Author: On Common Ground News

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Rockdale County Deputy Dedra Hall has been arrested and charged with sexual battery. The charges stem from a county court systems employee who filed a complaint with the Rockdale County Human Resources Department on April 12, according to the the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office. Hall has been placed on Administrative leave, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release. No explanation was given why the arrest took place four months after the complaint was made. The Sheriff’s Office said there is an ongoing Internal Affairs and Criminal investigation. “It is unfortunate this incident has presented itself. However, I expect RCSO employees…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office warns that another telephone scam is in play.  This time the unsuspecting victims are actually being told to meet them at the DeKalb County Jail with cash to avoid arrest for citations. The DeKalb Sheriff’s Office wants callers to know that they are not placing these calls, even though the callers are identifying themselves as sheriff’s deputies who work for Sheriff Jeff Mann. “Our office does not place telephone calls to persons to collect fines,” says Sheriff Mann. What should you do?  Just hang up.  As with most scams, the caller is using fear to…

Gov. Nathan Deal yesterday met with President Donald J. Trump, other governors, state attorneys general and federal leaders to discuss criminal justice reform, including the successes and results of initiatives implemented in Georgia. “Smart on crime is not the same as soft on crime, which our results bear out,” said Deal. “In Georgia, we are addressing barriers to successful reentry through job training programs, ban-the-box legislation and operating a charter school in our prison system. We have implemented such initatives while making our communities safer, with a 10 percent decrease in the violent crime rate and a 20 percent…

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary has been elevated to another level of service. Lary was ordained a deacon at Union First Missionary Baptist Church during the Lithonia church’s Aug. 5 worship service. Pastor Edward. L. Randolph, Jr. performed the ordination for Lary and Deacon Reginald Veasley, praying for both men and their wives, Debra “Debbie” Lary and Angel Veasley. “Serving as a deacon is a very important role. When we look at candidates for that office, the bible says in Acts that there are three qualifications: a man of good rapport, filled with the Holy Ghost and wisdom,” said Pastor Randolph,…

DeKalb County homeowners and businesses can now showcase their properties as potential locations and location scouts can easily secure locations and permits through a new online resource created by the DeKalb Entertainment Commission. The online portal is accessible at DeKalbEntertainment.com and via any mobile device. The system allows location scouts a one-stop portal to find, secure and pay for ideal sites throughout the county for film, television and commercial productions. The system streamlines permitting and approvals through every county department involved in the process. “The new system makes location identification and permitting a completely electronic process, with every county department…

Pastor James C. Ward of Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia is being honored again as an accomplished  songwriter. His latest work entitled “Nothin’ But Glory” has won an Editor’s Choice Award after being published by Shawnee Press, a division of Hal Leonard, one of the largest sheet music publishers in the world. “This is truly a blessing from God and is only a reality because of His favor,” said Ward. “It is truly an honor. It speaks to all of the people who helped me all along the way. Getting published is like getting a record contract. There are…

DeKalb County Police are seeking three suspects they believed are involved in several residential burglaries in the Smokerise community near Stone Mountain.  Eleven burglaries were reported between June 26 and Aug. 3, said DeKalb spokesperson Shiera Campbell.  Homeowners have reported jewelry and mail among the items stolen, officials said.  “There were a number of homes where there was forced entry and some where doors were left unlocked. The homeowners said they were away for just a few minutes and returned to find belongings missing,” said Campbell.     Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating suspects…

A DeKalb County firefighter was found dead on Wednesday, Aug. 8, by a crew member at one of the county’s fire stations.  Barrett Everett, 42, was found dead during a shift change at Fire Station 25, which is located on Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain.  Captain Dion Bentley said firefighters had responded to a late night call on Aug. 7 and returned to go to bed at the station. A crew member found Everett deceased in bed during a shift change, Bentley said.  Flags were flown at half mass throughout the county to remember Everett, Bentley said.     “It…

The DeKalb County Office of Public Safety is one of the first large law enforcement jurisdictions in Georgia to join FirstNet – the nationwide public safety broadband network that gives first responders a reliable and highly secure connection to needed information.  The network is being built by AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, which was established by Congress.   “DeKalb County has embraced technology to aid crime reduction efforts and improve public safety,” said Joseph “Jack” H. Lumpkin, deputy chief operating officer of public safety. “FirstNet will enhance the county’s public safety response by providing unprecedented…