Florida Sentinel Bulletin

On Christmas morning, Tampa Fire rescue units responded to a fire alarm at the Meridian Pointe Apartments on East Hillsborough Avenue. The fire was at building 9, a three-story unit with 24 apartments.

When units arrived they reported a fire in apartment 905. The fire was under control in 20 minutes and residents were evacuated safely.

An investigator with the Tampa Fire Marshal’s Office determined someone burglarized then set a fire in the bedroom of apartment 905. The building sprinkler system held the fire in check until units arrived. The apartment sustained moderate damage from fire[private], smoke and water. A downstairs apartment sustained water damage.

The tenant of apartment 905, Vanveline Campaz, 48, was not at home when the fire started and arrived after fire crews finished most of their work.

On December 27^th after two days of interviewing witnesses and associates of Campaz, investigators arrested William J. Boone, 37, and charged him with burglary, arson and grand theft. Boone is the boyfriend of Campaz’s daughter.[/private]

Earlier this week, the Sentinel received an email that raised several concerns about the Hillsborough County Head Start Program. A head start parent, who wished to remain anonymous, also contacted the Sentinel to advise that another meeting of the Head Start Policy Council is scheduled for Thursday, December 30^th.

Ms. Kymberly McMaken-Baker, former Chairman of the Head Start Policy Council, allegedly signed the letter. The letter stated that she is coming forward with the information now because “I am no longer a Policy Council Executive or General Board Member and therefore I can no longer be pushed into hiding information.”

However, when the Sentinel attempted to contact Ms. McMaken-Baker by email, she did not respond.

Copies of the letter were also emailed to Mike Merrill, County Administrator; Dave Rogoff, Department Director; Robert Sheehan, Chief Investigator; and several others.

Telephone calls from the Sentinel to Merrill and Sheehan were not returned as of press time.

The author of the letter stated she has been personally involved in several of the issues currently being discussed. She also said she has been a board member since 2007.

The author of the letter wrote, “I had the opportunity as the Chair to review the report written by Mr. Bob Sheehan, (Chief Investigator) that has been posted all over the Internet, given to parents and citizens by our County Leadership.  I in fact met personally on several different occasions with Mr. Mike Merrill, and Mr. Dave Rogoff. I was also involved with the Executive Policy Council’s investigations of these cases in June and July of this year and our findings were put together in a report that was requested by Mr. Merrill the then Acting County Administrator as well as to Mr. Sheehan the[private] Chief Investigator.

“…Mr. Merrill chose to never submit this report to the media or any other individuals to my knowledge.  Mr. Sheehan, to this day, has never even bothered to speak with me personally, although I have copied him on several different emails while holding the position as Chair and being in the middle of these allegations.

“What is disturbing to me about the report is that for the past several months County officials have made concerted efforts to discredit the Head Start Policy Council’s Executive Board, our Head Start Parents, and the Head Start Leadership.  As your previous chair, I was instructed to suppress public information regarding the termination of the non-classified employee Dawn Dasher by Mr. Dave Rogoff to my executive board and interrupting the process, which we are, required to uphold on the termination process of our Head Start Policy Council, which to date is still not resolved.

“…These interviews that were conducted on current and previous employees clearly show why the employee turnover rate under Ms. Dasher was at the extremely high rate that originally caught our attention as a board.

The author continued, “We directed Mr. Rogoff as the new Director to find out what was going on with employee turnover.  Mr. Rogoff took it upon himself to handle Ms. Dasher.”

The author alleges that the Executive Board Members were never given information needed to vote on terminating Ms. Dasher and that Ms. Dasher remains a County Employee.

Memorandum Addresses Source Of Book Complaint

However, an internal report  pertaining to the investigation into the book issue stated, “On November 3, 2010, Dawn Dasher was interviewed at Compliance Services concerning Dasher’s allegation that she was going to be terminated due to retaliation for reporting misconduct.

“During her interview, Dasher stated that Head Start Fiscal Manager had diverted grant funds to the purchase of a book authored by the Fiscal Manager’s wife,” the Memorandum stated.

