Page 31 - Florida Sentinel 10-11-19

Crime
Six Arrested In East Tampa Theft Ring
Help Needed To Solve Murder Of Tampa Man
DONTA ALLEN
Detectives are continuing to seek help from the commu- nity to solve a murder. The murder took place Sunday, September 15th.
According to the Tampa Police, Donta Allen, 33, was dropped off at the NetPark Tampa Bay, in the 5700 block of E. Hillsborough Avenue, around 8:40 p.m. Twenty minutes later, he was found wounded near the intersec- tion of E. Palifox and N. 44th Street.
Allen was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died. Police said he suffered from upper body trauma.
Detectives have released two photographs in connec- tion with the murder. In one photograph, they are trying to identify a woman who is shown standing near a tree.
In the other photograph, they are trying to identify a man with a backpack and bicycle sitting on a planter.
Detectives said Allen was murdered less than 20 min- utes after he was dropped off at NetPark. They believe these two people may be able to provide information about how Allen left NetPark. He was found fatally wounded about 10 minutes later.
They would like to speak with anyone who may have seen Allen getting into a car at NetPark or in the company of someone at that location. They do not believe it was a random attack.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130; or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS, or online at www.crimestopperstb.com.
LEE YORK SAMYA HARRIS PERNELL BETHELL
CLARENCE WALTERS
JOSE VALDIVIA- QUINONES
Several people are facing charges in connection with retail thefts. The arrests fol- lowed two separate investiga- tions that began this summer.
According to the Hillsbor- ough County Sheriff’s Office, the first investigation began in June when the Sheriff’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force received information about an organized crime ring operating. Following the investigation, detectives ob- tained search warrants for the residence at 2611 E. Emma Street.
As a result of that investi- gation, police arrested Ms. Samya Harris, Pernell Bethell, Clarence Wal- ters, and Ronald West. Lee York, 39, was allegedly identified as the head of the organization.
York was charged with dealing in stolen property, RICO Conspiracy or En- deavor, cheating, unlawful use of a two-way communica- tions device, grand theft, and RICO violation.
As a result of the investi- gation, detectives also ar- rested Ms. Konaa Engram, 30, and charged her with racketeering as well as other charges.
RONALD WEST
KONAA ENGRAM
The investigation linked 26 theft cases to this investi- gation. Detectives recovered 50 boxes of unopened boxes of diapers, packages of paper towels, toilet paper and new tools from the home.
Second Investigation
In the second investiga- tion, detectives identified Jose Valdivia-Quinones, 45, as the ring leader of the theft ring operating out of 3009 W. Crest Avenue. That investigation began in July.
Valdivia-Quinones was charged with racketeering and two counts of dealing in stolen property.
This investigation began after the Task Force received information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and FDLE that the home being used as a central location for
a Cuban theft organization. The Task Force obtained merchandise from the home on two separate occasions using confidential inform-
ants.
Police said, Valdivia-
Quinones allegedly in- structed the confidential informant to steal certain items from specific stores and then compensated the informant for the theft.
The Task Force obtained search warrants and arrested Valdivia-Quinones. They also recovered more than 1,100 pairs of brand named shoes, more than 500 bottles of unopened cologne, several personal grooming items, clothing, purses, and high end watches such as Rolex. The value of the items recov- ered was estimated at $180,000,
UNCLE SANDY
Write it 13, 18, 28, 48 on your heart 30, 41, 43, 44 that every day 1, 8, 20, 50 is the best day in the year. 39, 49, 52, 80.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 23-A