California Man Arrested After Video Shows Him Abducting 14-Year-Old Girl He Reportedly Raped
A man seen on video snatching a teenage girl before sexually assaulting her has been captured and arrested for the alleged crime.
According to KTLA, a Los Angeles man, 27-year-old Edward William Banks, was arrested after surveillance footage showed him allegedly abducting a 14-year-old girl and forcing her into a bathroom, where he reportedly raped her. The incident took place near the 4700 block of Klamath Street. His bail has been set at $1 million.
The Los Angeles Police Department released a video of Banks walking down the street with the victim and asking for the public’s help before apprehending him.
“On October 11, 2022, the Los Angeles Police Department received information of a sexual assault investigation at a park in the 4700 block Klamath Street. Preliminary investigation revealed an unknown suspect approached a 14-year-old victim.
“The suspect threatened the victim with a weapon and forced the victim into a bathroom. The suspect then proceeded to assault the victim sexually. The suspect left the location in an unknown direction.”
He was described as a Black male with curly hair, sporting a goatee, as he was seen wearing a white shirt with green and red stripes and dark jeans.
The suspect was caught when people in the community tipped police officers off that Banks was in the area where he was seen on the 2500 block of Mallory Street.
After being arrested, Banks was charged with one count each of kidnapping to commit another crime, forcible oral copulation of a minor age 14 or older, forcible sodomy of a minor age 14 or older, and forcible sexual penetration of a minor age 14 or older. He was also charged with special allegations of kidnapping and use of a deadly weapon.
In a written statement, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said, “The sexual assault of a child is one of the most horrific crimes we see in my office. Crimes like these are devastating and shatter the innocence of our children. My experienced team will work tirelessly to hold accountable the person responsible for this attack.”
Tina Turner Gets Her Own Barbie in Honor of ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ 40th Anniversary
The iconic Tina Turner is being honored with her own signature Barbie doll in honor of the 40th anniversary of What’s Love to Do With It.
On Wednesday, Mattel unveiled the Tina Turner Doll as part of the latest addition to its Music Series, Varietyreports. The doll shows the chart-topping Grammy Award-winning singer sporting the celebrated outfit she wore in her music video for “What’s Love Got to Do With It.”
(Mattel)
The doll comes with the black mini dress, denim jacket, sheer black tights, and black heels the Queen of Rock N Roll” wore in the video, along with her signature volumed hair that she rocked throughout the ’80s while rebranding herself as a solo act.
“I am honored to welcome my Barbie into the group of trailblazing women already represented and introduce more kids to my journey,” Turner said about her new doll.
The designer shared part of the process of creating the doll to take on the singer’s iconic look she sported throughout her heyday.
“We used a lot of screen grabs to see the hair at all angles,” designer Bill Greening said about the doll’s creation. “Lots of teasing and hairspray was involved!”
The Tina Turner doll is being sold for $55 at retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The limited-edition doll has already sold out at some retailers, Rolling Stonereports.
While unveiling the doll on Instagram on Wednesday, Mattel explained why Turner was “simply the best” icon to honor in their Music Series.
“Barbie is proud to honor the unmatched career of the ‘Queen of Rock’ n Roll’ with a @TinaTurner Barbie doll,” Mattel wrote in the caption. “Collectors and music fans alike can celebrate the music icon with the new Signature #Barbie doll.”
Turner’s doll follows musicians like Gloria Estefan, Elvis Presley, and David Bowie, who have all been honored in the Barbie Signature Music Collection.
Money, Power, Partnerships: BET Founder Bob Johnson Rallies For Blacks to Build, Preserve, and Pass Down Wealth
The final day of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Black Men Xcel Summit began with a fireside chat between Black Enterprise CEO Earl Butch GravesJr. and BET Founder Robert L. Johnson.
The two men began the conversation by discussing Johnson starting BET and how selling the company to Viacom for $4 billion in 2000 created several Black people, millionaires.