The report also stated that during an interview, Louis Finney stated that he knew Jimenez was married, but did not know his wife’s name.

During his interview, Finney stated that any Head Start purchases under $10,000 are signed off internally, any purchase over that amount are handled by Procurement.

Letter Writer Makes Other Allegations

The writer also alleges, “County Leader (Dave Rogoff) gave a reporter a termination letter of two Head Start employees, prior to them ever being consulted or given the opportunity for true judgment. I was at the Head Start Policy Council meeting on December 16th, 2010 when he addressed the Policy Council Board and guests as to Ms. (Marie) Mason and Mr. (Michael) Jimenez’s suspension without pay and asked that we not discuss this situation until he had an opportunity to speak to Ms. Mason first.

“This after he had already given the reporter a termination letter for both employees.”

She then outlined several other areas of concern a former Policy Board member complaining about Alpha Phi Alpha receiving special treatment and funds, and allegations of inappropriate expenditures that were false; complaints about Louis Finney that were reportedly false or unfounded.

The writer stated, “It is my opinion that this board and community cannot just stand by and allow our Program and Leadership in this Program to be attacked, and slandered in the Media.”

The author concluded the letter stating, “…I feel I have been used by Mr. Rogoff as well as Mr. Merrill, I feel I was deliberately misled, lied to and I want to make sure as an Executive Board and General Policy Council Board members  are fully aware of my experiences before you make any determinations based on their information alone.”[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Several years ago, Ms. Wanda De La Rosa decided to provide enrichment programs for youngsters. Her goal was to offer programs of cultural enrichment to youngsters in a safe environment.

The program, entitled “It’s All About Kids, Inc.,” began with Ms. De La Rosa going into the communities to work with youngsters. Now, ten years later, the program has continued to grow and has a home at University Square Mall.

“We went into the neighborhoods for several years before we were able to have our first office. Now, we have a permanent site where the children can come. We continue to serve children and because we are a non-profit organization, we also work with community partners.”

[private]Throughout the year, the program provides afterschool programs that include tutoring, mentoring, and assistance with homework. She stated that volunteers can serve as teachers, group leaders, arts & crafts instructors, storytellers, homework helpers, or help in other capacities.

The not-for-profit program also seeks to stimulate the creative minds of the youngsters. Ms. De La Rosa said donations such as arts & crafts supplies, feather and mosaic tiles; air dry clay; wood craft; ceramic crafts, craft kits; candles, toys, school supplies, prizes, construction paper, board games, glitter, glue, and other paper goods are also welcome.

“We also welcome working with programs, social clubs, senior adult volunteers, college interns, youth groups, fraternities, sororities, and other civic groups. We are looking for anyone who would like to have a positive impact on the lives of children.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer with the program or to make donations can contact Ms. De La Rosa at (813) 269-4402; or at info@itsallaboutkids.org.[/private]

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

For more than 20 years. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Harry Hamilton has volunteered in the Tampa community.

Although he has not resided here since 1995, Hamilton, an attorney who resides in Pennsylvania, continues his c0mmitment and connection with Tampa.

Mrs. Carolyn Taylor, who has been at Hamilton’s side since the beginning, explained how it all got started.

“We (she and husband, the late Roe Taylor) had taken a group of youngsters to the football game as vendors and a few of them were trying to get out of hand. After the game, Roe was reprimanding them when Harry’s father (Dr. Stan Hamilton) passed by.

“They struck up a conversation about training our young people and from there a friendship developed.

“When Harry came out, (the Bucs’ locker room), his dad introduced him to Roe and me. Harry talked about wanting to do something to give back to the community in which he was a resident and that’s how ‘Project H’ was founded,” she explained.

The first year, Hamilton totally funded the event. The group provided the traditional Thanksgiving meal for 35 families with children.

