John Sheeran, Who Attempted To Drown Black Teen While Being Called ‘George Floyd,’ Pleads Guilty

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 30, 2024

John Sheeran, Who Attempted To Drown Black Teen While Being Called ‘George Floyd,’ Pleads Guilty

This should never happen to anyone.....

John Sheeran, the 15-year-old white youth who tried to drown a black teen in a Cape Cod pond while a friend labeled the victim “George Floyd,” entered a guilty plea to the crime, The New York Post reported.

Sheeran pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon charges at Barnstable Juvenile Court in Massachusetts after a judge decided to try him as an adult. The judge charged the alleged accomplice with harassment for laughing and jeering at the victim while he begged for his life, but will be charged as a juvenile.

The crime took place at a pond in Chatham, Massachusetts, in July 2023 when Sheeran allegedly kept dunking the Black teen under the water, while the heckler laughed and called him “George Floyd,” as the victim kept saying he couldn’t breathe. The unidentified Black teen claims he continuously told the then 14-year-old, who was throwing rocks at him, and his friend that he could not swim and needed to wear a life jacket but was pulled underwater four or five times.

The accuser alleges Sheeran called him the n-word, while the friend “started laughing and called me George Floyd, obviously making fun of me and showing no remorse.”

A witness told police he heard the victim telling Sheeran “to please not splash or push him because of his inability to swim,” but the pair kept “pushing [the victim’s] head underwater” while he was “screaming for help. “When I finally got to them, they were smirking,” the witness, also a minor, said in a statement.

In 2023, when Sheeran was indicted by a Barnstable County grand jury and ordered to be held without bail, his attorney said the charges were “over the top” and labeled the crimes a classic case of “boys being boys,” calling it “horseplay” between kids that “got out of control.”

According to The Cape Cod Times, the names of the juveniles accused were not released, but due to the severity of the charges, the case is public based on Sheeran’s status as a “youthful offender” and will be tried in juvenile court.

While appearing in court, Sheeran’s lawyer says his client “had absolutely no intent to murder his friend.”

NEW: 15-year-old pleads guilty to trying to drown his black friend in a Cape Cod pond

John Sheeran, 15, pleaded guilty to attempted murd-r and assault with a dangerous weapon in a Massachusetts courtroom

Sheeran allegedly pushed the boy underwater while shouting racial slurs,… pic.twitter.com/GmZNwi9920
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) December 29, 2024

At the time of the incident, the news shook the Chatham community, causing the town’s select board and the Monomoy Regional School District to release a statement denouncing the crime and reinforcing their stand for diversity and inclusion.

“We are disturbed and saddened to learn of the event that occurred earlier this summer between juveniles,” the select board said in a statement.

“We do not believe that it reflects the true nature of our community, which is diverse and inclusive. We condemn all acts of violence, particularly those directed at children.”

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2025.

Ohio mom, Michigan, Darren, Dawson, Ohio, tortured closet, social security, Juvenile jails, ex cons for trump

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 30, 2024

Ohio Corrections Officer Killed On Christmas By Inmate

Andrew Lansing worked on Christmas so others could have the day off.

A prisoner beat a corrections officer to death on Christmas who was only working so that some of his coworkers at the prison could have time off for the holiday.

According to WKBN First News, Ohio corrections officer Andrew Lansing was killed after being attacked by an inmate he had a previous run-in with earlier this year in April. The alleged killer, Rashawn Cannon, was written up by Lansing when the officer wrote up a conduct report with three charges against the inmate. Those charges were disrespect, threats, and disobedience to a direct order. He was found guilty on two of the charges.

Authorities did not reveal if the prior charges against Cannon were the reason he allegedly attacked the officer at the prison, nor was it disclosed how Lansing was killed.

The 27-year-old Cannon was convicted on felonious assault charges last year and has been at the Ross County facility for over a year.

Annette Chambers-Smith, the director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, did disclose that the officer was there to work overtime so that his coworkers could have the holiday off.

