Community Outrage Over Fake Interpreter in Seminole Heights Homicides Press Conference
Tampa Police Face Backlash Over Phony Interpreter During Major Homicide Arrest
TAMPA, Fla. — A significant breakthrough in the Seminole Heights homicides case on November 28 was overshadowed by a troubling incident involving a fraudulent sign language interpreter. As Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan announced the arrest of a suspect in the serial killings, members of the deaf community were left confused and frustrated by the interpreter’s incomprehensible signing.
Betti Bonni, a certified deaf interpreter, was among those who immediately recognized the interpreter’s lack of skill. “She was standing there twisting her hands back and forth. I could tell automatically that interpreters don’t do that,” Bonni remarked, highlighting the critical need for qualified professionals in such sensitive situations.
Rachelle Settambrino, a professor at the University of South Florida, echoed Bonni’s concerns. “Most of the time it just looked like she was signing but not using actual signs,” she explained. “When she was spelling words out, she wasn’t spelling anything at all. They were just gibberish more than anything.” This left many, including the mother of victim Monica Hoffa, relying on a message that was utterly lost in translation.
The incident raises serious questions about the vetting process for interpreters used by the Tampa Police Department. A spokesperson admitted that he failed to verify the credentials of Derlyn Roberts, the woman who posed as an ASL interpreter. “We have so many interpreting agencies and proficient skilled interpreters here; where did this person come from and why did they not vet her appropriately?” Settambrino asked, voicing the frustration of many in the deaf community.
Roberts, who has a history of fraud arrests, including a conviction that led to state prison time, has left the community questioning the integrity of the services provided to them. “Really, the trust there is destroyed at that point, so who can we rely on?” Settambrino lamented.
In response to the backlash, Tampa Police ensured that a legitimate interpreter was present at a subsequent media conference the following morning. However, the damage had already been done. “What she did isn’t a crime; instead, it’s an ethical violation,” a police spokesperson stated, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, many are calling for stricter regulations and better oversight to ensure that such a breach of trust does not happen again. The deaf community deserves clear and accurate communication, especially during critical moments like the announcement of a serial killer’s arrest.