VOLUME 23 NUMBER 39
DECEMBER 23, 2017
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Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
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Vandals desecrate veterans’ memorial in bronze heist Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett: “We will find you.” By Valerie J. Morgan
Photo provided
Spreading Holiday Cheer Jimmy and Sharon Nelson, along with their sons, Jaylon (left) and Jimmaron (right) snap a pose with Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary (center). The family stopped by City Hall to pick up toys left under the Christmas tree for them and other families. Staff and volunteers passed out the toys on Dec. 21. The mayor and his wife, Debbie, organized the “Stonecrest Claus” giveaway to assist families. The newly-formed city’s efforts were among several held across metro Atlanta. More holiday stories are on Pages 4 and 5.
Rep. Johnson presents bill to empower LGBTQ students at HBCUs Congressman Hank Johnson is re-introducing the “Inclusive Campuses Act of 2017” (H.R.4699) after gaining support to authorize the use of Title III funds to establish to establish on-campus resource centers for Congressman LGBTQ Hank Johnson students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority institutions. “We should be doing all we can to help everyone feel welcomed and included,” said Johnson, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston. “As a proud graduate of two HBCUs, I feel this legislation is crucial in continuing the legacy of community and inclusion I felt as a student. We cannot allow any educational environment to become one where students suffer in fearful silence and passive intolerance.” Title III provides federal SEE LGBTQ, page 5
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ockdale County Sheriff Eric J. Levett has three words for the thieves who vandalized the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial and stole two heavy, bronze statues and military emblems: “We will find you.” The memorial was vandalized over the weekend of Dec. 15 after the Rockdale park, located at 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E., closed. Thieves stole two statues that were part of a group of five soldiers, an 800-pound bronze globe and several military emblems. An attendant at the park discovered the break-in on Sunday, Dec. 17, and called police. Investigators said thieves broke through a gate to pull off the heist. Surveillance cameras captured images of a vehicle believed to be a 19952000 Toyota Tacoma, towing a trailer with wood floors and railings. The truck has an extended cab with a lift and all-terrain tires. Investigators said multiple suspects were likely involved due to the weight of the items stolen. The memorial park, located at 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E. in Rockdale, is considered one of Rockdale’s jewels, visited not only by local residents but by people from around the world. “This is a dishonorable and disheartening act for what we stand for in America,” Sheriff Levett said. “Someone trying to tarnish and destroy the place where we recognize our country’s heroes will not be tolerated. We will find you.” Congressman Hank Johnson, who has attended several events at the memorial, said he would assist authorities in any way possible. “This is an affront not just to Conyers and Rockdale County, but to all veterans and their families in Georgia
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
Thieves stole two statues that were part of a group of five soldiers, an 800-pound bronze globe and several military emblems.
The suspected vehicle is believed to be a 19952000 Toyota Tacoma, towing a trailer with woodlined floors and railings.
and the nation who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Johnson. “I stand ready to help local authorities in any way I can to help resolve this egregious crime and return the missing statues to their rightful place at the Walk of Heroes.” The desecration has angered the public with many people speculating the statues and emblems may be melted down for cash. Several people posted comments on Facebook peppered with profanity to express their outrage and disgust . Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. called the theft one of the most “unpatriotic” acts he has ever witnessed. “It is disappointing, disheartening, and totally disrespectful,” said Nesbitt. “This is a jolt right through the heart of so many of our men and
Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial before the vandalism.
women who have served and who are actively serving and to the countless number of citizens who have contributed to the Walk of Heroes and making this park the memorial that all of Rockdale County is proud of.” The memorial honors the sacrifices made by veterans since the 20th century. Tommy Clack, who chairs the Memorial Board, has led fundraising efforts for the various phases of the memorial park. Billy Corey of U.S. Enterprises Inc. is offering a a cash reward of $5,000 to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest of the suspects. Information about the case should be reported to Sheriff’s Corporal Jeremy Best at 770-278-8160. Anonymous tips also can be submitted through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477).
DeKalb Solicitor-General forms new unit to fight blight, bolster code enforcement The DeKalb County Office of the Solicitor-General has formed a new unit to join DeKalb County’s Operation Clean Sweep initiative. The new unit is comprised of two assistant solicitor-generals, a community prosecutor, an investigator and a legal assistant. The division is responsible for the prosecution of all cases involving code violations, blight and other nuisances. “With the announcement of Operation Clean Sweep, we saw a need to expand our reach to efficiently and effective-
Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling
ly address the concerns of citizens who suffered from ongoing blight and code violations,” said Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling. “I hired prosecutors who I know will work tirelessly to hold code violators accountable. By adding
new members to our team, we will be able to better address community concerns.” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s vision for Operation Clean Sweep inspired the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to approve a mid-year budget request by the Solicitor-General for over $70,000. “Prosecution is key to effectively send the message that DeKalb County is serious about eliminating blight,” Thurmond said. “The Solicitor-General’s Quality of Life Unit is an innovative solution
that will help improve and beautify our communities.” “Improving the quality of life for DeKalb citizens is our goal,” said Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling. “Each member of the Unit was chosen specifically for their experience and passion for serving our community. I am confident DeKalb County citizens will look to them as their advocates and partners.” For more information on the Quality of Life Unit, please visit our site at www.DeKalbSolicitorGeneral.org.