the DeKalb FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • VOL. 24, NO.

31• FREE

Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker • A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

Community cares
about Clarkston
Cluster schools
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

Often called the most diverse square mile in America and

the Ellis Island of the South, Clarkston for years has been Representatives of Indian Creek Baptist Church participate in the back to school rally in Clarkston.
known for the ethnic variety of its population. 
Despite the city’s diversity, everyone sticks together,
according to city liaisons. That togetherness was on full display
at the Clarkston Cluster Schools Back to School Rally Sept. 6
at Lakes of Indian Creek Apartments in Clarkston. 
The focus of the event was to bridge the gap between
parents, students and school, increase student attendance and
promote literacy and school pride, according to organizers. 
Volunteers at the
back to school rally
served guests free food
and handed out school 'We have a great
supplies for students.
Students and parents group of principals
also had the opportunity
to meet teachers and and staff who
administrators outside of
a school setting. Student
groups also performed at
represent this Adam NyKamp, instructional support specialist at Indian Creek
the event.
The Clarkston Cluster
Clarkston Cluster. Elementary School, talks to students during a back to school rally.

consists of Clarkston
High School, Freedom
It’s probably the
Middle School, Allgood
Elementary School, most diverse in the
Dunaire Elementary
School, Jolly Elementary state of Georgia.'
School and Indian Creek
Elementary School.
“The Clarkston Cluster
Back to School Rally is an example of our commitment to
form relationships with our community,” said Freedom Middle
School Principal Marchell Boston. “We want to extend
ourselves to form that relationship and partnership and we
look forward to ongoing relationships with parents and our
community.”
There are currently 5,318 students in the Clarkston Cluster,
according to Boston. Eighty-five percent of Clarkston Cluster
schools have a climate rating of 3 STARS or higher. Schools
are given a rating 1 to 5 starts with five stars being an excellent

SEE CLARKSTON ON PAGE 6 Clarkston Cluster officials held a back-to-school rally Sept. 6 at Lakes of Indian Creek Apartments in Clarkston.

Visit www.TheChampionNewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 2

CLARKSTON STONECREST

Assistant police chief

resigns after DUI arrest
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Clarkston’s police
department no longer has an
assistant chief after an Aug.
30 DUI arrest.
Thadius Brown,
an 11-year veteran with
Clarkson police, resigned
from the department
Sept. 4, Clarkston Police
Charles Hill, who previously ran for Stonecrest mayor in 2017, is running again this year. (file photo)
Chief Christine Hudson
confirmed to The Champion.

Charles Hill throws hat in

Brown was pulled over
in Stockbridge in Henry
County after an officer
saw him make an illegal

Stonecrest mayoral race

right turn at a traffic light, Former Clarkston assistant police chief
according to the police Thadius Brown was arrested for DUI in
report. Henry County. Photo provided.
According to the police
report, after Brown gave the officer his driver’s license, he
immediately told the officer that he was the deputy chief experience that he plans to councils to engage residents
BY CARLA PARKER use to stimulate economic in the city, partner with the
of police for the Clarkston Police Department. Brown told carla@dekalbchamp.com
the officer that he had “dropped my mans off at his house development in Stonecrest if DeKalb County School
from Seven,” a sports bar and lounge in Stockbridge. he is elected. Board to improve local
Charles Hill is again
When the officer asked if Brown had drinks at the bar, Hill is the founder schools, partner with
running for the position of
Brown told the officer that he “had a couple,” according and managing partner of law enforcement and
Stonecrest mayor.
to the police report. The officer stated that he detected a Westside Resurgens, a other agencies to reduce
Hill ran for mayor in
“moderate to strong” odor of alcohol on Brown’s breath real estate development petty crime and promote
2017 and lost to current
and from the passenger seat. The officer also said Brown’s firm in Atlanta, according policies that increase home
mayor Jason Lary, who is
eyes were bloodshot and glassy. to his website. He was a ownership and improving
running for re-election this
According to the police report, the officer instructed legislative aide to former options for renters,
year. The Champion called
Brown to step out of his car, but Brown refused, stating, Georgia State Rep. Rahn according to his website.
Hill multiple times for
“You can instruct me, but the reality is that you stopped Mayo of House District 84. On his website,
comment on his campaign
me for an improper turn.” On his website, Hill said he plans to
bid, but did not receive a
The officer said in the report that he told Brown Hill listed three policy promote sustainable,
return call as of press time.
multiple times to step out of his car and Brown refused, platforms—well-run environmentally sound
A representative of Hill said
and once said he wasn’t doing so without an attorney. government, vibrant economic development,
he is not talking to media
Brown also told the officer that he would not consent to a neighborhoods and establish a small business
and not to expect a call
sobriety test and would wait for the officer’s supervisor. thriving economy. Under development fund to invest
back.
Four more officers arrived at the scene and Brown government, Hill said in local businesses that can
Hill is a 2003 graduate
was instructed again to step out of his car, according to he will ensure ethics, create well-paying jobs
of Lithonia High School. He
the report. At that time, Brown was on the phone with transparency and excellence and attractive amenities,
later attended Morehouse
Hudson. in city operations, hire a advocate for expanded
College, Harvard University
“He called me from the side of the road when he was permanent city manager and transit access—including
and Yale University. On
pulled over,” Hudson said. “Henry County contacted me review and strengthen the light rail, and promote a
his website, Hill said he
as well and said they arrested him for ‘DUI-less safe’ and city charter. “Stonecrest First” hiring and
has business, residential/
other charges.” Hill plans to establish contracting policy.
commercial land-
Brown then exited his car and was arrested for DUI. neighborhood advisory
development and nonprofit
He was charged with one count of DUI-alcohol-less safe,
which means that a driver can be convicted of DUI even if
the driver’s blood alcohol content is less than 0.08 grams.
He was also charged with one count of failure to obey
traffic control devices and one count of possession of an
SUBSCRIBE TO
open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger
seat. The officer found a 24-ounce can of Heineken THE CHAMPION
beer in a brown paper bag on the passenger floorboard,
according to the police report.
Hudson said Brown’s arrest was a disappointment.
NEWSPAPER
“I hold my officers to a high level of expectation,” she
said.
404.373.7779 EXT. 100
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 3