Hamilton says his desire to give back started with his family and upbringing. “It doesn’t matter that I’m no longer there. These people helped me when I was there, if it was no more than to say encouraging words or extend well wishes.”[private]

This year the food baskets were distributed from General Assembly Church on Main St. in West Tampa, after being in East Tampa a number of years. Fifty families received food for Thanksgiving and more than 75 received Christmas baskets, many of them also received toys for the children.

At one point the volunteers distributed more than 250 boxes, but economic times limited donations. Mrs. Taylor says, “the Lord just multiplied that food. We planned to do 75 boxes, and went well over that.”

The RTJ Foundation, in memory of Roe Taylor, has partnered with Project H, and so did General Assembly Church.

Hamilton continues to recall those who have been with him through the years and may have gone on to other projects: former teammate, Mark Robinson, who does a similar project in Clearwater; volunteer Azzie Northern, who now has Azzie’s Angels, a similar organization. Robinson and another former teammate, Kevin Murphy, assist with the Project ‘H’ venture.

The projects in New York, Pennsylvania and Tampa are now done in memory of Harry’s father, who died about 2 years ago (“a couple months after Mr. Taylor’s accident”).

Hamilton is challenging former NFL players to “make a huge impact in whatever community they’re situated.[/private]

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

When the season started for the Jefferson High School football team, senior quarterback Quentin Williams said he felt right away they had a chance to win a state title.

Not only did the Jefferson Dragons win the school’s first state title in football, but their star quarterback was named Mr. Football, the highest honor any high school athlete can get in Florida.

Williams said he’s been playing football since he was 5, starting off with the West Tampa Spartans.

“I’ve always played quarterback. My idols are Drew Brees, Michael Vick, and Vince Young.

“As far as the individual awards are concerned, winning the state title is the most important thing to me. I credit my success with staying injury free and just playing.”

On being named Mr. Football, Williams said the award is great, especially being honored with so many great players from the past, including Tim Tebow.

Nikita Williams, Quentin’s mother, has been supportive of her son’s career since he first picked up a football.

“I’ve committed myself to attend Bethune Cookman University and I will major in education. I think I’d really love to be a teacher one day. The educational experience has been great for me.

“I’d also love to play professional football[private], but right now I’m just concentrating on finishing school.”

During their contest against Miami Norland, Williams said he knew they had the game won in the fourth quarter when his offensive line coach told them they were state champions.

“I think next year’s team stands a good chance of repeating. My advice for them to just work hard.

“I’ve had some really great coaches and I’m proud to be a part of such a great honor.”

Williams said the entire team dedicated the win to C.J. Mills, who was murdered in 2008. His brother, Rodney, plays on the team.

“We all knew him, and we wish he could have been a part of this.”

Williams said right now, he’s enjoying the holiday season with his family, and just waiting for school to start up again.

“I think the student body will be celebrating forever, and they deserve it. I’m proud to have been a part of something so historic.”[/private]

Warrants were issued for more than 20 people in connection with the culmination of a drug investigation. The probe targeted street level drug crimes.

Plant City Police Chief Bill McDaniel said warrants were issued for 22 people and 17 of them have already been taken into custody.

Detectives purchased a variety of narcotics including marijuana, crack cocaine and ecstasy pills.  In addition, this operation resulted in the confiscation of over one pound of marijuana, over $14,000 in cash, and the seizure of a vehicle used to facilitate a narcotics transaction.

Among those taken into custody were Joshua Peacewright, 22; Keith Anderson, 45; Gerald Hatcher, 40; Clint Ebanks, 43; Sammantha Marotta, 36; Eric Saueracker, 21; Robert Newton, 20; Jimmy Icenhower, 56; Steven Cruickshank, 24; Kenneth Davis, 19; Hommer Jackson, 61; Lisa Mote, 24; Umar Hilery, 25; and Willie Morrison, 59.

Three teenagers were also arrested. They were identified as Dontrey Sureller, 17; Michael Davis Jr., 17; and 16-year-old Antwan Gordon.

