Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Earlier this month, local officials arrested several people in connection with a joint task force investigation into tax fraud. The arrests came about after it became known that people were using the names and social security numbers of living and dead to obtain income tax refunds from the federal government.

“Operation Rainmaker,” as the roundup was called, resulted in 49 arrests, some of which took place a year ago. Multiple agencies participated and numerous jurisdictional investigations are continuing. Some of the agencies conducting investigations include 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.

Some of the individuals arrested include: (Pictured top row, l-r: Marlow Favors, Howayda Handan, Hicham Abou El Faouatih Bottom Row: Gary Thomas, Bridgette Jackson, Levar K. Robinson) Tareva Ciara McCray, Arsawa Ralph, Willie Johnson, Damien R. Stokes, Stacy Miller, Omar Singletary, Stephanie Minor, Maurice J. Larry, Kevin G. Palmer, Ryland V. Hicks, and Barrington Roberts.

Names of those released earlier were: 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, and Eric Ingram.

Others arrested were: Roger Snells, Danielle Denson, Patricia Shaw, Shawntrece Sims, Patrick Shaw, Tarrananzton Barr, Alexander Lennox, Hantz St. Marc, Kahaldoun “Tony” Khawaja (owner of Main Street Market), Dwayne Johnson, Brinton Gaston, and Michael Williams.

Recently, a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force arrested 49 people in “Operation Rainmaker.” The individuals allegedly filed fraudulent tax returns and receiving money not owed to them to the U. S. Government.

According to the U. S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida one of those defendants had been previously arrested for tax fraud. She was on similar charges while out of jail on bond awaiting sentencing.
Ms. Shawntrece Sims, 31, was arrested on August 11th and is being held without bond with a hold for the U. S. Marshal.

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.

During the court appearance, Ms. Sims allegedly admitted to preparing and electronically filing false income tax  returns, which totaled $263,004.00 in 2008. She was awaiting sentencing and released on a $10,000 bond.

Most Recent Charges
The U. S. Attorney’s Office alleges that while released from jail on bond, Ms. Sims was involved in the filing of numerous false tax returns during the first half of 2011. She allegedly received $409,883.00 in fraudulent tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service this year, the document stated.

Between January 29th and May 2011, Ms. Sims and other defendants are accused of filing 52 fraudulent tax returns. Ms. Sims is alleged to have filed multiple false claims on behalf of 7 deceased people all with the same last name two days after she signed the plea agreement.

Investigators said Ms. Sims forwarded the refunds to an address in West Palm Beach and then had the checks delivered to her. Investigators said she also used her own address as well as that of a motel to prevent police from tracing the IP address of the computer back to her. [private]

Tubal Ligation Reversal
According to the court documents, Ms. Sims allegedly used money obtained by fraudulent means for a medical procedure. She allegedly attempted to become pregnant prior to sentencing.

Court documents stated that she paid $6,600 for a tubal ligation surgery despite having no job, no money, and no assets. 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. Investigators said Ms. Sims received $3,460 in cash from cards on February 19, 2011.

Previous Arrests

Police said Ms. Sims and other defendants were involved in connection with 44 counts of tax fraud during the 2008 tax season. She and other defendants allegedly obtained the identification of individuals, both living and dead, and filed dozens of false income tax returns.

The investigation revealed that the fraudulent tax returns were claimed on 1099 tax forms and listed the filers occupations as barbers, hair stylists, lawn care and caretakers. The income ranges were between $10,000 and $32,000, which resulted in the federal government owing the filer a refund.

Some of the refunds were direct deposited into personal accounts, some placed on prepaid debt cards, and some mailed to physical addresses.

Police said on May 12, 2009, Ms. Sims filed a 1040 Individual Tax Return in the name of “J. C.,” using his name and social security number, but her home address. The return showed the government owed “J. C.” $6,610.

Investigators learned that “J.C.” had not worked since suffering a stroke in 2002, did not earn any income in 2008, had never met Ms. Sims, and had not authorized her to use his personal information on his behalf. He was unaware that a tax form had been filed in his name and did not receive any of the refund.

The prepaid card with $6,910 was mailed to Ms. Sims’ address on a prepaid ATM card on May 14th.[/private]

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

The Tampa City Council Thursday looked at three options before them on what to do about the issue of panhandling.

