Bolton's legacy continues.
Click here for AJC story
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Open Post......
Things are kind of slow right now (we do have a couple of irons in the fire), but as sure as your first call for the watch will be either a domestic or a vehicle accident, it will change.
So go for it.
Keep it clean.
Rumors welcomed.
So go for it.
Keep it clean.
Rumors welcomed.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
District Attorney Gwen Fleming Has Blood On Her Hands
DeKalb police have arrested Ronald Clemons for the shooting death of two (2) adults and a toddler that happened on Monterey Drive. A third person was shot but is fortunate enough to be alive.
This predator, Ronald Clemons was arrested in 2004 for killing another woman, ironically on the same street, Monterey Drive.
Our District Attorney, Gwen Fleming allowed Ronald Clemons to plead out to a three (3) year aggravated assault deal which he served two (2) and was released on probation. Because of this, now we have 3 more people, including a toddler, dead.
This woman, Gwen Fleming and her management of the District Attorney’s office is a disgrace! We question why there is no outrage by the public? The citizens of DeKalb County should be on the doorsteps of the District Attorney’s Office demanding answers.
Yes, she has blood on her hands!
Click here for AJC story
This predator, Ronald Clemons was arrested in 2004 for killing another woman, ironically on the same street, Monterey Drive.
Our District Attorney, Gwen Fleming allowed Ronald Clemons to plead out to a three (3) year aggravated assault deal which he served two (2) and was released on probation. Because of this, now we have 3 more people, including a toddler, dead.
This woman, Gwen Fleming and her management of the District Attorney’s office is a disgrace! We question why there is no outrage by the public? The citizens of DeKalb County should be on the doorsteps of the District Attorney’s Office demanding answers.
Yes, she has blood on her hands!
Click here for AJC story
Monday, September 21, 2009
Walton County Leads DeKalb P.D. In Technology
The Walton County Sheriff's Office has launched a web site titled "Crime Tube".
Captured video of burglary and robbery predators are posted by the Sheriff's Office for the world to see in hopes the perpetrators will be recognized and arrested.
Kudos to Walton County. And our I.T. people are doing what?
Click here for "Crime Tube"
Captured video of burglary and robbery predators are posted by the Sheriff's Office for the world to see in hopes the perpetrators will be recognized and arrested.
Kudos to Walton County. And our I.T. people are doing what?
Click here for "Crime Tube"
DeKalb Bracing For 'Several Hundred' Job Cuts
This is scary news. Do we face furloughs as the Atlanta Police Department and the elimination of police positions as Gwinnett County?
Click here for AJC article
Click here for AJC article
DeKalb Pondering a Purchase of GM Site
Big news about the GM plant site — councilman Bob Roche of Doraville just confirmed this weekend that DeKalb County is considering a purchase of the site in partnership with a developer.
The implications of the development deal are big. According to councilman Roche, the city will no longer have any zoning power over the former GM property, and will lose tax revenue from it (several hundred thousand a year). It will be effectively de-annexed from the city (although Doraville will still set closing times and other similar ordinances). The county has suggested that they can patrol the site using DeKalb Police, therefore not taxing Doraville police forces.
The developer is New Broadstreet, based out of Orlando. The company’s president, David Pace, helped develop Disney’s Celebration USA outside Disney World. The company’s website says it is committed to New Urbanist principles — which include walkable neighborhoods, and mixed-use developments that adhere to the work-live-play philosophy.
The prospect of getting New Broadstreet involved in Doraville is a potentially very good thing for city, and could help them achieve some quality development that they have been missing for a long time. A main concern is that the county has not yet announced its intentions and as Bob Roche said: Once they own the property, they could put a smelting plant there if they wanted.
In light of the GM plant being considered as a potential site of the Atlanta Falcons, will the City of Dunwoody make a move to annex the GM plant site? Seems to be a gamble with the winner potentially receiving untold amounts of sales tax dollars.
Dorablog
Dunwoody North
The implications of the development deal are big. According to councilman Roche, the city will no longer have any zoning power over the former GM property, and will lose tax revenue from it (several hundred thousand a year). It will be effectively de-annexed from the city (although Doraville will still set closing times and other similar ordinances). The county has suggested that they can patrol the site using DeKalb Police, therefore not taxing Doraville police forces.
