Man behind mosque near ground zero once arrested in Tampa

One of the developers of the controversial Islamic center and mosque being proposed for downtown Manhattan two blocks from ground zero was arrested in Tampa in 2000.

For stealing panty hose.

On May 7, 2000, Sammy El-Gamal - who told Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies that he was a server at the restaurant Mise En Place at the time - walked into the women's lingerie department at the Walmart at 2701 E. Fletcher Ave. He opened a box of European Luxury Collection large black panty hose, took them out of the box and stuffed them into his right front pants pocket, according to an arrest report.

El-Gamal then bought a watch in the jewelry department and left the store. He was apprehended by store security. After being arrested, he told deputies that he stole the panty hose - valued at $4.47 - because "he was too embarrassed to purchase them for his girlfriend," according to the report.

El-Gamal entered a no-contest plea to the second degree misdemeanor charge and adjudication was withheld in June 2000, according to Hillsborough County Circuit Court records.

Calls to El-Gamal at the development company and the proposed Islamic center were not immediately returned.

El-Gamal, who is now 36, had come down to Tampa with a woman he started dating in New York, according to the woman's brother, Skip Nakamia.

"I only met him a few times," said Nakamia. "He seemed like a good guy."

The relationship did not work out because El-Gamal wanted to go back to New York and the woman wanted to stay in the Tampa area, said Nakamia.

El-Gamal has been a center of controversy in New York over the proposed Islamic center, called Park51.

The Park51 Inc. incorporation papers name El-Gamal, his brother Sharif El-Gamal, and Nour Mousa as directors. Their real estate investment firm, SoHo Properties Inc., owns the proposed development site through a limited partnership.

The city confirmed Monday that the developers owe $227,570 in back taxes on the building where the Park51 center is slated to open.

The company released a statement saying the developers are challenging the real estate assessment to reduce the property taxes.

While opponents decry the center for being built near where the Twin Towers used to stand until attacked on 9/11 by Islamic fundamentalists, the center will enhance the neighborhood, the city and the world, according to Soho Properties' website.

"Park51 will be dedicated to pluralism, service, arts and culture, education and empowerment, appreciation for our city and a deep respect for our planet," according to the website. "Park51 will join New York to the world, offering a welcoming community center with multiple points of entry. With world-class facilities, a global scope and strong local roots, Park 51 will offer a friendly and accessible platform for conversations across our identities."