initial passing of urine. Positive drug tests are not kept confidential in the same manner as medical records; they are shared with third-parties including DCF, medical reviewers, and counselors for the Florida Abuse Hotline.”

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Tampa Housing Authority CEO, Jerome Ryans, said he’s not very computer savvy, and has never been interested in Twitter, You Tube, Facebook, and the other sites that seem to draw so much attention.

However, a few weeks ago, acting on the suggestion of a staff member, Ryans pulled up a site and said there were videos of fights occurring in public housing areas.

Ryans said a lot of the fights are by females.

“It’s time these websites are monitored and we need to let our residents know if they are involved in this activity, there will be serious consequences. I saw one where a young woman was swinging a golf club as others cheered on. We don’t need this kind of image on any of our properties. This stuff is degrading and very upsetting.”

Ryans said he’s monitoring the incidents and dealing with the people involved. He said “One Strike” may come into play.

Ryans said no one has been evicted because of the You Tube fights, but over the next few weeks, if the activity continues, action will be taken.

“I’ve told my managers to serve notice on the players that there will be action taken. We have to put our foot down and start threatening these people by removing their livelihood.

“Also, parents need to start being parents and not friends with their children. We have great kids living in public housing and they don’t deserve this kind of foolishness disrupting their lives.”

T.H.A. also has been running “An Open Letter To All Tampa Housing Authority Residents,” with the hope of getting the incidents to stop.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Thursday, October 27th, State Representative Betty Reed and Leerone Benjamin, Special Project Director, will host a Job Fair and Small Business Expo. The event will take place at Ragan Park Community Center, 1200 E. Lake Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The job fair, known as the “Employ Now Program,” is planned in response to the current economic crisis and a tightening labor market, Rep. Reed hopes to attract employers who have available job openings in both full time and part time positions.

Those employers participating in the job fair hope to fill positions ranging from entry level to management. They represent industries that include health care, customer service, hospitality, finance, sales, insurance, skilled trades, call centers, transportation, security, and seasonal help among other industries.

Those participating in the job fair and small business expo will have an opportunity to meet and interview for current job openings; obtain tips on writing resumes; learn interviewing techniques; learn how to start your own business; and learn to become an entrepreneur. Those in attendance can also obtain employment information from Tampa Bay Workforce.

Anyone wishing to obtain more information can contact Rep. Reed’s Office at (813) 241-8024, or email at Betty.Reed@myfloridahouse.gov. Benjamin can be reached at (813) 767-8628, or email  lpclj@aol.com.

A popular man died last Thursday after a long illness. He became the first African American in Hillsborough County to work as a salesman the for Sal Italiano Family at Anthony Distributors.

A Tampa native, Mr. Roy L. Edwards graduated from Middleton High School in 1967 and joined the Navy during the Vietnam Era. After completing his tour of duty, Mr. Edwards received an honorable discharge and returned home.

During his life in Tampa, Mr. Edwards worked as a meat cutter at The Drive In Market, corner of N. 37th Street and then Buffalo Avenue. He also served as the trombone player in the Soul Operators Band, managed by his brother, Freddie.

Mr. Edwards was hired as a beer salesman at Anthony Distributors, becoming the first African American to serve in that capacity in Hillsborough County. He was well-known for the many promotional events he sponsored throughout the city.

As an entrepreneur, he operated two businesses before his health began to fail.

Although Mr. Edwards officially retired, he became involved in recycling. He also enjoyed spending time with his daughter Ms. Royale Edwards, granddaughters, and other family members and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Edwards will take place on Saturday, October 29th. Aikens Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office has decided to charge a 16-year-old high school student as an adult. He was arrested earlier this month and charged with attacking and committing sexual battery on a fellow student.

The 16-year-old victim told police she had a hall pass to go to her locker. The suspect allegedly began following her around the hallway. Once she passed outside of the gym, the suspect reportedly forced her into a nearby boys’ bathroom, where he allegedly forced her to have sex with him.

Police said Joshua Bynum, also 16, originally denied having contact with the victim or attacking her. He then changed his story. Both versions of his statements were inconsistent with physical evidence from the medical examination, police said.

Bynum is being held under a $100,000 bond on the charges of kidnapping to commit a felony on a child and sexual battery.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

If not for the actions of a Good Samaritan, the fate of a young child could have had a tragic ending. On Monday, a 5-year-old walked off the campus of a Hillsborough County Public School undetected.

Ms. Marsenia Oliver said her son, Lance Mitchell, is in the Pre-Kindergarten Therapeutic Class at Shaw Elementary School, located on N. 15th Street, near Fowler Avenue. She had taken him to school on Monday and then began keeping appointments she had made.

Ms. Oliver said, “I was angry because nobody called me when they realized he was missing. They had no clue as to where he was.”

She further stated that she never received a telephone call from school officials. “The person who did contact me was the teacher and not a school official. And, she called me from her personal cell phone. She didn’t even call from the office,” Ms. Oliver said.

She said that by the time she was contacted, her son had been located and returned to school.

A Good Samaritan observed him at the intersection of N. 15th Street and E. Fowler Avenue, apparently trying to cross the street and dialed 9-1-1.

Ms. Andrea Davis, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said the officer was able to determine where Lance lived during the conversation and took him to his residence.

“As the officer was knocking on the door, he heard the description of a missing child from Shaw Elementary School and determined that he had located the child. This all happened in about 10 minutes,” Ms. Davis said.