The developer is New Broadstreet, based out of Orlando. The company’s president, David Pace, helped develop Disney’s Celebration USA outside Disney World. The company’s website says it is committed to New Urbanist principles — which include walkable neighborhoods, and mixed-use developments that adhere to the work-live-play philosophy.
The prospect of getting New Broadstreet involved in Doraville is a potentially very good thing for city, and could help them achieve some quality development that they have been missing for a long time. A main concern is that the county has not yet announced its intentions and as Bob Roche said: Once they own the property, they could put a smelting plant there if they wanted.
In light of the GM plant being considered as a potential site of the Atlanta Falcons, will the City of Dunwoody make a move to annex the GM plant site? Seems to be a gamble with the winner potentially receiving untold amounts of sales tax dollars.
Dorablog
Dunwoody North
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Johnson Ignoring DeKalb FOP Letter
September 2, 2009: On June 10, 2009, the DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police dispatched a letter to US Representative Hank Johnson noting our disappointment in his response and actions in the Troy Davis murder case. Davis was convicted for the 1989 slaying of Savannah Police Officer Mark MacPhail. Through years of appeals, Davis recently received a temporary reprieve from the US Supreme Court. "New evidence" in his case will be reviewed by a federal judge to determine if a new trial is warranted.
The DeKalb FOP is disappointed in the actions and statements of Johnson, who seemed to use the tactics of his predecessor by taking the issue into racial politics. As of this writing, Johnson has not responded to our letter. His aides have acknowledged the letter was received (when they called to request we host a fundraiser for Johnson). Read the letter. If you believe our stance is correct, please let Representative Johnson know.
For more information, visit http://markallenmacphail.com
(From the FOP website)
The DeKalb FOP is disappointed in the actions and statements of Johnson, who seemed to use the tactics of his predecessor by taking the issue into racial politics. As of this writing, Johnson has not responded to our letter. His aides have acknowledged the letter was received (when they called to request we host a fundraiser for Johnson). Read the letter. If you believe our stance is correct, please let Representative Johnson know.
For more information, visit http://markallenmacphail.com
(From the FOP website)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Terrell Bolton Files Civil Suit
Two time loser Terrell Bolton filed a civil suit for wrongful termination on September 15, 2009. Those named in the suit are: DeKalb County, Dekalb County Human Resources, Merit System, and Phyllis Williams.
Civil case # 09CV11070
Civil case # 09CV11070
Pension News
We held our bi-monthly Pension Board meeting on 9-16-2009.
We did not have enough voting members for a quorum so a special meeting will be held ASAP.
A review of the 2009 investment results was done by Callan Associates. Callan stated that we had a good year.
Again I want to give everyone a heads up that our employee contributions (the amount deducted from our pay) and employer contributions (the amount contributed by DeKalb County) will need to increase in order to maintain our excellent pension plan. We will have a recommended increase amount at our November meeting. I will give a heads up on that figure as soon as I get it.
Please post for employees that don’t have email.
James Butler
Pension Board Member
We did not have enough voting members for a quorum so a special meeting will be held ASAP.
A review of the 2009 investment results was done by Callan Associates. Callan stated that we had a good year.
Again I want to give everyone a heads up that our employee contributions (the amount deducted from our pay) and employer contributions (the amount contributed by DeKalb County) will need to increase in order to maintain our excellent pension plan. We will have a recommended increase amount at our November meeting. I will give a heads up on that figure as soon as I get it.
Please post for employees that don’t have email.
James Butler
Pension Board Member
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Waste of Taxpayer Money Continues
It appears the District Attorney has taken a page from terminated police chief Terrell Bolton. Ms. Keyes now has a driver permanently assigned to her. Some of the driver’s duties include getting her children to and from daycare.
DeKalb County has the second highest homicide rate in the state (2nd to the City of Atlanta). The driver is one of 3 homicide investigators in D.A. Fleming’s office. Now her office has 2. Her driver is no longer assigned cases or carry case load. The case load has to be spread among the other 2 investigators.
Sources say the working conditions at the D.A.’s office are horrendous, over worked, cramped office space, leaking roofs, and now this morale buster.
The waste of taxpayer money continues
DeKalb County has the second highest homicide rate in the state (2nd to the City of Atlanta). The driver is one of 3 homicide investigators in D.A. Fleming’s office. Now her office has 2. Her driver is no longer assigned cases or carry case load. The case load has to be spread among the other 2 investigators.
