Archive for November, 2009

Tampa Strip Clubs: No jail time for former appeals Judge Thomas E. Stringer Sr. in bank fraud

Friday, November 13th, 2009

With no criminal history, sentencing guidelines called for a prison term of zero to six months. But Stringer had worked out a deal with prosecutors to avoid going to prison.
Kovachevich also ordered that he spend one year on supervised release and complete 150 hours of community service. He must also pay back $222,362, the amount of money he got from selling the Hawaii house at the center of the crime.
“This is a sad day for the profession and a sad day for this court,” Kovachevich said.
She said the circumstances involved were a private matter. Noting Stringer’s lack of criminal record, the judge said she found the sentence and fine to be adequate for his case.
Stringer, 65, admitted guilt in August, acknowledging that he fraudulently obtained a $350,000 mortgage for a Hawaiian residence he bought with a stripper.

See the full article from “Tampabay.com”

Tampa Strip Clubs: Stringer’s lawyer: No prison time or probation for ex-judge

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Stringer, who pleaded guilty to the charge in August, lied on a mortgage application to help a stripper hide her financial assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced today. Stringer has retired from the bench and lost his license to practice law. Under his plea agreement, he will be required to forfeit $222,000.
This, argues lawyer John F. Lauro in a sentencing memorandum, is punishment enough.
“Mr. Stringer’s false statement on a mortgage application represents an aberration from a life of integrity and selfless service in the community,” Lauro wrote. “His actions in no way involved a misuse of his judicial position, nor did they result in a financial loss to anyone. In every stage of his career, Mr. Stringer worked tirelessly to help those in need and to be an example of honor and integrity.”
Stringer’s career began to unravel after stripper Christy Yamanaka, who danced in a famous New York club, told News Channel 8 and The Tampa Tribune about their 13-year relationship.

See the full article from “Tampa Tribune”

Tampa Strip Clubs: Stringer’s lawyer: No prison time or probation

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Stringer, who pleaded guilty to the charge in August, lied on a mortgage application to help a stripper hide her financial assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced today. Stringer has retired from the bench and lost his license to practice law. Under his plea agreement, he will be required to forfeit $222,000.
This, argues lawyer John F. Lauro in a sentencing memorandum, is punishment enough.
“Mr. Stringer’s false statement on a mortgage application represents an aberration from a life of integrity and selfless service in the community,” Lauro wrote. “His actions in no way involved a misuse of his judicial position, nor did they result in a financial loss to anyone. In every stage of his career, Mr. Stringer worked tirelessly to help those in need and to be an example of honor and integrity.”
Stringer’s career began to unravel after stripper Christy Yamanaka, who danced in a famous New York club, told News Channel 8 and The Tampa Tribune about their 13-year relationship.

See the full article from “Tampa Tribune”

Tampa Strip Clubs: Fla. judge linked to stripper faces sentencing

Friday, November 13th, 2009

TAMPA, Fla. –
A former Florida appeals court judge who resigned amid controversy over his financial and personal relationship with a stripper is being sentenced for bank fraud.
Thomas E. Stringer is expected to avoid jail time when he is sentenced in federal court in Tampa Friday afternoon.
Stringer resigned from the 2nd District Court of Appeal in February, months after a stripper came forward claiming he helped her hide from creditors by letting her put money into his bank accounts.
He pleaded guilty in August to using false information on a mortgage application for a home in Hawaii.
Stringer was disbarred by the Florida Supreme Court last month.

See the full article from “MiamiHerald.com”

Tampa Strip Clubs: Stringer’s attorney seeks leniency

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Stringer, who pleaded guilty to the charge in August, lied on a mortgage application to help a stripper hide her financial assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced today.
Stringer has retired from the bench and lost his license to practice law. Under his plea agreement, he will be required to forfeit $222,000.
This, argues attorney John F. Lauro in a sentencing memorandum, is punishment enough.
“Mr. Stringer’s false statement on a mortgage application represents an aberration from a life of integrity and selfless service in the community,” Lauro wrote. “His actions in no way involved a misuse of his judicial position, nor did they result in a financial loss to anyone. In every stage of his career, Mr. Stringer worked tirelessly to help those in need and to be an example of honor and integrity.”
Stringer’s career began to unravel after stripper Christy Yamanaka, who danced in a famous New York club, told News Channel 8 and The Tampa Tribune about their 13-year relationship.