“That happened because we did something most Black companies didn’t do, We turned from a company that was closely held by basically me and John Malone and some other investors, but when we took it public we created stock capital, equity,” Johnson, the founder and chairman of The RLJ Cos., told the audience.
“That allowed the people that work with me to share in ownership, so when BET went public they were given shares and when it was sold those shows turned into Viacom stock, so the idea was everybody started at the bottom and everybody rode the elevator up.”
The two CEOs also discussed how Johnson is still working and growing while getting older. While Johson has more than enough money to call it quits and spend the rest of his day on a beach, he’s still thriving and moving forward.
“I just happen to be fortunate, I took the company public, and I got on the board of directors,” Johnson said. “From there, I got on the board of directors of Hilton Hotels because they knew I had a background as a publicly traded company executive. I talked to the CEO of Hilton, and he said, ‘Bob, we have hotels that we don’t consider the core of our business, how would you like to buy those hotels and run them and own them?’ So we bought six hotels, and overnight we became the largest Black-owned hotel company in the U.S.”
From there, Johnson got into the car business, forming a minority-owned car dealership in the U.S. with more than 35 locations, but he didn’t stop there.
“For some reason, I had my eyes set on a basketball team because by that time, just being first helps you, so let’s just be first in everything else. So I said I’ll go buy a basketball team, and I had the capital, and we went up against Larry Bird, but we got the franchise and held it for about 11 years, then sold it to Michael Jordan because he was working with me running the management.”
The two men also got into politics and Johnson’s idea for a third party because neither Democrats nor Republicans are fulfilling the needs of Black Americans.
According to Johnson, Black voters and black people should have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent interests. The CEO believes what has happened is Black people have become a permanent appendage for one party in a two-party system. As a result, Black people are stuck in a place where one party takes advantage of them, and the other uses them as a flaw.
“So I think politically if we were to look at ourselves as an independent entity with the ability to go left or right depending on our permanent interests, I think we’d have a heck of a lot more influence on things in the interest of our people,” Johnson said.
The two men also pointed out the need for Black men and women to build, accumulate, and pass on wealth. Johnson is helping Black workers move their 401(k) assets from one employer plan to another without taking a loss, thus reducing premature cash-outs, preserving retirement savings, and improving financial well-being.
Retirement Clearinghouse, LLC (RCH), one of the firms owned by RLJ Cos., is teaming up with Fidelity, Vanguard, and Alight Solutions—three of the nation’s largest 401(k) record keepers—to establish a consortium called Portability Services Network (PSN). It aims to accelerate the nationwide adoption of auto portability to help America’s underserved workers enhance their retirement finances.
Vanguard and Fidelity have signed on to the project, which could generate $191 billion in retirement savings for 20 million Black workers over a generation. which can help Black people pay for their children’s college tuition, buy a home and more.
According to Johnson, the plan will also impact the behavior of Black men and women when it comes to saving and buying stocks and bonds or just financial management, “because once you know you got something and you can save it you figure hey that’s how they do it so that’s how I’m going to do it.”
Long Island Boutique Owner Arrested for Selling $40M Worth of Fake Designer Bags
A Long Island boutique owner is facing counterfeit trademarking charges following an 18-month investigation that revealed the fake designer pieces she was selling from her store.
Lindsay Castelli, 31, was arrested last Friday in connection with operating a counterfeit trademark boutique based in Plainview, Long Island, CBS Newsreports. She’s accused of selling fake luxury products and shipping them to unsuspecting customers across the country.
An 18-month investigation brought authorities to Linny’s Boutique, where 22 heat-pressing machines and labels were located. The labels would sell for more than $40 million if they were authentic.
“They would take a hat, a $3 hat, a fifty cent item on the side here, they would heat seal it onto the hat, and sell the hat for $300,” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.
“Simple $10 sweatshirt, you put the Chanel brand on it.”
A year-and-a-half-long investigation found “thousands of pounds’’ of faux luxury labels were being shipped around the country to unknowing customers. No one else has been charged in connection with the nationwide scam, NY Postreports.
