Author: On Common Ground News

A second suspect is in custody in connection with the June 1, 2017 shooting death of Travis Elliot Ridley of Brookhaven. The DeKalb Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested 27-year-old Abel Asefan Asmelash of Stone Mountain, who had been sought by authorities since a warrant was issued for his arrest on the day of the incident.  He is charged with felony murder and armed robbery. On June 13, 2017, deputies arrested the first suspect, 24-year-old Edward Tavarez, of Norcross, on the same charges. Warrants allege that the three men may have been involved in a drug deal for an estimated…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Unit, in conjunction with the Pinellas County, Florida Sheriff’s Office, has apprehended a suspect sought on charges of sexually molesting a child. Warrants were issued on June 9 for 41-year-old Irwin Keith Littles of St. Petersburg, Florida. Littles allegedly raped a then 9-year-old child between January 2014 and May 2014 at a residence on Meadow Lane in Decatur. Littles is charged with felony child molestation, felony aggravated child molestation (sodomy), felony aggravated sexual battery and felony rape. Investigations into Littles’ whereabouts by the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office led to a location in N. Kenneth…

A former DeKalb County Commissioner accused of misappropriating funds intended for business travel has been indicted on one charge of Theft by Conversion. The Grand Jury returned the single count indictment Tuesday (June 2) against Stan Watson, 63, in connection with county-issued funds totaling approximately $3,000. The charge against Watson dates back to January 2016 when he served as District 7 Commissioner.  At that time, Watson requested and received advance checks for travel expenses related to upcoming business conferences. However, prior to attending those conferences, the Commissioner resigned his position in March 2016 to run for Tax Commissioner.  The State…

Opponents urged the Stonecrest City Council to vote no on a proposed millage increase, saying it would unfairly tax owners of commercial and rental properties. No one spoke in favor of the increase at two public hearings held today. About 10 people made comments. Attorney Bernard Knight, who represents several businesses and landowners in the city, said the proposed increase of up to 1 mill goes against promises made during the formation of the city. “This is inconsistent with the vision that was crafted by the folks who created Stonecrest and inconsistent with the promises that were made. The promises…

The Rockdale Board of Commissioners today approved the execution of the agreement and final documents to finalize the purchase of the historic Costley Mill Park. Officials said they were prepared to sign the documents following the meeting. Rockdale is spending $4 million to buy and renovate the 77-acre property on Costley Mill Road, which is located off Georgia Highway 138. The park, owned by the Bowman family, has been in Rockdale since the 1800s. It has been used for films, weddings and other special events including the Rubber Ducky race, which is held annually to raise money to assist senior…

The DeKalb Pastors Alliance is partnering with energy companies and financial institutions to get the word out to homeowners the R-22 refrigerant commonly known as Freon will be phased out across the country beginning in 2019. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require energy efficient air-conditioning systems in homes. Freon will be replaced by the environmentally-friendly Puron. “There will be no more Freon. We’re trying to be proactive to let homeowners know. The bible says we perish for lack of knowledge and we want to make sure everyone is educated about the changes,” said Pastor Steven Dial, executive director of…

Morris Williams, former DeKalb County Deputy Chief Operating Officer, and businessman Douglas Cotter have pleaded guilty to a check reimbursement scheme to defraud DeKalb County. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction by guilty plea after court proceedings on June 22. Williams, 52, entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor obstruction charge for his role in the scheme. Cotter, 54, entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of theft by taking and was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution immediately. The charges against Cotter and Williams date back to 2011 when Williams served as Chief of Staff…

MARTA passengers soon will be able to enjoy the visual arts and performances at the public transit’s stations throughout the year. MARTA kicked off the initiative, Artbound, with an event on June 19. Performances by Moving in the Spirit Dance Company and cellist Jenn Cornell accompanied by Emrah Kotan highlighted some artistic elements MARTA’s Artbound initiative will bring to customers beginning this year. In addition to the performing arts, officials announced upcoming restorations project at the Decatur MARTA station and a new art installation piece slated for H.E. Holmes MARTA station. “From mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) recently held the 11th Annual Student Athletic Aide Camps to train students in the basics of sports medicine to prepare them to become athletic aides with school sports teams. The camps also expose students to sports medicine and athletic training career fields. The camps – conducted by RCPS Athletic Coordinator Kechia Rowles at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels – teach students about concussion recognition, stabilizing and supporting sprains and fractures, recognizing signs of injury and illness, human anatomy and physiology, as well as emergency first aid such as CPR, defibrillator application, and the…

Stonecrest Council member Jimmy Clanton, Jr., District 1, held a town hall meeting on June 20 at Stonecrest Library to share updates on the new city. Dozens of constituents came out in the stormy weather to hear from Clanton, county officials, Stonecrest City Manager Michael Harris and Mayor Jason Lary. Officials fielded questions concerning code enforcement, public safety, business licenses and other issues. An overview was presented on DeKalb County’s homestead exemption and millage rate by the property tax assessor. Clanton said more information would follow at homeowner group meetings and that he would announce those meetings once dates have…