“Andy Lansing elected to work voluntary overtime so that other people didn’t have to and could have Christmas off. That’s what he was doing there,” Chambers-Smith said. “Cannon’s unit was released to go to the dining hall, which is why he was on the yard. He veered away from going to the dining hall and instead went to where Officer Lansing was working and attacked him brutally.”

The incident took place at Ross Correctional Institution, a high-security facility.

Incident reports state that the brutal attack took place while Lansing was in the guard shack, which is a shelter structure on the yard portion of the prison, according to Chambers-Smith.

Chambers-Smith had nothing but good things to say about Lansing and stated that she had never heard anyone say anything negative about the corrections officer.

“Officer Lansing was pure, good and solid. He always trained new staff and was a professional. He was a father, he was a husband, and all he was trying to do was his job,” said Chambers-Smith.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating this killing.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 30, 2024

John Amos’ Son Denies Sister’s Claims That Elder Abuse Led To Father’s Death

K.C. Amos and his sister, Shannon, have engaged in an ongoing battle over their father's passing.

John Amos’ son, K.C. Amos, has spoken out against his sister’s claims that he committed elder abuse, which led to their late father’s death.

Amos denied his sibling Shannon’s allegations in a new statement to People. In the assertion, he emphasized that his father died this year due to natural causes, and he entered Centinela Hospital as the best viable option. Amos died from congestive heart failure on Aug. 21.

“Let me be clear and transparent. There has been no physical, financial, emotional, or psychological elder abuse or neglect committed against my father by me, Gene Brummett or Belinda Foster,” stated the son, with the latter person noted as Amos’ longtime publicist.

“This has been documented by an independent investigation by Homeland Security Services, Inc., Adult Protective Services, and other law enforcement agencies. The reality is that he passed of natural causes at the age of 84 years old. Stop making it more than what it is.”

He continued, noting that his father specifically asked that he not contact other family members about his admission.

“My dad wanted to go to Centinela because he trusted them, and they were the nearest hospital,” K.C. added. “There was a discussion of contacting other family members, and Pops said not to contact anyone, and I honored his request.”

Amos’ daughter revealed on Christmas that she had hired legal counsel to investigate her father’s death. Her lawyer, James H. Davis III, stated that she requested her father’s medical records from Centinela multiple times. Despite this, she failed to receive the documents.

“The family deserves to know the full circumstances surrounding Mr. Amos’ care and the events that led to his passing. We are committed to pursuing all available avenues to ensure these questions are answered,” wrote Davis.

The Good Times actor’s children have engaged in an ongoing battle over his final months. Shannon had filed multiple complaints of elder abuse before. Moreover, the estranged daughter still wants the LAPD’s report on their findings, despite the department closing the case. While alive last year, Amos alleged that Shannon was the one who actually engaged in the abuse, but still wanted the family to find peace with one another.

However, K.C.’s own defense investigator, Kevin Faler, echoed his client’s statement. He also called Shannon’s abuse claims “frivolous,” with no foul play found by their own investigation.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to presenting the truth,” stated Faler, who also serves as Vice President of Operations for Homeland Security Services, Inc. “The results of this investigation, when appropriate, will be shared with the relevant authorities and public entities. Homeland Security Services, Inc. is dedicated to upholding justice, protecting legacies, and supporting the Amos family in resolving these disputes honorably.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 30, 2024

Another Person Set On Fire In NYC At Penn Station

A homeless man was discovered on fire with burns to his legs and upper body inside Penn Station

Another person has been set on fire inside a New York City subway station less than a week after a woman was set on fire inside a Brooklyn subway car.

According to The New York Post, a homeless man was discovered with burns to his legs and upper body inside Penn Station on Friday, Dec. 28. It was initially believed that someone may have set him on fire. Still, sources from the NYPD (New York Police Department) and the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) stated there is no evidence that someone else did it.