“This was a sophisticated operation,” Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said. “A storefront that you could have walked by hundreds of times and not realized what was in it was thousands and thousands of dollars of counterfeit goods.”
Castelli turned herself into authorities on Oct. 7, three days after authorities executed a search warrant where the huge stash of fake designer pieces was found. She was charged with second-degree trademark counterfeiting and is due back in court on Nov. 2.
Once news of her arrest hit the press, some of Castelli’s customers voiced their displeasure.
“Totally betrayed — you go in expecting that you’re buying as advertised and that you’re buying quality,” customer Carole RutkovskytoldABC.
“This is something that we do not tolerate in Nassau County,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said.
If found guilty, Castelli faces up to three years in prison.
Sneakerheads Will Be Happy: Nike Is Ready to Penalize Accounts Reselling Its Products
Nike is cracking down on sneaker-buying bots and users reselling their innovative products.
The shoe brand recently updated its terms this month for U.S. online sales, adding restocking fees, account suspensions, and other penalties to prevent buyers from reselling its products through a secondary market. Purchasing Nike products with the intentions of flipping them has already been prohibited by the sneaker company in its previous terms.
According to Sole Retriever, the multinational corporation’s updated policy now states, “If NIKE determines that a purchase or order is intended for resale, NIKE reserves the right… to (1) suspend the application of any NIKE policy that provides a right or benefit intended for direct to consumer purchases.”
Nike has reportedly kept the latest amendment to it’s Terms of Sale vague when determining who is solely purchasing products for resale purposes. Accounts that reflect excessive amounts of product returns or those exceeding product purchase limits can have their orders rejected by the company.
The outlet provides part of the updated Nike policy with prohibitions referencing the use of bots. Part of the policy states, “Sale of products and fulfillment of all orders at a NIKE Store is subject to availability and our discretion in managing inventory. We explicitly reserve the right to limit, decline or reject any sales and orders for any reason without being liable for any damage or costs other than repayment of any amount received from you in relation to such sale or order…”
CNBCreports that Nike took legal action against StockX, an online resale marketplace, earlier this year, alleging that counterfeit versions of the sneaker were being sold. The company reported in late September that its shares fell by more than 10% as a result of having an overstocked inventory. The company addressed that it was taking necessary steps to lower the inventory.
Ginuwine Passes Out During Magic Trick Stunt While Submerged in Water
Singer Ginuwineescaped a scary situation while trying to pull off a stunt as he was submerged underwater for a taping of Magic With the Stars.
The R&B singer passed out underwater while filming in Las Vegas earlier this week. The singer was in a glass cube filled with water and began banging his arms against the glass as he panicked. Several people at the scene rushed to pull him out of the water as he looked disheveled.
According to The Daily Mail, Elgin Lumpkin, better known as Ginuwine, was participating in the show which magician Criss Angel hosted.
Sources told the media outlet that paramedics were called to the scene. He was carried out of the cube unconscious, but he made a full recovery.
A witness to the incident said, “It all happened so fast; it was like he got tapped out in a fight. In the show, he was trying to overcome his fear of being underwater as he couldn’t hold his breath for longer than 15 seconds before trying the stunt out.”
Even after the mishap, Ginuwine ended up doing the dangerous stunt and was applauded for doing so.
“Although he failed in rehearsals, he still went ahead with the stunt on the show and everyone was in tears,” the witness stated.
The New York Postobtained a statement from the singer’s representative.
“Ginuwine is okay, and he made a full recovery. He was conquering a fear. Fortunately, everything is okay as he was working with Criss Angel, who’s the best in the business.”
Magic With the Stars makes its debut on Oct. 22. Ginuwine is just one of several celebrities who will be featured on the upcoming show. Loni Love and another magician, Lance Burton, will also appear on the show as judges.