Sources say the working conditions at the D.A.’s office are horrendous, over worked, cramped office space, leaking roofs, and now this morale buster.
The waste of taxpayer money continues
Monday, September 14, 2009
Recorders Court: Incompetent In More Ways Than One
Officers are required to sign up for a Recorders Court date as far out as 90 days. They are to sign up for only one date per month. The reasoning being, to cut down on overtime paid to the off duty officers. Sounds pretty good, if it worked.
Very often, court dates have to be reset for a variety of reasons which is understandable.
What is not understandable is why clerks of the court blatantly disregard these predetermined court dates. Often times they reschedule court dates leaving officers attending court 3 or 4 times a month and in some instances, more than 2 times a week.
This defeats all efforts of cutting overtime cost which means even more waste of taxpayer money. Officers plan around their predetermined court dates. When they are called or subpoenaed for court unexpectedly, the officers are put in a bind.
These officers lose sleep, have to find child care, lose out on extra job money, and have to reschedule or entirely miss planned family activity. Officers who are off duty have the right to somewhat of a normal personal life outside the department.
The Grand Jury has already found that the leadership of the Recorders Court, including head Judge Walker incompetent. We hope that Burrell Ellis will be replacing her sooner than later with someone who is competent. And while they are at it, maybe get back to some uniform scheduled court dates for the sake of our officers and the taxpayers of DeKalb County.
Very often, court dates have to be reset for a variety of reasons which is understandable.
What is not understandable is why clerks of the court blatantly disregard these predetermined court dates. Often times they reschedule court dates leaving officers attending court 3 or 4 times a month and in some instances, more than 2 times a week.
This defeats all efforts of cutting overtime cost which means even more waste of taxpayer money. Officers plan around their predetermined court dates. When they are called or subpoenaed for court unexpectedly, the officers are put in a bind.
These officers lose sleep, have to find child care, lose out on extra job money, and have to reschedule or entirely miss planned family activity. Officers who are off duty have the right to somewhat of a normal personal life outside the department.
The Grand Jury has already found that the leadership of the Recorders Court, including head Judge Walker incompetent. We hope that Burrell Ellis will be replacing her sooner than later with someone who is competent. And while they are at it, maybe get back to some uniform scheduled court dates for the sake of our officers and the taxpayers of DeKalb County.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Reporters Don't Cry: A Personal Memory of 9/11
Reporters don't cry.
In fact, we aren’t supposed to have any emotions at all when we cover a story. We are trained to trap it all inside; like robots, we strive to check our feelings, politics, prejudices and emotions at the door. We are there to observe, collect, and report only the facts. Feel - maybe. Cry - never.
September 11th, 2001. I stood outside the Pentagon and watched rescue workers remove the remains of dead soldiers and civilians killed inside. On television, it was devastating. In person, on the sidewalks of the Pentagon, the symbol of America’s military might, it was horrific.
We were in shock. The rescue workers and military personnel were in shock. The Washington residents were in shock. All week, we moved about the city, eerily quiet, no jets in the sky, and armored vehicles dotting every other corner. We were talking, observing, and collecting bits of personal stories and slices of life from pawns to power brokers.
We sought out the feelings of Georgia’s leaders. Congressman John Lewis, a man of peace, stood on the capital steps and talked of war. Senator Max Cleland, a war veteran, talked of finding peace. Zell Miller said just “bomb the hell out of all of them.”
Near the end of the week, my photographer and I stood outside the National Cathedral in Washington. Inside, a memorial service was held. Hundreds of citizens stood on the sidewalks outside, uninvited, yet far from uninvolved. They listened to the service on hand held radios. Billy Graham offered words of comfort and warned "we may be mad at God. "
People were still in shock, yet they listened as the band inside struck up the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Individually, without any urging, the citizens on the sidewalk began to sing. Not loud, not with vigor. More of a calm, sedated singing of the unofficial American anthem. Yet, singing none the less: "Glory, Glory Hallelujah! His Truth Is Marching On"
Photographer, Tony D’Astoli shot video as I talked to weary citizens. We quickly realized everyone we spoke to was crying. It was the song. The emotion of the melody. The shock. The pain. The loss.
They cried and I cried. And as we talked, I turned to my photographer and he was crying.
Reporters may not cry, but I can assure you photographers damn well never cry.