Last week, members of the Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested two bay area men in connection with sex crimes. The men face charges of sex crimes with teenagers that involved video tapes.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, John Derek Martin, 43, and David Rojas, 44, allegedly drugged and encouraged two teenagers to engage in sex acts and reportedly created videos of the abuse.    During the execution of search warrants at the homes of both men, police confiscated two computers, one cell phone, one camcorder, one digital camera, one external hard drive, a video camera and several CDs.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office in Tallahassee said, “This is a current and continuing investigation. Therefore, we aren’t releasing any additional information.”

Both men were arrested Friday evening and taken to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Martin, who listed a Wesley Chapel address on jail records, was charged with two counts of promotion of a sexual performance by a child, lewd or lascivious battery, and lewd or luscious conduct. Martin was released on a $30,000 bond.

He was previously arrested in 1995 and 2002 for not having a valid driver’s license.    `

According to the spokesperson, Martin also served as a volunteer wrestling coach at Armwood High School in Tampa.

[private]Rojas is the Vice President of the Suncoast Youth Football League, serves as the Peewee Coach for the Dunedin Junior Falcons Football Team, and serves as a Football Referee for the Pinellas County High School football teams, the spokesperson said.

David Rojas

Rojas, who listed a Clearwater address, was also arrested and taken to the Hillsborough County Jail. He was also charged with two counts of promotion of a sexual performance by a child, lewd or lascivious battery, and lewd or luscious conduct.

He was released after posting a $30,000 bond.

Rojas was previously arrested in 2007 for battery in a domestic situation and again in 2009 for failure to pay child support.

In 2003, Martin opened American Media Systems, Inc., in Tampa. According to state records, the company closed in September 2009. According to state records, he employed a staff of five with an annual revenue of $310,000. Rojas reportedly worked as an AV engineer with the company. Based in Tampa, the company reportedly worked in area schools.

The spokesperson further stated that if anyone has been victimized to contact the Tampa CyberCrime Unit during business hours at (813) 287-7930 to report the abuse. Anyone wishing to report abuse after hours can contact the CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678.[/private]

The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, Inc. would not be possible without the many dedicated volunteers donating their time and creative talents every year. As the festival embarks on its 11th anniversary, this year is no different and volunteers are needed to make 2011 the best year yet!

This year’s Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival will take place January 13-22, 2011 in various locations throughout Tampa, providing the community and visitors a unique blend of African and African American art, culture and history.

Scheduled to begin the weekend before and end the weekend after the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, the festival features local and national speakers, musicians, artists, poets and crafters, as well as activities that are available for all to enjoy and learn from.

The 2011 [private]lineup includes: award-winning R&B artist Jeffrey Osborne, electric violinist Ken Ford, civil rights activist Martin Luther King, III, and many more.

All volunteers are required to attend a mandatory volunteer training on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the University of South Florida College of Education –TECO Room from 10 a. m. – 12 p. m., Tampa. Volunteers expressing interest will be contacted with event times/locations, volunteer tours and the volunteer training location.

If you are interested in volunteering for this spectacular 10-day festival, please contact Sammecia Bagley at volunteer@tampablackheritage.org or 1-888-224-1733 ext. 3143. For more information on the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, Inc. and event updates visit

www.tampablackheritage.org. [/private]

On December 13^th, Tampa Police developed probable cause for a search warrant at 3207 East Deleuil Avenue.

During the search of the residence, approximately 106 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded handgun, and a gram of cannabis was recovered. Also, a severely abused and neglected dog was found in the backyard.

Joshua Black, 25, was charged with armed trafficking in cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of cannabis and felony animal cruelty. He was also charged with two counts of delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church. That charge stemmed from an ongoing investigation.

Lorneka Williams, 18, was in the home and was charged only with felony animal cruelty. She posted the $2,250 bond and was released.

A third person, Barry L. Horton, 30, was leaving the property as the warrant was executed. He was [private]subsequently charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis, and an active warrant for obtaining property with worthless checks.

According to arrest reports, Black has 14 prior arrests, with the most recent one prior to this one being on August 8^th for drug possession and weapon possession charges. The department of alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is investigating those charges.[/private]