See the full article from “Tampa Tribune”

Tampa Escorts: Clearwater prostitution sting ensnares 11 women, 1 man

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Clearwater prostitution sting ensnares 11 women, 1 man
By Dominick Tao, Times Staff Writer In Print: Friday, November 13, 2009
CLEARWATER — Eleven women were arrested Wednesday on charges of soliciting prostitution or publicly exposing themselves near the East Gateway area off Cleveland Street.
The arrests were part of a sting by the Clearwater Police Department to reduce prostitution in the area. One man also was arrested in connection with the operation: Daniel Lockhart, 51, of Clearwater, who was charged with cocaine possession.
According to affidavits from undercover officers, oral sex was offered by a number of the women for $20. Others were arrested for flashing officers too much skin inside the undercover vehicles, arrest reports said.

Because sting operations can sometimes involve officers posing as prostitutes to catch “johns,” Stephen tried to prove to the undercover officer she was not a cop by offering a peepshow, according to the report.

See the full article from “Tampabay.com”

Tampa Strip Clubs: Stringer’s lawyer: No prison time or probation for ex-judge

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Stringer, who pleaded guilty to the charge in August, lied on a mortgage application to help a stripper hide her financial assets. He is scheduled to be sentenced Friday.Stringer has retired from the bench and lost his license to practice law. Under his plea agreement, he will be required to forfeit $222,000.
This, argues lawyer John F. Lauro in a sentencing memorandum, is punishment enough.
“Mr. Stringer’s false statement on a mortgage application represents an aberration from a life of integrity and selfless service in the community,” Lauro wrote. “His actions in no way involved a misuse of his judicial position, nor did they result in a financial loss to anyone. In every stage of his career, Mr. Stringer worked tirelessly to help those in need and to be an example of honor and integrity.”
Stringer’s career began to unravel after stripper Christy Yamanaka, who danced in a famous New York club, told News Channel 8 and The Tampa Tribune about their 13-year relationship.

See the full article from “Tampa Tribune”

Tampa Escorts: Eleven women arrested in Clearwater prostitution sting

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Eleven women arrested in Clearwater prostitution sting
By Dominick Tao, Times Staff Writer Posted: Nov 12, 2009 01:12 PM
CLEARWATER — Eleven women were arrested Wednesday on charges of soliciting prostitution or publicly exposing themselves near the East Gateway area off Cleveland Street.
The arrests were part of a sting by the Clearwater Police Department to reduce prostitution in the area. One man also was arrested in connection with the operation: Daniel Lockhart, 51, of Clearwater, who was charged with cocaine possession.
According to affidavits from the undercover officers, oral sex was offered by a number of the women for $20. Others were arrested for flashing officers too much skin inside their undercover vehicles, arrest reports said.

Because sting operations can sometimes involve officers posing as prostitutes themselves to catch “johns,” Stephen tried to prove to the undercover officer she was not a cop by offering a peepshow, according to the report.

See the full article from “Tampabay.com”

Tampa Escorts: Prostitution sting nets 12 arrests in Clearwater’s East Gateway area

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

CLEARWATER – Twelve people were arrested Wednesday in a crackdown on prostitution- and drug-related crimes.

See the full article from “Tampa Tribune”

Tampa Adult Entertainment: Student Concern Brews After Off-Campus Incidents

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Huffman thinks the safety tips included in the alert were very important, but that instead of just stating facts, they could have also put in tips on how to protect oneself in particular situations.
“This was an armed robbery. They could have told the students what to do if they are ever in that situation,” he said. “I mean, they can do this without giving facts about situations too.”
Joe Rinalli, a childhood friend and former roommate of McCall, is upset with UT and feels that the students aren’t the only ones to blame.
“Our school needs to bring more light to the situation and take more responsibility,” he said. “Invest more money on the safety of the students.” He suggests possibly expanding the LASER team service.
LASER Team (Law Abiding Students Ever Ready), the university’s safety escort service, runs every night during the fall and spring semesters.

See the full article from “Minaret”