But not on this day. Not in the shadow of 9/11 with the Battle Hymn from an earlier war sung on the streets of a nation under attack.
That is the moment I remember most of the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11 2001. A funeral service for a country, when a couple of journalists, who are trained to buck up, broke down.
Dale Russell
In fact, we aren’t supposed to have any emotions at all when we cover a story. We are trained to trap it all inside; like robots, we strive to check our feelings, politics, prejudices and emotions at the door. We are there to observe, collect, and report only the facts. Feel - maybe. Cry - never.
September 11th, 2001. I stood outside the Pentagon and watched rescue workers remove the remains of dead soldiers and civilians killed inside. On television, it was devastating. In person, on the sidewalks of the Pentagon, the symbol of America’s military might, it was horrific.
We were in shock. The rescue workers and military personnel were in shock. The Washington residents were in shock. All week, we moved about the city, eerily quiet, no jets in the sky, and armored vehicles dotting every other corner. We were talking, observing, and collecting bits of personal stories and slices of life from pawns to power brokers.
We sought out the feelings of Georgia’s leaders. Congressman John Lewis, a man of peace, stood on the capital steps and talked of war. Senator Max Cleland, a war veteran, talked of finding peace. Zell Miller said just “bomb the hell out of all of them.”
Near the end of the week, my photographer and I stood outside the National Cathedral in Washington. Inside, a memorial service was held. Hundreds of citizens stood on the sidewalks outside, uninvited, yet far from uninvolved. They listened to the service on hand held radios. Billy Graham offered words of comfort and warned "we may be mad at God. "
People were still in shock, yet they listened as the band inside struck up the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Individually, without any urging, the citizens on the sidewalk began to sing. Not loud, not with vigor. More of a calm, sedated singing of the unofficial American anthem. Yet, singing none the less: "Glory, Glory Hallelujah! His Truth Is Marching On"
Photographer, Tony D’Astoli shot video as I talked to weary citizens. We quickly realized everyone we spoke to was crying. It was the song. The emotion of the melody. The shock. The pain. The loss.
They cried and I cried. And as we talked, I turned to my photographer and he was crying.
Reporters may not cry, but I can assure you photographers damn well never cry.
But not on this day. Not in the shadow of 9/11 with the Battle Hymn from an earlier war sung on the streets of a nation under attack.
That is the moment I remember most of the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11 2001. A funeral service for a country, when a couple of journalists, who are trained to buck up, broke down.
Dale Russell
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Lax Oversight Made DeKalb Court Vulnerable To Scam
"After a ticket-fixing scam at the
The presentment filed Thursday levels no criminal charges but does say the troubled court suffers from “a leadership competency issue.”
Duh, do you think?
What more does Burrell Ellis need to clean house?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Is Politics The Reason Gwen Fleming Is Gunning For Two of Our Officers?
When Gwen Fleming ran for Solicitor General in 1998, the Field Director for her campaign was Dexter Porter. Porter later served as Barack Obama’s Georgia Political Director.
On September 20, 2007 Gwen Fleming contributed $500.00 to Barack Obama’s Presidential Campaign and contributed another $500.00 on January 1, 2008. She also endorsed Obama. No surprise there.
Adora Andy served as Gwen Fleming's Public Information Officer in the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office and reported directly to Gwen Fleming. Adora Andy also served as Obama's Press Secretary in Georgia during the campaign. Now Adora Andy is listed as a Press Secretary in the Obama Administration at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
On July 20, 2009 the day Officers Route and Wright ran the President’s name through N.C.I.C./G.C.I.C, Gwen Fleming was a speaker at the Black Prosecutors Conference in Memphis Tennessee. One of the seminars at the conference was “How to Get a Federal Job”.
On August 18, 2009 District Attorney Fleming announces a formal criminal investigation into the actions of Officers Route and Wright. This, just one day before The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia issued a press release announcing David Nahmias' resignation effective August 23, 2009. Nahmias was tapped by Governor Sonny Perdue to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court.
Public Safety Director W.Z. Miller, a former employee of District Attorney Fleming, places Officers Route and Wright on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
Everyone knew Nahmias was going to resign before hand. The question to many was when. It is common practice, at least at this level of government and political arena, that phone calls are made a day or two before a press release is issued. So Nahamias would have notified his “chain of command” of the pending press release.