COUNTYWIDE

Nonprofit nominated
for award
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

Dawit Willis, cofounder of DeKalb Kids Project Inc.,

said all experience in high school changed the trajectory of
his life for the better. 
Willis was having behavioral problems in school and
was expelled during his senior year. On the way home after
being expelled, Willis was stopped by police officers. They
told him he fit the description of someone who robbed a
bank and he was put in the back of the police car. 
Though Willis was innocent, he said the experience was
a wake-up call that made him aware of where he would end Members of DeKalb Kids Project help create an outside classroom at Eldridge L. Miller Elementary. DeKalb Kids Project was
up if he didn’t turn his life around. nominated for a RICE Award.
Willis is now helping students overcome hardships
through mentorship. Recently, DeKalb Kids Project was M E T R O P O L I TA N AT L A N TA R A P I D T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
nominated for Organization of the Year for the 2019 RICE
Awards. 
According to RICE Award officials, RICE Award
Notice of Public Hearing
nominees are innovative and charitable visionaries who Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
recognize the importance of their presence and contribution Transit Authority will hold a public hearing for the purpose of considering the
to the greater Atlanta community and beyond.
“To be honest, I was elated when I found out we were
Proposed Bus Service Modifications
nominated,” Willis said. “Through community work, we for December 7, 2019
really pour from the heart. We give what we have and to
see that people notice and acknowledge that you’re making for the following bus routes:
a difference keeps us going.”
Willis said he’s thankful to be a mentor to teens and Route 19: Clairmont Road,
children. Without his mentors, he added, he’s not sure
where he would have ended up. Route 123: Church Street/North DeKalb Mall,
“We’re doing something that can impact someone’s life.
I had people hold my hand and push me forward. When I Route 823: Belvedere
see kids now, I feel like I can relate to them,” Willis said. “I All route information, videos and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com.
want them to look at my story and look at what I’ve been
through and hope they let me help them be better than me.” Monday, September 16
According to DeKalb Kids Project representatives, the
organization helps develop youth through social groups and Decatur Library
constructive activities. The organization also provides life Auditorium
skills training and behavioral assistance to at-risk youth. 215 Sycamore Street
DeKalb Kids Project cofounder Diijon DaCosta, who Decatur, GA 30030
also serves on the DeKalb County School Board in District Community Exchange: 6 pm
6, said he’s been trying to get his organization recognized PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm
by the RICE Awards since 2015.  Riding MARTA: Blue Line to
After three years of not being nominated, DaCosta said Decatur Station, exit on Church Street
and continue one block east
he tried to take matters into his own hands and contact
RICE Awards officials to see what his organization had to Copies of the proposed Bus Service Modifications and the FY2020 Service Standards will also be avail-
do to get nominated.  able for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E.
“I tried to slide in their [direct messages],” DaCosta Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri-8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
said, laughing. “I said, ‘how do we become a nominee?
For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations
We’ve been trying since 2015.’ The person responded, ‘you contact, (404) 848-4615. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be
guys are nominated.’ When I told everyone the whole team obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (404) 848-5665.
was practically in tears. It’s big to us. It was surprising and
In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at the hearing. If you cannot attend the hear-
a blessing just to be nominated.”
ing and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s
DaCosta said when the organization launched in 2014, Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online
the founders were all unemployed.  Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) email to custserv@itsmarta.com; (5) or fax your comments
“We were begging people to give away free things. It no later than September 23, 2019 to (404) 848-4179.
was really rough. Now people are contacting us, and we
All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose inter-
have the capacity to improve on our vision. We’re still
ests are affected by the subjects to be considered at the hearing are hereby notified and invited to ap-
growing but people continue to donate. Any grant that we pear at said time and place and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require.
write gets approved.”
Win or lose, DaCosta said the organization will
continue to try and make an impact on the lives of youth in Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO
the DeKalb community.
OPINION
Easy on the pumpkin spice, please
With Labor Day officially behind
us, we now enter the time of year
when our attention turns to all things
reminiscent of fall—brightly colored
leaves, cool breezes, corn mazes and
unfortunately many things flavored
with pumpkin spice.
It seems that somehow, someone
somewhere just a few years ago
must have discovered that by adding
a bit of pumpkin spice to foods, sales
would skyrocket. Perhaps it was
Starbucks that began the craze with
their lattes, which, by the way, were
introduced on Aug. 27 this year—six
days prior to Labor Day.
We now have almost limitless
combinations of foods that for a
short period of time between now
and the winter holidays will include
the pumpkin spice blend of ground
cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves
Foreclosures
Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
Trade Name Registrations
Public Notices/Public meetings
Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation
Notices of Incorporation
To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0
#ItsInTheChampion
JOHN HEWITT
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
and sometimes allspice.
Pumpkin spice flavored food
products include coffee, creamer,
syrup, tea, pretzels, smoothies,
lattes, Cheerios, cookies, snack
bars, protein bars, ice cream, Oreos,
yogurt, oatmeal, jello and even beer.
And oh, the dreaded air freshener
that can almost take one’s breath
away as one inhales the noxious
blend.
For those who enjoy having
their food flavors masked by a
