Florida Sentinel Bulletin

What began as a routine traffic stop on the morning of June 29, 2010, led up to the deaths of two Tampa police officers. Last Friday, a judge allowed members of the media to view the video recording of the men’s final moments.

Defense attorneys for Dontae Morris fought to keep the tape from becoming public. The video camera mounted on the dash of Officer David Curtis’ cruiser recorded the entire shooting.

It was shown in the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office. The media was only allowed to enter with a pen and paper.

The video showed Officer Curtis stopping the vehicle for not having a license plate. The driver pulled over at N. 50th Street and E. 23rd Avenue.

Ms. Courtnee Brantley gave the officer her license. Her passenger, Dontae Morris, spelled his name for the officer.

Officer Curtis was joined by Officer Jeff Kocab as he returned to the car and informed Morris that there was an active warrant for his arrest. Morris exited the car and was told to put his hands behind his back.

Without warning, Morris turned slightly and fired twice in succession. He then stumbled over the falling officers as he made his escape. Both officers were fatally wounded.

An undercover drug investigation has led to the arrest of a Hillsborough County teacher. He was charged with trafficking in methamphetamines and is currently being held without bond.

According to a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Keith Bernard Jones, 39, was taken into custody about 6:30 p.m., Wednesday after he purchased 2 ounces (58 grams) of methamphetamine from an undercover officer. The transaction took place at the corner of Fletcher and Dale Mabry Avenue.

Jones allegedly purchased the illegal drugs with $4,000 in U. S. currency.

Jones was hired by the Hillsborough County School District as a 6th grade teacher in 1997. Jones was assigned to Davidson Middle School at the time of his arrest.

The Hillsborough County School Board has the authority to suspend him without pay. They will make that determination during the next board meeting in April.

One of Tampa’s most humble and hardest working promoters, Too Smooth celebrates the 13th anniversary of his annual comedy show and birthday bash on Sunday, March 27th.

The 13th Annual Comedy Show, which brings a variety of BET comics with national performing and TV credits to town, has been held at a variety of venues in the Tampa Bay area and this year is being held at the Vanity Ultra Lounge, 3603 W. Waters Ave., Tampa.

Comedian Double D will host the show, featuring headliner Barbara Carlyle, Comedian/Actress whose resume’ includes appearances on Def Comedy Jam, Apollo Comedy Hour, Comic Xscape, just to name a few.  Her comedic skills are so carefully sharpened that she leaves audiences in stitches wherever she goes!

Too Smooth has established a strong presence in the Tampa Bay area for promoting concerts, comedy shows, gospel stage plays, talent competitions and a great deal of entertaining events for over 13 years.

Are you are looking for a fun night out?  Thinking about getting your laugh on? Too Smooth’s 13th Annual Comedy Show and Birthday Bash is the place to be! Sunday, March 27, 2011.  Doors open at 6:30 p. m.  Mix and Mingle, Comedy Show starts at 7:30 p. m. Birthday Bash/Party at 9:30 p. m. and Concert at 10:45 p. m.

For more information and tickets call Too Smooth at 813-244-7474 or visit toosmooth@toosmoothent.com.

On Saturday, March 26th, more than 900 people will converge on the Bank of America building in downtown Tampa. Each will strive to reach the top before the others.

Each person will be required to climb the 42 floors composed of 914 steps.

One of those taking part in the event is George Nelson, 35, a member of the City of Tampa Fire Department.

This is the first year Nelson will participate. When asked about his motivation, Nelson said, “I’m doing it for the challenge and because it’s for a good cause.”

Nelson said he is ready and plans to reach the top within 15 minutes. But he said it doesn’t matter how well he does this year, he will most likely compete again next year.

“Whether trying to prevent lung disease in themselves or responding to those suffering from the consequences of lung illnesses these rescuers are sending a strong message to our community that we need to support lung health and the American Lung Association.”

A police chase Wednesday afternoon ended in a crash at a busy intersection and the arrests of two people. There were no injuries reported due to the crash.

Shortly after 7 p.m., Wednesday, police on routine patrol observed a 2005 Ford, belonging to Ms. Kaytrina Bell, that matched the description of a stolen car from St. Petersburg at N. 31st Street and Chelsea. Police verified that the vehicle was stolen. When the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled and a pursuit began.

When the vehicle reached the intersection of N. 22nd Street and E. Hillsborough Avenue, the driver in the stolen vehicle cleared the intersection, but struck a Dodge Caravan as it attempted to pass it. It traveled a short distance further and struck a police cruiser, police said.

Police arrested Ms. Bracesia Vaughan Butts, 19, of Miami, who was apparently driving the car and charged her with burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing and attempting to elude police, and having no valid driver’s license.

The passenger, Charles Parker Harrington, 21, of St. Petersburg, was charged with burglary of an occupied vehicle.

BY TAMECA JOHNSON
Freelance Writer

The Chief Executive Officer of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit is on two weeks paid administration leave.  HART’s Board of Directors made the decision during a special Board meeting Monday morning.  At issue are allegations of wrongdoing by the agency’s CEO David Armijo.

The Labor and Employment Law Firm Ford and Harrison, LLP, is conducting the probe.  It’s a nationally recognized firm with locations across the country.

Attorney Dawn Siler-Nixon is overseeing the investigation and spoke on the firm’s behalf at the Board meeting.  She says the investigation involves allegations that Armijo improperly used government funds while running the agency and he was “perceived to retaliate” against employees who spoke out against his actions.

She was initially given three complaints, but says she’s received numerous others after the investigation got underway.  Siler-Nixon also confirms she’s received documentation that helps substantiate the claims, but told Board members the firm needed more time to investigate their authenticity.

BY TAMECA JOHNSON
Freelance Writer

Non-profit organizations now have a new tool to help them generate much needed funds.

It’s all through a project called The Market America Non-Profit Organization Program.  It allows supporters of non-profits to shop on-line at their favorite stores and receive special offers for doing so, while at the same time generating additional cash for their favorite non-profit.

Winifred Pope is one of the Bay area’s Market America representatives.  She says the more supporters shop and encourage their family and friends to shop, the higher the earnings for the non-profit.

The program is free of charge and can remain ongoing for as long as the non-profit organization desires.  Proof of eligibility is needed at the time of enrollment.

For more information call (813) 903-8250.

A Tampa man was arrested last week and charged with having unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond.

James Thomas Williams, IV, 42, was arrested at the Hillsborough County Courthouse, 801 E. Twiggs Street, on Tuesday.

According to Ms. Debbie Carter, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Williams had a consensual sexual relationship with the 16-year-old teenager during the month of February 2010.

The girl became pregnant and after the child was born, it was determined through DNA testing that Williams is the father.

A 33-year-old teacher was charged with grand theft after she surrendered to police. She was released on a $2,000 bond on Thursday afternoon.

According to an affidavit at the time of her arrest, Ms. Deitrich Thompson reportedly admitted to taking more than $10,000 for her personal use that belonged to Symmes Elementary School PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association).

Ms. Thompson was a second grade teacher at the school and served as the treasurer for the organization during the 2008-2009 school year.

In January 2010, when bank records were obtained, the missing funds were discovered and the Hillsborough County Council of PTSA notified the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Upon conclusion of its investigation, she surrendered to police.