Now President Obama gets to nominate a replacement of Nahmias.
More than likely, Gwen Fleming was tipped off that Nahmias was going to resign and makes her move. It is easy to conclude Gwen Fleming launched her formal criminal investigation to get the Obama Administration’s attention. Her name has surfaced as a possible candidate to replace Nahmias.
This has all the makings of another sad day in DeKalb County politics. But this time two police officers are pawns in the game. They stand to have their reputation destroyed and their freedom lost.
As for the City of Philadelphia, PA officer who ran Obama through N.C.I.C., Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said the officer could face discipline for performing the check. Ramsey says he wants to know what the officer has to say for himself. Police didn't release the officer's name, but he remains on duty.
A stark contrast to the way DeKalb County is handling it, don’t you think?
The madness continues.
On September 20, 2007 Gwen Fleming contributed $500.00 to Barack Obama’s Presidential Campaign and contributed another $500.00 on January 1, 2008. She also endorsed Obama. No surprise there.
Adora Andy served as Gwen Fleming's Public Information Officer in the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office and reported directly to Gwen Fleming. Adora Andy also served as Obama's Press Secretary in Georgia during the campaign. Now Adora Andy is listed as a Press Secretary in the Obama Administration at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
On July 20, 2009 the day Officers Route and Wright ran the President’s name through N.C.I.C./G.C.I.C, Gwen Fleming was a speaker at the Black Prosecutors Conference in Memphis Tennessee. One of the seminars at the conference was “How to Get a Federal Job”.
On August 18, 2009 District Attorney Fleming announces a formal criminal investigation into the actions of Officers Route and Wright. This, just one day before The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia issued a press release announcing David Nahmias' resignation effective August 23, 2009. Nahmias was tapped by Governor Sonny Perdue to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court.
Public Safety Director W.Z. Miller, a former employee of District Attorney Fleming, places Officers Route and Wright on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
Everyone knew Nahmias was going to resign before hand. The question to many was when. It is common practice, at least at this level of government and political arena, that phone calls are made a day or two before a press release is issued. So Nahamias would have notified his “chain of command” of the pending press release.
Now President Obama gets to nominate a replacement of Nahmias.
More than likely, Gwen Fleming was tipped off that Nahmias was going to resign and makes her move. It is easy to conclude Gwen Fleming launched her formal criminal investigation to get the Obama Administration’s attention. Her name has surfaced as a possible candidate to replace Nahmias.
This has all the makings of another sad day in DeKalb County politics. But this time two police officers are pawns in the game. They stand to have their reputation destroyed and their freedom lost.
As for the City of Philadelphia, PA officer who ran Obama through N.C.I.C., Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said the officer could face discipline for performing the check. Ramsey says he wants to know what the officer has to say for himself. Police didn't release the officer's name, but he remains on duty.
A stark contrast to the way DeKalb County is handling it, don’t you think?
The madness continues.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
District Attorney Brings In Special Investigator
D.A. Gwen Fleming has added to her staff, Clay Nix, formerly of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Investigator Nix’s primary responsibility is to investigate public corruption.
His lead off case is the one involving Officers Wright and Route, the two officers accused of running a criminal background check on President Obama.
If we were allowed to ask one question of Ms. Fleming it would be: Are you serious?
These two officers did a bone headed thing by running a background check of Obama. They probably did it being curious, just to see if his drivers license would read 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, his birth date, or whatever. But it is highly doubtful they did so with any criminal intent.
These two officers have been on paid administrative leave for nearly two months now. It’s time to move forward and end the administrative investigation with heavy suspension from duty without pay. But to have them investigated by the D.A.’s office; isn’t that a little much?
Where was the special investigator when one of Vernon’s cronies was caught running tag information for political reasons? Where was this special investigator when another one of Vernon’s cronies was caught running tags during an adulteress marriage gone bad? Or the detective using N.C.I.C./G.C.I.C. information so she could send threatening letters through the U.S. mail during another extramarital affair?
And finally, where is this special investigator when it comes to terminated Chief Terrell Bolton? The District Attorney herself said Bolton’s actions were probably criminal, but would not pursue it.
Gwen Fleming is proving once again; if you are “connected” you don’t have much to worry about. But if you are some lowly beat officer who does a good job day in and day out, but is caught doing school boy pranks, then Gwen Fleming will bring in a special investigator and nail your ass to the wall.