combination of spices not originally
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 4
intended for more than baking, there
are unlimited possibilities. For those
such as me, who don’t care for the
cornucopia of flavors, this time of
year becomes an insult to the taste
buds.
I love Oreos, pretzels, smoothies
and definitely love my beer,
but I don’t want these foods to
temporarily taste differently than
they do at other times of the year.
Pumpkin pies, particularly fresh
from the oven and still warm enough
to make the whipped cream topping
melt just enough to saturate the
pie filling, are one of my favorite
decadent treats this time of year, but
enjoying this treat more than two to
three times a season is more that I
care to experience.
Adding pumpkin spice to foods
other than pumpkin pie is downright
offensive to the purists who want
coffee to taste like coffee, Oreos to
taste like Oreos and beer to taste
like beer. However, there must be
many millions of others who openly
embrace this fusion of flavors that do
not naturally occur.
Even the makers of the often-
made-fun-of Spam have jumped
on the pumpkin spice bandwagon;
the company announced in August
that as of Sept. 23, consumers will
be able to purchase pumpkin spice
Spam on Spam.com and Walmart.
com. Yes, you read that correctly—
pumpkin spice flavored Spam! No
thank you!
I’m happy for those who enjoy
the taste of pumpkin spice, it’s just
not for me.
Happy fall, y’all!
OPINION
Georgia in the scope and sights for team blue
Since then-Pres. Bill Clinton
was unable to keep Georgia in his
win column for his 1996 re-election
campaign, Georgia has been viewed
as a reliably red and safe GOP
state. The state’s congressional
delegation made the shift to red and
right in 1994, the governor’s office
eventually fell in a surprise upset
win in 2002 by Sonny Perdue,
shortly followed by majority
wins in the State Senate and State
House. Since the middle of the
2000 decade, the Georgia GOP
has controlled or held virtually all
levers of power at state and federal
government levels.
 The 2020 election cycle offers
the most realistic potential that
Georgia will move to the top of
Democratic Party target lists for
several reasons in a changing
political landscape. The close
victory for the governor’s office
by Brian Kemp is being misread
by some as placing the Georgia
Democratic Party at the cusp of
great victories.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell and the GOP
Republicans will be defending 23
seats, including McConnell’s, as
well as both of Georgia’s Senate
seats.  in our state’s history, where both
Sen. David Perdue is seeking
his second term, and by January
of 2020, Kemp will have named
another Republican as the interim
senator to seek the seat in a
November special election, to
replace a retiring Sen. Johnny
Isakson. Though also held on
General Election day, that contest
will take comers from both parties
and quite possibly result in a run-
off contest the first Tuesday in
January of 2021.   renewed pressure on former State
As of the Sept. 12 Democratic
presidential candidate debate,
the primary field of candidates,
following several withdrawals and
shifts to other races, will essentially
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 5
nominee, will cause the GOP to Abrams’ candidacy impacted
‘One Man’s focus its finances on retaining the
White House first, with the Senate a
dozens of other state and local races
in 2018. 
Opinion’ secondary priority. Candidates and All this adds up to team blue
the Republican National Senatorial moving in campaign staffers, non-
Bill Crane Committee will raise and expend aligned 527 PAC endorsements
bill.csicrane@gmail.com dozens of millions across 34 states, and dollars, and a record amount
and it will be quite difficult for of green into this once reliably red
the RNSC to be a primary funding state, starting almost as soon as the
be winnowed to 10 versus the
source for two Georgia Senate ink is dry on Kemp’s interim U.S.
more than two dozen a month
contests. Perdue, as a close ally of Senate appointment in January.
ago. The focus will stay on what
Trump, and as an incumbent, will Among the biggest guaranteed
is shaping up to be a consistently
be the priority among the two.  winners of these contests will be
top-five in polling, fundraising
Georgia’s demographic shifts, Georgia broadcasters who will also
and among party activists—former
Trumps fallibility among metro likely see record political spending
Vice-President Joe Biden, U.S.
area voters and the two senate before the end of 2020. 
senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie
contests will move our state to the It’s off to the races!
Sanders and Kamala Harris
top of the target list for team blue
and South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete
pick-up.  Bill Crane also serves as a
Buttigieg. New Jersey Sen. Corey
Georgia voters have pretty political analyst and commentator
Booker cracks this circle in some
consistently split party votes in for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
polls as well. 
recent elections in consistent AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
Back to our U.S. Senate
percentages from the top to the FM, as well as a columnist for The
contests, the GOP is defending 23
bottom of the ballot, a close or Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
seats, while Democrats only have
successful U.S. Senate contest for Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
11 incumbent or existing seats in
Democrats would have substantial native and business owner, living
contest. 
down ballot impact on the Georgia in Scottdale. You can reach him
If Democrats win the White
State House and Senate, just as or comment on a column at bill.
House, the party will only need a
net pick-up of three seats to take
Senate majority, and four seats if
Trump wins re-election. 
Georgia will be the only state
in the nation, and for the first time
Senate seats will be on the ballot at
the same time.
Perdue will have a real
campaign and contest. It is always
difficult to oust an incumbent
U.S. senator and the current three
Democratic challengers combined
have yet to match Perdue’s
fundraising or polling numbers. An
essentially open seat, with only an
interim incumbent of less than a
year, is a much easier target. Expect
House Minority Leader Stacy
Abrams to consider entering that
second senate seat contest.  
The White House race,
particularly with Trump as its
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
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Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
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FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 6

Don’t Wait.