The three options are to repeal the City’s current regulations on street solicitation, adopt a complete ban on street solicitation on all roads within the city providing only for sales during daylight hours on Sunday, and a ban on street solicitation with exemption for newspaper sales and allowance for expressive speech not requiring an exchange of objects.

In a unanimous decision, Council members decided to adopt options 2 and 3, and will have an ordinance before them September 22nd.[private]

Councilman Harry Cohen said in his opinion, the situation on our streets is out of control and getting worse. “The practice of asking for money in the streets has been banned everywhere around us.
Of the three options before us, I would feel good with Option 3 that would accommodate newspaper sales.”

Councilwoman Lisa Monteileone said she’s been asked by her constituents to implement a total ban. “Freedom of speech must be allowed to continue, however. What I’d like to do is repeal the current ordinance and allow the county’s ordinance to take effect.”

Councilwoman Yolee Capin was the first to suggest combining Options 2 and 3.

Councilman Frank Reddick said he would not agree with adopting the county ordinance. “What I find amazing are the businesses that say they want a total ban. I haven’t seen one offer to put these people in a training program and give them a job. That concerns me. They just want us to get rid of the panhandlers.

“I’m very passionate about this, and I appreciate my colleague mentioning the Florida Sentinel Bulletin. When you talk about a 6-day ban, you’re putting a lot of people out of work. I want to see people trying to earn a living instead of breaking the law.”

Councilwoman Capin said she’s always felt the issue called for compromise and at the same time keeping the streets safe. “I would support the consolidation of Options 2 and 3. I want to protect the newspapers and their contribution to the community, and I want to protect jobs.” [/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Friday, a U. S. District Judge dismissed a lawsuit pertaining to Amendment 6. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart and Congresswoman Corrine Brown filed the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was based on the question of whether Amendment VI to the Florida Constitution violate Article I (the Elections Clause) of the U. S. Constitution.

U. S. Judge Ursula Ungaro stated in her ruling, “The state Constitution authorizes the people to participate in the lawmaking process. Article XI permits voters to attach new conditions to the exercise of the legislature’s various powers. Once the people of Florida act to limit the legislature’s options through a Constitutional Amendment, the new Constitutional provision binds the legislature.”

Individuals named in the lawsuit stated that Amendment VI prevents lawmakers from drawing congressional districts that protect incumbents.

Judge Ungaro also said that on its face, “The amendment prohibits the legislature from intentionally favoring or disfavoring a political party or an incumbent, and from intentionally denying racial and language minorities an equal opportunity to participate in the legislative process.”

Attorney Arthenia Joyner, one of the defendants in the lawsuit said, “I was very pleased to hear of Judge Ursula Ungaro’s decision to uphold Amendment VI which was overwhelmingly supported during last year’s elections by 63 percent of Florida voters. But, I remain concerned that some politicians stubbornly refuse to accept the people’s will. And continue to use taxpayers’ money to fight the new anti-gerrymandering standards in order to protect their own jobs.

“Our government representatives took an oath to uphold the Constitution, of which Amendment VI is now a part. It’s a pity it took a federal judge to remind them of their duty. I suggest they begin to listen.”

Last week, a former Florida State Trooper surrendered at the Hillsborough County Jail. He was charged with grand theft in connection with mortgage fraud.

According to the Hillsborough County jail records, Shaun Leo Reid, 32, was charged with grand theft of $100,000 or more; mortgage fraud by material misstatement; and mortgage fraud by receiving proceeds or other services. Reid was released after posting a $25,000 bond.

Ms. Flora Beal of the Florida Department of Financial Services stated that she couldn’t comment on an ongoing investigation.

Reid was hired as a Florida State Trooper in September 2004. He was assigned to the District C Region (that includes Hillsborough County). Captain Mark Welch, of the Florida Highway Patrol said Reid was terminated recently as a result of the charges filed against him.

Authorities in Dekalb County Georgia reported that a man wanted for the murder of his wife three weeks ago has been captured.

Preston Young, 38, was wanted for strangling 45-year-old Sharon Sylvester Young at their home in Hampton, Georgia. He was found camping out in some woods behind a McDonald’s Restaurant.

Sharon Sylvester Young

Authorities found out about the murder after Young’s three-year-old granddaughter pressed the OnStar button in the victim’s vehicle. When they arrived on the scene, they found Sharon Sylvester Young dead inside the home.