The madness continues
His lead off case is the one involving Officers Wright and Route, the two officers accused of running a criminal background check on President Obama.
If we were allowed to ask one question of Ms. Fleming it would be: Are you serious?
These two officers did a bone headed thing by running a background check of Obama. They probably did it being curious, just to see if his drivers license would read 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, his birth date, or whatever. But it is highly doubtful they did so with any criminal intent.
These two officers have been on paid administrative leave for nearly two months now. It’s time to move forward and end the administrative investigation with heavy suspension from duty without pay. But to have them investigated by the D.A.’s office; isn’t that a little much?
Where was the special investigator when one of Vernon’s cronies was caught running tag information for political reasons? Where was this special investigator when another one of Vernon’s cronies was caught running tags during an adulteress marriage gone bad? Or the detective using N.C.I.C./G.C.I.C. information so she could send threatening letters through the U.S. mail during another extramarital affair?
And finally, where is this special investigator when it comes to terminated Chief Terrell Bolton? The District Attorney herself said Bolton’s actions were probably criminal, but would not pursue it.
Gwen Fleming is proving once again; if you are “connected” you don’t have much to worry about. But if you are some lowly beat officer who does a good job day in and day out, but is caught doing school boy pranks, then Gwen Fleming will bring in a special investigator and nail your ass to the wall.
The madness continues
Duo plead guilty to ticket-fixing
By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two women pleaded guilty Wednesday to accepting money in exchange for getting traffic tickets dismissed.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Charlene Johnson, previously employed by DeKalb County, admitted she dismissed traffic tickets in exchange for money.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Sonia Williams admitted to being involved in a ticket-fixing scheme by helping find people who had been issued tickets in DeKalb.
Charlene Nettles Johnson and Sonia Williams worked together in the scheme, according to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office.
In June, eight people, including three former county employees, were named in a 37-page indictment for allegedly dismissing tickets over an eight-year period.
While employed with the county’s recorder’s court, Johnson dismissed cases in exchange for money, according to Orzy Theus with the district attorney’s office. She admitted that others helped her find drivers who were issued tickets in DeKalb.
Johnson made $20,000 during a three-year period. As part of her sentencing, she will pay $20,000 in restitution. Johnson will serve 12 months of a 20-year sentence.
Williams, owner of the Glitzy Dazzle clothing store in Stone Mountain, admitted she brought tickets to Johnson to get dismissed, Theus said. Williams either received a “finder’s fee” or gave Johnson a discount on items at Glitzy Dazzle.
Williams was sentenced to five years and ordered to pay $1,150 in restitution. She will spend 30 days in jail.
An anonymous tip first prompted the investigation into the ticket scheme, DeKalb District Attorney Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming said in June.
Note from DeKalb Officers: This duo was not employed by the sheriff's department. They were employees of Recorders Court.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two women pleaded guilty Wednesday to accepting money in exchange for getting traffic tickets dismissed.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Charlene Johnson, previously employed by DeKalb County, admitted she dismissed traffic tickets in exchange for money.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Department Sonia Williams admitted to being involved in a ticket-fixing scheme by helping find people who had been issued tickets in DeKalb.
Charlene Nettles Johnson and Sonia Williams worked together in the scheme, according to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office.
In June, eight people, including three former county employees, were named in a 37-page indictment for allegedly dismissing tickets over an eight-year period.
While employed with the county’s recorder’s court, Johnson dismissed cases in exchange for money, according to Orzy Theus with the district attorney’s office. She admitted that others helped her find drivers who were issued tickets in DeKalb.
Johnson made $20,000 during a three-year period. As part of her sentencing, she will pay $20,000 in restitution. Johnson will serve 12 months of a 20-year sentence.
Williams, owner of the Glitzy Dazzle clothing store in Stone Mountain, admitted she brought tickets to Johnson to get dismissed, Theus said. Williams either received a “finder’s fee” or gave Johnson a discount on items at Glitzy Dazzle.
Williams was sentenced to five years and ordered to pay $1,150 in restitution. She will spend 30 days in jail.
An anonymous tip first prompted the investigation into the ticket scheme, DeKalb District Attorney Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming said in June.
Note from DeKalb Officers: This duo was not employed by the sheriff's department. They were employees of Recorders Court.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