Communicate.

Freedom Middle School Principal Marchell Boston, students and volunteers prepare for the Clarkston Cluster Back-to-School Rally at Lakes of
Indian Creek Apartments in Clarkston Sept. 6.

CLARKSTON Continued From Page 1A

school climate rating.  event come together. Ekandem said, at
Boston, who helped organize the event, times, the Clarkston community can get
said he couldn’t have done it without overlooked. 
community partnership.  “I’ve been here since 2001 working
“We have a great team with great with refugees. I love my community. A
leadership,” Boston said. “We have a great lot of people make fun of my people, but
group of principals and staff who represent this is the best place to be,” Ekandem said. Make your
this Clarkston Cluster. It’s probably the “A lot of people offer this community lip
most diverse in the state of Georgia. With service and then they’re a no show. I told emergency plan today.
that diversity we’re still able to make [Marchell Boston] if you want to do this
strides academically, athletically and event, then show me and he did.”Ekandem Visit Ready.gov/communicate
socially.” said he’s proud of the people who live in
Clarkston Cluster Schools have earned Clarkston and the strides toward success
state and regional recognitions and titles they make. 
in sports and extra curricular activities In the last four years, four Clarkston
including cross country, soccer, robotics, Cluster schools have been removed from
culinary arts, chorus, and Future Business the state’s list of underperforming schools.
Leaders of America, according to Boston.  Indian Creek Elementary also received
Clarkston Community liaison Bennett the Platinum Award from The Governor’s
Ekandem said he was happy to see the Office of Student Achievement.  
ADC29448_3.75x21_Newspaper_NATFire_Eng.indd 1 9/25/15 3:07 PM
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 7

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb hosting tire

disposal events
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
Horace@dekalbchamp.com

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division and the Tire

Management Unit of the Georgia Environmental Protection
Division will host two tire amnesty day events Sept. 14
from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
According to county officials, the event is designed to
help reduce tire disposals at the county-owned Seminole On May 29, more than 3,000 illegally dumped tires were removed from Blackhall Studios’ property in DeKalb County.
Road Landfill and commercial dumpsters as well as reduce
the amount of illegal dumping of tires in streams, rivers and
other areas. 
DeKalb County residents will have the opportunity to
dispose of light-duty truck and car tires. County workers
Did you know?
will collect tires at the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s A study in the Journal
Office parking lot on Memorial Drive in Decatur and the of Addiction shows
Seminole Road Landfill on Clevemont Road in Ellenwood.  that teens who use
Tire recycling services will be provided by Quality Tire marijuana heavily can
Recycling Inc. and Liberty Tire Recycling LLC. All tires experience withdrawal
collected will be recycled for other applications. when they stop using
The events are free and only open to DeKalb County it. Marijuana withdrawal
residents. Proof of residency may be requested. symptoms include
Metro South Community Improvement District grouchiness, decreased
(MSCID) and Keep DeKalb Beautiful recently removed appetite, anxiety, and
1,100 tires along Lancaster and Old McDonough roads. cravings.
MSCID president Emory Morsberger said he’s happy For more information, call (770) 285-6037, E-mail: beyondthebell@comcast.net
about the tire collection efforts to help prevent illegal or visit beyondthebellkids.org
dumping in the county. 
“We have been working as a partnership for the last six

months to clean up a lot of areas that have been ignored,”
Morsberger said. “We’ve had contractors pulling tires and
cleaning up and we’ve been working on some of the worst
eyesores in the areas. Things are moving forward quickly in
DeKalb.”
Morsberger said before partnering with DeKalb County
he used to see piles of tires in the MSCID area, located on
the southwest region of DeKalb.
“Recently I saw just a dozen tires in about 15 miles.
I think it’s exciting to see what’s happening with this
partnership. The property owners and county government
are coming together. We’re here for the long haul,”
Morsberger said.  is very intelligent and sweet! With
Along with being an eyesore, county officials said
improperly disposed tires can be a health risk. Rainwater
can collect in illegally dumped tires and increase the
possibility of illnesses such as Zika, West Nile, and dengue
fever. Tires can also become an ignition source for fires and
cause air pollution, according to a county news release.
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that a
Public Hearing will be held to receive public comment on
a request for street name change for a portion of Venable
Street between Third and Fourth streets.
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public Hearing
on this matter on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at City Hall
located at 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA at 6:30
P.M. Anyone wishing to attend the public hearing may do
so and be heard relative thereto.
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 8

‘Putting profits over vulnerable people’

