Page 30 - Florida Sentinel 8-3-18

Local
Jury Convicts Man In Plot To Bomb Target Stores
A federal jury found an Ocala man guilty of at- tempted arson, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and making destruc- tive devices. His sentencing hearing has been set for Octo- ber 17, 2018.
Mark Charles Barnett
was indicted on the charges on June 20th. Barnett, who is a registered sex offender, had been conditionally released from state prison in 2013, fol- lowing multiple felony con- victions for sexual assault, kidnapping, and grand theft. He was also previously con- victed of kidnapping in Mis- sissippi.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Barnett offered a Con- fidential Informant (CI) $10,000 to place explosive bombs inside Target stores along the east coast of the United States.
Barnett bought the bomb components and assembled at least 10 of the destructive devices, which he disguised inside the packaging of com- mon grocery items. He then delivered the devices to the CI with instructions to put them on the shelves of Target stores from New York to Florida.
However, the CI contacted law enforcement and surren- dered the destructive devices to authorities. Barnett was
MARK CHARLES BARNETT
arrested on February 14, 2017.
Barnett reportedly de- vised the plan so that the company’s stock value would fall after the explosions. He felt that this would allow him to buy shares of Target stock while it was cheap and before the prices rebounded.
Barnett allegedly told the CI, “If someone has to die so that I can make some money, so be it.”
Federal explosives experts determined that the devices were capable of causing prop- erty damage, serious injury, and death. Searches of Bar- nett’s house, cellphone, and computer revealed pictures of the grocery items that he had turned into bombs, as well as leftover bomb components and articles describing stock options.
Police Investigate Death Of Inmate
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an inmate. He died Wednesday at a local hospital.
According to police, Willie Devarr Bell, 51, had been as- signed to the Falkenburg Road Jail Infirmary for the treat- ment of chronic illnesses. Shortly before 1 p.m., the med- ical staff determined that his condition required further treatment and transported him to Brandon Regional Hospital.
WILLIE DEVARR BELL
He died shortly before 2 p.m. Police said no foul play is suspected and there were no obvious signs of trauma. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner will determine his
cause of death.
Bell was arrested on July
12th for failure to obey a writ- ten promise (failure to appear for not having a valid driver’s license). His bond was set at $5,000. The investigation is continuing.
Man Shoots At Store After Being Refused Refund
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigat- ing a shooting that took place Monday evening. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle after the incident.
According to police, the man entered the Dollar Gen- eral, 14715 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd., in Dover, around 4 p.m. He attempted to return an item for a cash refund.
The store employee at the register refused to give him a cash refund and the man re- portedly became belligerent. He was asked to leave the store and the employee fol-
DOLLAR GENERAL SHOOTING
lowed him outside.
The man went to his vehi-
cle, described as a red Toyota Corolla, but before he drove
off, he is alleged to have fired two shots at the employee and the store. One shot struck the aluminum over- hanging above the automatic doors.
Witnesses described the suspect as being a Black man, about 25 years of age, be- tween 5’ and 5’4” tall. He had a short haircut and a full beard, police said.
Anyone with information about the incident or the sus- pect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1- 800-873-TIPS or visit the website at www.crimestop- perstb.com.
$1,200 In Lumber Stolen From Construction Site
Police are searching for two men in connection with a theft from a construction site. The theft took place around 2 p.m., Tuesday.
According to the Hillsbor- ough County Sheriff’s Office, the theft took place at 13910 Galway Sand Road, in Riverview. The two men loaded an estimated $1,200 in wood onto an axle trailer that was attached to a large, white SUV. The truck is believed to be a Chevrolet or GMC Subur- ban, manufactured between
STOLEN LUMBER
1992 and 1999.
The driver was described as
a white man, about 50 years old, with a thin build and wear- ing glasses. The second suspect is described as a Hispanic man about 40 years old.
Anyone with information about the incident or the sus- pects is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1- 800-873-TIPS or visit the web- site at www.crimestopperstb.com.
UNCLE SANDY SAYS
Thinking is the hardest 4, 9, 17, 19 work there is, 32, 33, 37, 39 which is probably the reason 6, 36, 53, 56 why so few engage in it. 2, 5, 18, 26
Masked Burglar Breaks Into Bakery
A masked man broke into a Tampa bakery and fled the scene with an undetermined amount of cash. The incident took place at the Rico Pan Bak- ery, 8216 Causeway Blvd., on July 21st.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office investigated the burglary. Deputies said the suspect entered the business shortly after 3 a.m., by break- ing through the roof. Once in-
BAKERY BURGLAR
side, he removed the cash from
the register and fled through the back door.
The suspect is believed to be a white or Hispanic man. He was wearing a hoodie, a mask, and had tattoos on both forearms.
Anyone with information about the incident or the sus- pect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1- 800-873-TIPS or visit the website at www.crimestop- perstb.com.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 23-A