The 67-year-old man was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center after he was found at around 8 pm. First responders discovered the unidentified man in a tunnel near the New Jersey Transit Tracks 11 and 12. He was initially listed in critical condition by medical personnel.

The victim told police officers that when he woke up, he was already on fire and said that someone else set the fire. Sources claim that there is no evidence of any criminality in the incident.

This incident comes on the heels of an unidentified woman being set ablaze while she was sleeping on an F train in Brooklyn on Dec. 22. She burned to death as the alleged arsonist sat and watched her while she was on fire. Police officers caught up to the suspect after he left the scene. He was seen by several high school students at another subway station after the NYPD placed a public notice looking for him. Officials said the suspect, 33, was an immigrant who came to the U.S. in 2018 from Guatemala.

“As the train pulled into the station, the suspect calmly walked up to the victim, who was in a seated position at the end of a subway car … and used what we believe to be a lighter to ignite the victim’s clothing, which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told members of the press.

The incident took place on Dec. 22.

by Keka Araújo

December 30, 2024

Dentist Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Stealing Patients’ Pain Meds During Surgery

DEA Special Agent in Charge Sheila Lyons echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to hold medical professionals accountable when they violate their oath to “not harm.”

Dr. Phillip M. Jensen, a once-prominent dentist in Rochester, Illinois, was sentenced on Dec. 18, 2024, to 15 years in federal prison for a series of crimes that included stealing fentanyl meant for his patients, performing surgeries without adequate pain management, and falsifying medical records. In addition to his prison term, Jensen, 64, was fined $200,000.

Jensen’s offenses, which spanned nearly three years, came to light after patients began showing visible signs of pain during surgery. His actions seriously harmed patients and violated the trust of those who relied on him for care.

“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the public from those who exploit their position of trust in health care,” U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris said.

A Pattern of Deception and Harm
Jensen pleaded guilty in August 2024 to multiple charges, including drug diversion, acquiring controlled substances by fraud, tampering with consumer products resulting in serious bodily injury, and falsifying health care records. The charges stemmed from a scheme in which Jensen siphoned fentanyl from his practice for personal use, while leaving his patients vulnerable to excruciating pain.

Court documents revealed that starting in December 2019, Jensen routinely removed half of the fentanyl from single-use vials, replaced it with saline, and re-sealed the vials to avoid detection. He then billed insurers for full-strength doses, pocketing more than 40 grams of the opioid over time.

The effects on his patients were devastating. Staff reported patients moaning, writhing, and even waking during surgery. One mother tearfully recounted how her child described “feeling everything” during a procedure.

In one particularly harrowing account, a patient regained consciousness mid-surgery. Jensen responded by striking her with a surgical instrument and completing the operation — removing multiple teeth and reshaping her jaw — while she was fully awake.

A Shocking Betrayal of Trust
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless rejected Jensen’s defense that he was less culpable than a typical drug dealer.

“While a dealer provides drugs to willing participants, you diluted necessary medications without your patients’ knowledge or consent,” Judge Lawless said. “You were entrusted with your patients’ well-being and instead caused them unimaginable pain. If you cannot trust your doctor, who can you trust?”

The court also heard from more than 99 victims who described the physical and emotional scars left by Jensen’s actions.

Lengthy Legal Battle
A federal grand jury indicted Jensen in February 2022 on 20 felony counts. He was initially released on bond, but his bail was revoked in July 2024 after he stalked and harassed a potential witness.

The government presented evidence of Jensen’s history of addiction and efforts to conceal his crimes, including falsifying surgical records to show full doses of fentanyl had been administered. Judge Lawless emphasized that Jensen’s crimes were egregious, noting the financial and emotional toll on his victims.

In addition to his prison sentence and fine, Jensen was ordered to repay the government for the costs of expert witnesses used in his trial. He also permanently lost his medical license.