‘I Find Places To Recharge’: CEO Kirk McDonald Talks Early Career Perseverance and Imposter Syndrome At Black Men Xcel
GroupM North America CEO Kirk McDonald joined Executive Vice President/Chief Content Officer Derek Dingle at BLACK ENTERPRISE’sBlack Men Xcel Summit for candid reflection about his navigation through the world of media as a Black man. Yet, his efforts to increase diversity never stops.
On Thursday, Oct. 13, BLACK ENTERPRISE held a captivating fireside chat moderated by Dingle to allow McDonald the freedom to speak his authentic truth about his experience in leadership, equity, and advertising with Black media.
GroupM North America CEO Kirk McDonald joined Executive Vice President/Chief Content Officer Derek Dingle at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Black Men Xcel Summit (Image Black Enterprise)
McDonald, revered as one of the world’s most influential leaders in tech, media, and marketing, expressed just how grateful he was to have had the opportunity to own his space at the summit. He thanked BLACK ENTERPRISE and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. publicly for uniting men of color to breathe new life into one other for such an empowering occasion.
“I think I forgot, and I got reminded last night of how energizing a room like this is, how affirming it is; because you do spend a lot of other time not in rooms like this ,and when you’re not, you kind of build up the scar tissue to work your way through it,” McDonald explained.
He continued: “I find places to recharge. This has been recharging. Thank you for Black Men Xcel for what you do. Thank you for Black Enterprise for creating this network and these connections.”
‘Curiosity’
For McDonald, securing a spot in the media industry wasn’t intentional, but since he couldn’t afford to pay for his last semester at City College, it was his curiosity and perseverance that helped him to navigate new territory. His journey began when a Black woman manager requested that she have a Black person on her team. Luckily, he had a background in coding, computers, and other qualifying skills. The rest is history.
“I became fascinated with how influential magazines like Black Enterprise and others could be in terms of shaping people’s lives, shaping their preferences, shaping their care, shaping their opinions,” McDonald recalled.
“Consumers, content, and connections became the tool I used to figure out where I want to go next with my career,” he added.
‘Perseverance’
Now leading more than 6,000 people, McDonald still remembers what it was like facing rejection in exclusionary disciplines like marketing and sales. He also shared a story with a captivated audience about his experience as a guest at The Ritz-Carlton in Palm Springs for a Condé Nast company award ceremony during the 90s. He recalled facing micro-aggressions and passive resistance from hotel security guards, guests, and even co-workers.
These daily battles, in addition to being a Black man without a college degree at the time, fueled a roaring imposter syndrome that still shows its teeth even today.
“Throughout that career, there were many moments where I wasn’t in the room with anyone or anything that look like me and I didn’t have a lot of images and models to follow,” McDonald explained.
Hailing from an immigrant family, McDonald shared that he didn’t have any mentors to check in with when he was starting out, but he had a good support network in his parents and his wife. He stayed determined.
“I learned early that I shouldn’t try to or aspire to be the smartest person in the room, but if I was committed to outworking everyone in the room, then I get to stay in the room.”
McDonald certainly owned his spot in the Woodrow Wilson Ballroom during a special Black Men Xcel ceremony on the Wednesday evening of the summit’s kick-off. He received an award in which BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes McDonald for helping to “open doors of opportunity and present an inspiring example of success for others, especially men of color,” per the website.
$5,000 Grants Available in Texas to Current or Budding Women Entrepreneurs
Obtaining financing to grow or start an enterprise is often a snag for many women business owners.
But the Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) is doing its part to help change that by offering $5,000 grants to women entrepreneurs in the Lone Star State.
Texas-based, women-owned businesses can apply for a StartHer Grant. Women proprietors can seek 25 grants in the current round. The effort is aimed to spur economic development statewide by inspiring women entrepreneurs to pursue new and innovative projects.
Doing business in Texas could be profitable for some one million women business owners who reportedly call the state home. A study ranks Texas No. 3 on its “Best States For Black Entrepreneurs In 2022.” The study says Texas has no income tax, possibly allowing money earned to last longer.