Lawyer speaks about hotels named in sex trafficking lawsuit
BY TAYLOR ROBINS make sure the women did
not escape the hotel. The
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
lawsuit also alleges that one
victim informed a Chamblee
HomeTowne Studios,
hotel employee that she was
formerly known as Suburban
planning an escape. The
Extended Stay in Chamblee,
employee then allegedly told
is included in a civil lawsuit
the victim’s sex trafficker
involving sex trafficking.
about the conversation and
The lawsuit was filed Aug.
the sex trafficker allegedly
26.
beat the victim at the hotel.
Attorney Jonathan
The complaint states
Tonge, is representing
that hotel guests noticed foot
four unidentified female
traffic of 10 to 20 men per
defendants who allege
they were sex trafficked in
four metro Atlanta hotels;
Patrick McDonough is also
representing the victims.
In addition to
HomeTowne Studios─2050
Peachtree Industrial Court
in Chamblee, other hotels
listed in the complaint
are Red Roof Inn─2200 A Chamblee hotel is one of four metro Atlanta hotels included in a civil lawsuit
Corporate Plaza in Smyrna, involving sex trafficking. Photo by Taylor Robins.
La Quinta Inn─1350 North
Points Drive in Alpharetta
regional operations. these heinous crimes,” said
and Extended Stay
Chamblee police officers Thomas.
America─1050 Hammond
are trained to identify the Tonge explained why
Drive in Atlanta.
A sign displayed at Red Roof Inn specifies no refunds after 15 minutes. Photo signs and visual clues that the hotels are listed as
“That’s what makes this provided by Andersen, Tate & Carr of Atlanta. someone is a victim of sex defendants in the complaints
such an egregious case. It’s
trafficking. Officers and and not the individual
not a coincidence that all
day, in and out of the same The department actively staff continuously work employees, Tonge said, “It
four girls were at all four
rooms. monitors establishments with schools and service honestly doesn’t matter who
hotels,” said Tonge. “There
“I had no idea this place as well as works with organization to aid victims of worked there because the
is a circuit and known
is known for that. Now
places where this is more SEE LAWSUIT ON PAGE 16
it feels different staying
acceptable than other places
here as a woman with my
and these four hotels are
daughter. I would hope they
some of them.”
aren’t doing it anymore,”
According to Tonge, four
said a HomeTowne Studios
female victims allege they
guest who wanted to remain
were forced to have sex with
unidentified.
multiple partners at the four
Chamblee Police
hotels named in the lawsuit
Chief Kerry Thomas
from 2010 to 2016. Each
said in a statement that
of the four plaintiffs also
the police department is
have filed separate lawsuits
aware of the incident and
against the four hotels. There
has previously worked
are 15 defendants listed in
with Homeland Security,
each of the complaints─
Gwinnett County Police
including subsidiaries,
owners and operators of four
Department, Brookhaven
Police Department, DeKalb Thursday, September 19 • 7:00 p.m.
hotels in metro Atlanta and
District Attorney’s Office Decatur Marriott Conference Center
one hotel in Baton Rouge.
and Georgia State Patrol to 130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030
Although to Tonge could
investigate the Chamblee
not provide details of the All proceeds from the event support DeKalb County Public Library.
hotel when it was known as
victims listed as Jane Doe
Suburban Extended Stay.
1-4 in the complaints, he Tickets may be purchased for $70.00 per person at dekalblibraryfoundation.org
The investigation ended
clarified that none of the
in 2016 with four suspects
victims are minors.
being arrested at the hotel
The complaint against
with connections to sex
HomeTowne Studios in
trafficking.
Chamblee alleges employees
“Please be assured
of the hotel were paid by
that [the Chamblee Police
the plaintiffs’ sex traffickers
Department] takes human
to act as lookouts and to
trafficking seriously.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

Tucker Mayor Frank Auman, center, was appointed to the Georgia Regional
Transportation Authority (GRTA) Board by Gov. Brian Kemp. Photo from City of DeKalb County School District parents attend an event to begin the process of getting GEDs Aug. 24. Photo provided by DeKalb
Tucker’s Facebook page County School District Twitter.

Lt. j.g. Angellica Perkins of Lithonia is a member of the Naval

Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis Space
Center in Mississippi. Perkins is responsible for providing
information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands
operating throughout the world. Photo provided by Navy Office
The city of Stone Mountain held an annexation education session Sept. 5 to inform the public on different methods of annexation. Photo from of Community Outreach.
City of Stone Mountain Outreach’s Facebook page

Have you created programming you’d like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb County’s Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 10

CHAMBLEE

DeKalb County Commissioner Nancy Jester hosted an addiction and recovery Residents listen to panelists discuss addiction and recovery at Residents asked panelists questions concerning addiction and
town hall meeting on Sept. 9 at the North DeKalb Senior Center in Chamblee. a town hall meeting Sept. 9 at North DeKalb Senior Center in how they can help the recovery community.
Chamblee.

‘We’re tired of going to funerals’