Authorities had first tracked Preston Young to Tampa, where he and Sharon had lived before moving to Georgia.

A family member told authorities he knew the couple was having problems, but no one thought this would happen.

A memorial service was held for Sharon Young last Saturday in Tampa where she was laid to rest.

On Monday, September 12, at 6 p.m., the Voter Empowerment Coalition will host a Presidential Debate Rally. The event will take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The meeting will include a broad coalition of concerned citizens, civil rights activists, labor unionists, elected officials, and clergy. The rally is being called a “Rally of Conscience.”

A spokesperson for the Rainbow, PUSH Coalition said the rally will bring attention to the fact that candidates for U. S. President and others seeking political office should focus on providing authentic plans for putting Americans back to work, rebuilding the nation’s economy and safeguarding voting rights.

The Tea Party Express and CNN are holding their Republican Presidential candidates debate on Monday, at 8 p.m., at the Tampa Fairgrounds. We invite all people of conscience and those who want to speak truth to power to join us at this event. We need to come together and say loudly and clearly:

“We are not interested in wedge issues and divisive rhetoric. We want jobs, jobs, jobs and our rights protected, not more right wing venom to poison the body politic and further alienate us from each other,” the spokesperson said.

For additional information about the rally, contact Rev. Charles McKenzie at (941) 592-0045.

The sister of a popular Tampa family died suddenly Wednesday evening at Memorial Hospital. She was 53 years old.

Ms. Irene Meteye was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. After several tests, it was determined that she had pneumonia.

Her sister, Ms. Denese Meteye James stated that Ms. Meteye was surrounded by several of her family members when she passed away around 6:30 p. m.

Ms. Meteye was the youngest girl in a family of 8. She attended the schools in Hillsborough County, graduating from Chamberlain. She spent several years in the school system as a Cafeteria Manager, with Potter Elementary being her last assignment before retiring.

Ms. Meteye enjoyed fishing and spending time with the family’s African American motor home group. This past weekend the family took their motor home down to the campgrounds of Daytona Beach. “I didn’t go this time,” Ms. James said, “but they told me that Irene and one of my brothers did karaoke, which is surprising to me because my brother is so shy,” she said.

Ms. Meteye visited several churches in the community, but visited First Baptist Church of College Hill more than others.

Funeral services are incomplete at press time, however, Creal Funeral Home of St. Petersburg will handle arrangements.

Among Ms. Meteye’s survivors are: son, Charles Langston, significant other, Theodore (Ted) Allen; sisters other than Denese, Carolyn Meteye, Leonida Meteye Owens and Louise Meteye Leggett (who buried her husband a few weeks ago); brothers, Raymond, Ralph and Clemon Meteye.

After an 11-month investigation, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s detectives announced they had identified 54 people that were involved in a drive-through drug distribution business in the University area.

Of the 54 people identified, 37 have been arrested.

Detectives started building cases against two men known to be dealing drugs out of the Pine I Apartments on North 14th Street. Zavien Brand, 28, and Joseph Nurse, 35, were targeted in the investigation. The sting soon turned into a larger investigation that involved dozens of people.

Zavien Brand

Investigators focused on several residences in the neighborhood near Nebraska Avenue and Fletcher. Deputies recovered 29 guns, including seven assault rifles and two weapons believed to be linked to shootings in the area.

Investigators also seized 1.3 pounds of crack cocaine, .64 ounces of powder cocaine, .25 ounces of oxycodone and some ecstasy. The drugs were valued at $75,000.

Arrested and charged are: (pictured l-r, top row: Floreisha Allen, 33; Jusio Dixon, 21; Bruce Davis, 31; bottom row: Shavar Brand, 29; Aisha Evans, 23; Itiba Davis, 27) Tyrone Flowers, 48; Hasheam Fortson, 21; Kalvin Grimes, 23; Cuwissie Hamilton, 32; Joseph Huggins, 18; Ranney James, 36; Shay John, 38; Johnny Jones, 26; Stephanie Kelly, 33; Omari Knight, 29; Renard Lanier, 24; Cammaron Lewis, 27; Victor Milliner, 24; Keith Mullikin, 38; Glenroy Nibbs, 27; Leviticus Powell,33; Kimoy Prince, 21; Pedro Robles, 29; Damon Talley, 24; Tarvarus Talley, 23; Franklin Ulysses, 22; Anthony Winston, 22, and Jaris Youngblood, 33.