“These grants can be game-changers for entrepreneurs and can help put their businesses on a more solid path to success,” said Tracy Irby, director of the CWE.
“We are excited to continue awarding these potentially transformational grants.”
Upon selection, grant recipients must complete a virtual small business training course in November hosted by CWE. Course topics will range from business plan development to marketing and accounting. Grant winners will be announced on Nov. 1.
To be eligible, businesses must meet several criteria. For instance, a business must be current or newly formed. It must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens and have five or fewer employees.
The grants can be used for many purposes, including buying machinery, equipment, or technology, acquiring new inventory, or making property improvements to help generate new business.
Businesses must submit a completed online application before 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. For more details, FAQs, and to apply, visit this site.
Ne-Yo Fails to Get Judge to Shut Down Ex’s Post About Him Allegedly Sleeping with Prostitutes
Ne-Yo‘s attempt to find his estranged wife, Crystal Smith, in contempt of court has been denied.
Last week, a court hearing was held in response to Ne-Yo and Crystal’s ongoing divorce and the emergency motion the singer filed against his estranged ex. However, a judge found Crystal was not in willful violation of the court order and said she doesn’t need to remove the posts that accused Ne-Yo of cheating, Radar Online reports.
The So Sick singer’s initial filing claimed that Ne-Yo’s “earnings and earning capacities are directly affected by the manner by which his image is received and considered by the general public.” He also referenced interviews Crystal conducted where she accused the singer of living a “different life” when he was away from her.
As a result, Ne-Yo claimed to have lost around $400,000 in earnings from canceled public appearances, professional bookings, and promotional efforts for his latest album, Self Explanatory.
“Court intervention is necessary at this time to cease the immediate injury to [Ne-Yo],” the singer’s lawyers wrote in the filing.
“Without the intervention of the Court, [Crystal] will continue to engage in similar public acts that are not only in direct violation of the Standing Order but detrimental [to Ne-Yo].”
The filing was in response to Crystal’s scathing Instagram post putting the singer on blast for allegedly being unfaithful and soliciting unprotected sex with prostitutes.
“8 years of lies and deception,” Crystal claimed in the lengthy post.
“8 years of unknowingly sharing my life and husband with numerous of [sic] women who sell their bodies to him unprotected… every last one of them! To say I’m heartbroken and disgusted is an understatement. To ask me to stay and accept it is absolutely insane. The mentality of a narcissist.”
While Crystal hasn’t been ordered to remove the posts, the judge ordered both parties to refrain from making public or derogatory statements about the other on social media or in interviews.
Car Collison Kills Georgia Mother, Father, and Daughter Leaving Son’s Football Game
Last week, a family was killed in a fatal car accident on their way home from a high school football game.
According to WTVM, Byron and Katrina Jakes, along with their daughter, Kamryn, were killed when another vehicle crossed into their lane, causing the cars to collide head-on.
Bryon and Katrina were ages 45 and 43, respectively, and Kamryn, 10.
The family members were leaving from 15-year-old Braylon’s football game for Carver High School in Thomasville, Georgia. After the game, Braylon took the bus with his teammates.
Jacqueline Jakes, Braylon’s grandmother, updated WTVM on how the brother and son is coping with the loss of his immediate family.
She said, “Braylon is hanging in there right now. He’s doing fine. He’s laughing and happy right now. His football team was out here yesterday and they had such a fun time. He joked around and played. Right now, he’s doing ok.”
According to a Facebook post by the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Columbus, Georgia, Byron was a Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. member, and Katrina Jakes pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
The organization posted a plea for support of the Jakes family.
“We are calling on you all for your prayers and support!
“This young football player, Braylon Jakes, from Carver High School has recently lost his parents and sister. As his parents traveled back from Thomasville after the football game Friday night, they were both killed in car accident along with his little sister.”
“If you would like to donate to Braylon and the Jakes family, his cashapp is $Brayj23.”
“It’s hard to bury a child, but I just can’t fathom and imagine having to bury the whole family…practically the whole family,” Jacqueline stated.