DeKalb County commissioner hosts addiction town hall 
911 amnesty law. The law allows communications and policy for called police to a Budget Inn and
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN first responders, physicians, Georgia Council on Substance Suites on Memorial Dr. Breedlove
Horace@dekalbchamp.com and prevention groups to access Abuse, said the organization plans told officers he was suffering from
overdose prevention drug Naloxone to hold elected officials accountable cocaine addiction and admitted he
Robin Elliot, cofounder of and establishes legal protection for for addiction and drug prevention.  owed a dealer $200. Breedlove was
Georgia Overdose Prevention, individuals seeking help during a Breedlove, who is in full time subsequently arrested and taken to
describes her son as a beautiful, drug-related emergency. recovery for his cocaine addiction, DeKalb County Jail.
bright individual. But drugs, “To be honest, I was just said there is a harmful stigma “My secret became very
particularly opioids, took control of looking for a reason to get out of in society about drug addiction. public,” Breedlove said. 
her son’s life, she said.  bed,” said Elliot. “I was looking for Breedlove said the town hall Jester said she views Breedlove
On May 1, 2011, Elliot received something meaningful to get out of meeting was a great way to discuss as the brother she never had. Jester
a phone call telling her that her son bed for.” addiction, recovery and ways to said Breedlove’s road to recovery
had died of a drug overdose in the Several former addicts, drug help addicts.   changed her thoughts on addiction.
back of his grandparents’ car in the prevention advocates and DeKalb “This disease of addiction, the “Through the sadness of that
English Avenue neighborhood in County officials attended the disease that I have, is killing more incident, we have seen beautiful
Atlanta. meeting which featured a panel people than any other thing. It’s things happen...I had to look in
As Elliot fought back tears discussion of three addiction very deadly and it’s very real,” the mirror and I decided when Jeff
during a town hall meeting hosted prevention advocates. At the end Breedlove said. “The stigma went through this that no one is
by DeKalb County Commissioner of the panel discussion guests were prevented me from getting help disposable. Not one human being
Nancy Jester on Sept. 9 at North allowed to ask questions of the when I needed it and this town in our community is disposable,”
DeKalb Senior Center in Chamblee, panelists.   hall meeting is a way to encourage Jester said. 
she said addiction affects everyone “My personal mission is to keep people to reexamine this disease and Jester said she will continue to
regardless of race, gender or people alive long enough to get into reexamine our position on recovery. be a voice for addiction recovery
socioeconomic background.  long-term recovery because dead Enough is enough. Enough people through her position with the board
Elliot’s son’s death, along with a people do not recover,” Elliot said. have died. We’re tired of going to of commissioners. 
series of other events, prompted her “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” funerals.”
to become an addiction prevention Jeff Breedlove, town On Oct. 24, 2016 Breedlove,
advocate and help create Georgia’s hall moderator and chief of former chief of staff for Jester,

Suspects fire shots at police officers, give chase

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Three suspects fired shots at
two Chamblee police officers after
a traffic stop Sept. 9.
One suspect has been captured,
while two others are still at large.
The officers were attempting to
stop a vehicle with a stolen tag at
the intersection of Buford Highway
and Dresden Drive around 12:37
a.m.
The suspects’ vehicle did not
stop and then crashed at a dead end
on Johnson Road.
According to authorities, the
suspects escaped on foot. One of
the suspects shot at police, and
Chamblee officers returned fire.
Tyrone Jaquine Bennett, 25,
was arrested after the foot chase.
He has been charged with theft by
receiving, fleeing or attempting
to elude a police officer and
obstruction. Bennett was also the
vehicle’s driver.
Bennett sustained no injuries;
it is unclear if the remaining two
suspects are injured.
After the incident, officers
searched the area with K-9 and
aerial support provided by the
DeKalb County Police Department.
Brookhaven Police Department,
Doraville Police Department and
the GBI also assisted.
The Chamblee Police
Department asks that the public
call (770) 986-5005 with any
information related to this incident.
The case is ongoing.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 11

Nonprofit receives donation from Decatur church

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Greenforest Community
Baptist Church in
Decatur─thanked
Unconditional Love for
Children (ULC) for its work
in the community with a
monetary gift Aug. 15.
The church donated
more than $3,000 to
ULC─a nonprofit group
founded by Earl and
Carolyn Glenn, who are
also co-founders of The
Champion Newspaper─for
its “outstanding” work in
education improvement.
ULC has partnered
with Watford Hill Primary
School in Jamaica for six
years to provide academic
enrichment programs
including band and chess,
literacy and math coaches,
school supplies, breakfasts
and lunches, school
uniforms and shoes for more
than 60 students.
“To be able to help
the school in Jamaica
was truly a blessing as
far as we were concerned
because we thought God
did something amazing
here,” said Claudette Noel,
test scores increased by 20
percent from 2018.
“[The Glenns] were
excited when the check
was presented,” said Noel.
“They are doing such an
outstanding job.”
The donation will
support the school’s
annual summer enrichment
program that includes
Vacation Bible School. The
presentation took place
during ULC’s board meeting
at the Glenn Youth Center in
Decatur.
Greenforest Baptist
Church has also donated to
missionaries in Ethiopia,
Clarkston International
Children’s Organization and
the Haiti Medical Ministry.
“We’re thankful that we
(From left to right) Betty Palmer, Claudette Noel, Earl Glenn, Carolyn Glenn, Adriana Higgins and O’Daniel Outlaw celebrate a were able to donate to ULC
donation to Unconditional Love for Children. Photo provided by Unconditional Love for Children. and we’re excited about
possible future donations,”
Greenforest Community church. church has donated to ULC, Noel said. “We try our best
Baptist Church mission The church originally but members have made to make sure that we’re
leader. “We were only planned to collect $300 private donations to the doing God’s will to reach
looking for $300.” to buy Vacation Bible organization, according to out to those less fortunate.”
Noel describes the School materials for the Noel. ULC also operates
church as a mission-based organization; however, after According to a the Glenn Youth Center
institution that donates collecting donations from ULC news release, the in DeKalb County where
each month. ULC was members for two Sundays, organization’s efforts have awarding winning chess
included in this year’s list the church collected more resulted in improvements program and coding classes
of recipients as the Glenns than $3,000. in all areas of education. In are offered.
are members of the same This is the first time the 2019, national achievement