Community Impact and Official Statements
The case has left a deep mark on the Rochester community and has drawn attention to the risks posed by medical professionals who abuse their authority.

“Health care professionals who tamper with patient medications not only endanger lives but erode the public’s trust in the entire system,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Sheila Lyons echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to hold medical professionals accountable when they violate their oath to “not harm.”

Multi-Agency Investigation
Several federal and local agencies investigated Jensen’s case, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Unit, the FDA, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

“This case is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to protect patients and ensure justice,” said U.S. Attorney Harris.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer and Sierra Senor-Moore prosecuted the case.

A Sobering Reminder
Jensen’s crimes are a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the healthcare system. For those who trusted him, the betrayal is incalculable. However, the sentencing offers a measure of accountability and assurance that he will no longer pose a threat.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 30, 2024

Isaac Hayes’ Son Faces Racist Tirade From ‘Karen’ Who Tried To Block Him From His Gated Community

Hayes stated that he never experience a 'Karen In the wild' until now.

The son of Isaac Hayes recently exposed a “Karen” who spewed racist language while trying to prevent him from entering his gated community.

Isaac Hayes III posted the video as the woman appeared intoxicated. In the clip, she could be heard stating that he should have been white.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isaac Hayes III (@isaachayes3)

“I’ve never seen a Karen in the wild. Well tonight I had my first up close encounter with one,” he captioned the post. “I stayed calm, I made no sudden movements and got away as quickly as I could.”

The woman claimed to be on the neighborhood “board” as she stood at the gate’s entrance. She asked Hayes III if he was “trying to get in.”

“I live here…I don’t need to tell you who I am,” he told the disoriented woman in the clip.

She repeatedly asked for Hayes III identification while saying he drives like a “bat out of hell.” She also yelled “f**k you” at him.

“So ridiculous, we have dogs, we have people and you don’t even care,” she continued.

She then said he was “so disrespectful.”

“Why don’t you be white, won’t [you]?” she expressed as Hayes drove past the gate to get to his home.

According to The Root, Hayes lives in an upper-class neighborhood called the Cobblestone at Brookhaven, located in the suburbs of Atlanta. While he works as a tech entrepreneur, he also serves as the manager of his late father’s estate.

He later spoke in more detail to TMZ about his reaction to the ordeal.

“I’m assuming some conversations might happened, I’ve never experienced anything like this before so,” he told the tabloid. “I found it completely bizarre.”

He added, “I have no interest in talking to the person. They made it perfectly clear how they felt. I don’t think there is anything left to talk about.”

The woman’s identity remains undisclosed, but her initial reaction to Hayes III trying to enter his residence garnered significant backlash.

“Outside of preventing me from entering my community, cursing at me and telling me I should be ‘White.’ It’s pretty surreal,” Hayes III added to the post. “White Supremacy is crashin[g] out all 2025. Be safe.”

Hayes III has also had to call out another person — Trump — this year. He made headlines for refusing to let the Trump campaign use one of his father’s famous songs, “Hold On, I’m Coming,” at the now President-elect’s rallies.

RELATED CONTENT: Legendary Soul Artist Isaac Hayes Dies

Federal Rules Require Airlines to Issue Refunds For ‘Controllable’ Flight Cancellations Or Delays

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 30, 2024

Federal Rules Require Airlines to Issue Refunds For ‘Controllable’ Flight Cancellations Or Delays

Newly enacted federal rules require airlines to issue refunds for "controllable" flight delays or cancellations.

Airline travelers have new protections this holiday season thanks to a recently enacted federal rule requiring airlines to issue delayed flights and luggage refunds.

Thursday was expected to be the busiest travel day of the week with 146,000 passengers, an airline spokesperson told KIRO 7. In light of recent U.S. Department of Transportation updates, passengers can now receive refunds when airlines cancel or make significant changes to their flights, experience major delays with checked bags, or do not deliver additional services that passengers had purchased.