EDUCATION BRIEFS
by Taylor Robins • Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Students earn awards
Galacyale Alasow of Avondale is the 2019
recipient of Georgia State University’s Outstanding
M.A.T. Student Award in Mathematics and Science.
Given by the university’s College of Education
& Human Development, the award recognizes a
mathematics and science student for outstanding
academic achievement, teaching expertise,
community service and a commitment to excellence.
Georgia State University student Nancy Ramirez
of Brookhaven was awarded the Religious Studies
Endowed Scholarship. Ramirez is a religious studies
major in the College of Arts & Sciences.
The Religious Studies Endowed Scholarship
was created by religious studies alumni to recognize
outstanding scholarship and academic potential in an
undergraduate major.
Schonie Hamilton of Decatur received the
Occupational Therapy Research Excellence Award
from Georgia State University’s Byrdine F. Lewis
College of Nursing and Health Professions.
The award is given to the student who has
made contributions to the research efforts of the
Department of Occupational Therapy and who
exhibits the potential to become a significant
contributor to occupational therapy research.
Students inducted into Lambda Beta National
Honor Society
Respiratory therapy students of the Byrdine F.
Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
were recently inducted into the Lambda Beta
National Honor Society at Georgia State University.
Inductees include Salina Isayas of Lithonia and
Ayan Warsama of Decatur.
Lambda Beta National Honor Society was
formed in 1986 to promote, recognize and honor
scholarship, scholarly achievement, service, and
character of students, graduates, and faculty members
in the profession.
Osborne travels the world for college credit
Kent Osborne of Tucker joined more than
700 other Belmont University students who
participated in faculty-led Maymester and
summer study abroad programs. Osborne spent
time in Belmont’s Germany and France program
for college credit this summer.

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM

 AROUND DeKalb
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 12

CLARKSTON LITHONIA STONECREST Library to host salary negotiation

class

Professor to lead discussion on
gentrification
Dr. Jean-Paul Addie from
Georgia State University’s Urban
Studies Institute will talk about
gentrification in U.S. communities
at Clarkston Library Sept. 21 from
11 a.m. to noon. Addie will explore
how diverse U.S. communities
embrace growth while maintaining
their unique character in the face of
economic and demographic change.
The library is located at 951 North
Indian Creek Drive. For more
information, call (404) 508-7175.
Community organizations to host Employees can learn to ask
Library to host GBI informational meeting on cell tower what they’re worth at a “Negotiate
session Your Salary Like a Pro!” class at
Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Stonecrest library on Sept. 14 from
Those curious about what the Environment, Atlanta for the Planet 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A certified
Georgia Bureau of Investigations and Stonecrest Citizens Coalition career coach will teach attendees
(GBI) does can learn about the state will host an informational meeting how to use tools that determine
law enforcement agency Sept. 18 about the dangers of cell towers salary ranges and how to leverage
at Lithonia-Davidson Library from placed in residential areas Sept. experience and credentials to get
2 to 3 p.m. The event is open to the 14 at Stonecrest Library from 2 to a deserving salary. The library is
first 25 participants. To register, call 5 p.m. The group will inform the located at 3123 Klondike Road. For
(770) 482-2820, or visit the library community on the cell tower placed more information, call (770) 482-
at 6821 Church Street. at 3610 Evans Mill Road. The 3828.
library is located at 3123 Klondike
Road. For more information, call
(770) 559-9669.

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The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each Ads due by Friday at noon for next publication DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate,
or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept
additional word $0.60. All ads are prepaid. All date. For more information visit www. employment advertisements that are not bona-fide job offers. All real estate
advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept
major credit cards accepted. championclassifieds.com advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination
based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 13

Senior housing facility achieves

national ranking as top place to work
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
A senior residence
with happy employees is
also likely to have happy
residents, according to Kim
Davis, owner of Mansions
Senior Living, who added
that he is delighted that his
company was selected by
Great Place to Work and
FORTUNE among the 2019
Best Workplaces for Aging
Services. Mansions Senior
Living’s facilities include
the Mansions at Decatur –
Senior Independent Living.
The U.S. older
population grew rapidly for
most of the 20th century,
from 3.1 million in 1900
to 35.0 million in 2000,
according to the U.S.
Census Bureau, which
predicted, “The United
States will experience
further expansion of the
older population for many
decades to come, fueled by
the baby boom cohort that
began turning 65 years old
in 2011.” The phenomenon
has created a boom in senior
services, including housing
for older adults.
“The value of creating
great workplaces for all is
a clear competitive edge in
the aging services sector,”
Michael Bush, CEO of
Great Place to Work, said in services industry to assign
a released statement. “When rankings.
organizations like Mansions
Senior Living treat their
own people with care and
respect, you can expect their than 60 elements of team
staff to treat your loved ones members’ experience on the
with that same care.”
Great Place to Work
describes itself as “a
global people analytics and
consulting firm,” adding
that Activated Insights is
its senior care division.
Using what it calls a “data
driven methodology,”
the organization “helps
organizations quantify their higher scores are given to
culture and produce better
business results by creating
a high-trust work experience who they are or what they
for the last two years. Of
the employees surveyed
during the certification
process, 100 percent said
they were made to feel
welcome when they joined
the company and 98 percent
said that management was
approachable and that
they were treated as a full
member of the company,
regardless of their position,”
he noted.
In addition, 98 percent
of employees indicated that
they hoped to remain with
The Mansions for many
years to come, alluding to
the fulfillment that working
with the company offers,
Davis continued. “Being
part of a work family that
focuses on nurturing and
loving some of society’s
Mansions Senior Living seeks “to do what’s right for both residents and employees to make their lives the best they can be,” most vulnerable members
according to owner Kim Davis. Photo provided.
offers purpose that goes
beyond a mere job,” he said.
for all employees.” do for the organization.  “Being small allows us to
Mansions Senior Living Davis said he is do what is right for both Mansions Senior Living
is a family-owned company
ranked in the #6 spot out delighted that the evaluation residents and employees
of 20 companies in the validates Mansions Senior to make their lives the best which develops and owns
senior living communities
small and medium business Living’s efforts. “Our they can be.”
category, according to overriding attitude is, ‘what The approach seems to in Oklahoma and Georgia.
“Our company goal is to
Great Place to Work, which can we do to help people be be successful, Davis said.
noted that the company happier and work better?’ “The Mansions Senior help seniors live happier,
healthier, stronger and
placed #33 out of 50 in That’s why we are so proud Living has earned the
2018. FORTUNE gathered and gratified to receive nationally recognized Great longer lives,” Davis said.
responses from 223,183 this recognition,” he said. Place to Work certification
employees working for
Great Place to Work-
certified organizations in
senior housing and care and
at-home care in the aging
Great Place to
Work reports that
it evaluated more
job. These included how
much employees trust
leaders, how management
treats and respects its
employees, the fairness of
workplace decisions, and
how much camaraderie
there is among the
team. Rankings are based
on employees’ feedback and
companies that best include
all employees, no matter
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 14