The new rule mandates that airlines automatically issue cash refunds for flights that are delayed or canceled due to “controllable” factors. These factors include maintenance, crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling issues. However, delays and cancellations caused by weather or air traffic control flow problems do not qualify for automatic refunds, as stated by the Department of Transportation.

Refund policies varied among airlines before the change that went into effect in October. However, the new rule eliminates this inconsistency by defining a significant delay as at least three hours for domestic and six hours for international flights.

Airlines can still offer another flight or travel credit; however, consumers can decline these offers. The new rule also mandates refunds for checked-bag fees if the bag is not delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or within 15 to 30 hours for international travel.

“I like that a lot. Not being able to get refunds when your bag is lost is a big issue, and that’s a good policy,” said Jesse Lane, a passenger.

Although the changes have been communicated throughout the year leading up to when they went into effect, many travelers are still unaware of the new protections.

“I think that’s nice. But I didn’t know that was an option. I didn’t know that was available,” said traveler Nancy Astrup.

The Transportation Department requires airlines to issue automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights due to controllable factors and for “significant” delays. The new rules define a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Additionally, the new rules cover fees for services like seat selection or internet access if the airline fails to provide those services.

African Meeting House, Massachusetts, Nantucket

by Daniel Johnson

December 30, 2024

Nantucket African Meeting House Celebrates 200 Years On Fourth Of January

The African Meeting House in Nantucket, Massachusetts will be celebrating its 200th anniversary on January 4

The African Meeting House in Nantucket, Massachusetts, will be celebrating its 200th anniversary on January 4 through an evening of live performances and a rededication of the meeting house, which is now only used for ceremonies and special events.

According to the Cape Cod Times, both the meeting house and the Museum of African American History are central locations for Nantucket’s Black community.

Per the Nantucket Preservation Trust, the house is the last remaining public structure that was a vital part of Black communities of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Although it was constructed in 1827 by the African Baptist Society, the building was purchased in 1933 by Florence Higginbotham, who understood the importance of the building.

Despite Higginbotham’s purchase, the building fell into disrepair over the years and was in need of serious repairs.

In 1989, Higginbotham’s descendants sold the Meeting House to Boston’s Museum of African American History and the building was renovated and reopened to the public in 1999.

According to the museum’s website, “The small post-and-beam building, a National Historic Landmark, is the island’s most vivid reminder of a thriving 19th-century Black community. The Museum presents cultural programs and interpretive exhibits on the history of African Americans on Nantucket and makes the African Meeting House available for ceremonies and special events.”

Sage Morgan-Hubbard, the Director of Learning and Engagement at the Museum of African American History, told the Cape Cod Times that the event seeks to honor the history of the building.

“It really is just to honor the important history,” Morgan-Hubbard said. “It will be fun to learn about the history together and share in the celebration.”

According to the event’s listing on Eventbrite, although the event is free and open to the public, seating is limited, but reservations are available on the site.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 30, 2024

Horizon Organic Whole Milk Recalled Due To Potential Spoilage

Customers are urged to stop using the affected products immediately and return them to CVS Pharmacy for a full refund.

Horizon Organic announced on Dec. 17, that it is voluntarily recalling specific lots of its Whole Milk 8 fl oz product due to potential spoilage. Customers are urged to stop using the affected products immediately and return them to CVS Pharmacy for a full refund.

The recall applies to Horizon Organic Whole Milk 8 fl oz (SKU 630205, UPC 36632071132) with the following lot codes:

2025.03.03
2025.03.04
2025.03.06

The issue was identified during routine quality checks, and no illnesses or injuries have been reported related to the product. However, the manufacturer is taking proactive steps to ensure consumer safety.

Details of the Recall

Horizon Organic Whole Milk is a popular choice among families seeking organic dairy products. The affected batches have been flagged for potential spoilage, which could lead to an off taste, odor, or texture.

Customers who purchased the recalled milk are encouraged to return the product to any CVS Pharmacy location for a full refund. No receipt is required, and refunds will be issued promptly.

“Horizon Organic prioritizes the health and safety of its customers,” the company stated in its recall notice. “This voluntary recall reflects our commitment to ensuring that our products meet the highest quality standards.”

What Should Customers Do?

Customers who have purchased the affected Horizon Organic Whole Milk are advised to:

Discontinue Use Immediately: Do not consume the product from the affected lot codes.
Return for a Refund: Bring the recalled product to any CVS Pharmacy store for a refund. No receipt is needed.
Contact for Questions: Customers with further questions about the recall can reach out to CVS Pharmacy or Horizon Organic’s customer service for assistance.

Ensuring Consumer Safety

Product recalls are critical to maintaining trust and safety in the marketplace. Spoilage in dairy products can occur due to various factors, including production, storage, or distribution issues. Horizon Organic and CVS Pharmacy are working closely with regulatory authorities to investigate the cause and prevent future incidents.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages consumers to report adverse reactions or quality issues with food products through its MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

About Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic is a leading provider of organic dairy products in the United States, offering milk, cheese, and other products sourced from organic farms that prioritize sustainable practices. Known for its commitment to environmental stewardship and health, Horizon Organic’s products are free from antibiotics, growth hormones, and artificial ingredients.

Stay Informed

Visit the FDA’s recall website at www.fda.gov to stay up to date on recalls and food safety notices. It is important to regularly check lot codes on food products to ensure that the items you consume meet safety and quality standards.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 30, 2024

Monument Honoring Black Union Soldiers To Be Installed At Historic First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, Virginia

A monument honoring 70 Black Union soldiers is coming to Downtown Rocky Mount, Virginia.

A monument honoring 70 Black Union soldiers who fought for the U.S. in the Civil War will be unveiled at the historic First Baptist Church in downtown Rocky Mount, Virginia.

Cardinal News reports that the official unveiling of the monument is scheduled for late 2025. Made in partnership with Rocky Mount’s Raising the Shade Monument Committee and the Franklin County NAACP, it will honor the Black soldiers from Franklin County who served in the U.S. Colored Troops.

Once completed in 2025, the monument will be on the former site of the historically Black First Baptist Church, prominently located near the entrance to downtown Rocky Mount. This site reflects the legacy of the U.S. Colored Troops who fought for their freedom, as well as the resilience of the church’s founding members, who established their congregation during the era of Jim Crow.

“It’s almost like this is where the monument was meant to be in the first place,” said Eric Anspaugh, chair of the Franklin County NAACP.

The church’s erection and continuation in the Jim Crow South “It had to have been a radical thing,” Rev. Christopher Coates said.

The monument’s location information comes four years after researcher Glenna Moore discovered the Union soldiers and their ties to Franklin County in 2020. Her initial search for the city’s Black veterans found three who fought in the Civil War as Union soldiers. However, after a deeper dive, Moore discovered the 70 Black men who fought as part of the U.S. Colored Troops.

There was much debate over where the monument would be placed, with Raising the Shade steering committee and town officials agreeing that the Veterans Memorial Park would be a suitable location for the project. However, there were also considerations for placing the monument at the Rocky Mount farmers market.

However, First Baptist Church intervened when the Raising the Shade committee and the Franklin County NAACP, which oversees the project’s funds, could not reach an agreement with the town. The 7-foot bronze statue hopes to honor not just the Black Union soldiers from Franklin County but the countless Black men who fought for the country and went unnoticed.

Black men have fought for America since the Revolutionary War; however, following the Federal Militia Act of 1792, they were barred from enlisting. During the Civil War, nearly 200,000 Black soldiers enlisted to fight for the U.S., establishing the U.S. Colored Troops in 1863.

Now, a new monument will commemorate the service of Black soldiers in the Civil War, particularly those from Franklin County.

“It feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders,” Anspaugh said. “We’re celebrating.”