FOOTBALL

Dunwoody wins sixth consecutive Golden Spike

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

The Dunwoody Wildcats shut

out rival Chamblee 37-0 to win
their sixth consecutive “Battle
for the Golden Spike” trophy at
North DeKalb Stadium Sept. 6.
Quarterback Davis Ledoyen
led the team with 117 passing
yards and four touchdown passes.
Wide receiver David Julian had
two touchdown catches and a
two-point conversion reception.
Tight end Jack Hogan, and wide
receivers Tyler Eith and Walt
Anders also had touchdown
receptions and running back
Jaxon Warshaw threw a Dunwoody runs onto the field before its matchup against rival Chamblee. Photos by Carla Parker
touchdown pass.
On the defensive side,
linebacker Isaac Anderson had
12 tackles, including one tackle
for a loss. Linebackers Cash
Goolsby and Cevon Williams
and defensive back Grant Jones
each had an interception.
Dunwoody improved its
record to 1-1 on the season, while
Chamblee fell to 0-2.

Weekend football
scores
Sept. 6

Cedar Grove (2-1) 27, Valor Christian (Colo.) Dunwoody tight end Jack Hogan runs for extra yardage Dunwoody running back Jax Warshaw avoids a tackle as he runs for yardage.
after a catch.
(1-1) 17
Dunwoody (1-1) 37, Chamblee (0-2) 0
Lithonia (3-0) 33, Stone Mountain (1-2) 30
M.L. King (2-0) 40, Arabia Mountain (0-3) 6
Marist (2-0) 45, Canyon Springs (Nev.) (0-2) 8
Redan (2-1) 44, McNair (0-2) 0
Douglass (3-0) 51, Towers (1-2) 7
Social Circle (1-1) 64, Cross Keys (0-3) 0
Valdosta (3-0) 54, Columbia (1-2) 34
Westminster (1-2) 42, St. Pius X (1-2) 14

Sept. 7
Chamblee coach Scott Schwarzer, left, and Dunwoody coach
Southwest DeKalb (2-1) 28, Tri-Cities (0-1) 9 Michael Nash, middle, chat during pregame warmups.
South Atlanta (2-1) 55, Clarkston (0-3) 6

Open: Decatur (2-0), Druid Hills (1-1), Lakeside

(0-2), Miller Grove (0-2), Stephenson (2-0),
Tucker (0-2)

Dunwoody running back Jax Warshaw (No. 14) outruns

Chamblee quarterback Finn Allers throws a pass which was intercepted by Dunwoody. Chamblee defenders.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 15

The Champion’s game of the week:

Cedar Grove vs. McEachern

by Carla Parker • carla@dekalbchamp.com
Class AAA No. 2-ranked Cedar turnovers. Cedar Grove must play a clean game
Grove Saints will face Class AAAAAAA and take advantage of red zone opportunities.
powerhouse No. 5-ranked McEachern McEachern’s defense will have its hands
Indians Sept. 13 at Walter Cantrell Stadium at full with the Saints’ three-headed monster
McEachern. of quarterback Austin Smith, running back
Defending state champion Cedar Grove Chavon Wright and wide receiver Janiran
(2-1) is entering this matchup with some Bonner. Smith and Bonner have connected on
confidence after a comeback win over 2018 three touchdowns this season. Wright also has
Colorado Class AAAAA state champion Valor three touchdowns and averages 114.0 rushing
which are regarded as two of the best football yard per game (in two games). Smith is also a
Christian in Highland Ranch, Colo., on Sept. 6.
programs in the state, will face each other again running threat for the Saints.
The Saints were down 17-7 at halftime before
this year at McEachern. Not only will DeKalb County football fans
scoring 20-unanswered points in the fourth
Cedar Grove’s defense will have to find see a good matchup, but they will also see an
quarter to win the game 27-17.
a way to slow McEachern’s passing game if old face. Former Tucker High School football
The Saints opened the season with a 26-
they want to win this game. The Indians are coach Franklin Stephens, who led the program
16 win over Class AA No. 3-ranked Hapeville
averaging 309.0 yards per game in the air. to two state championships, is now head coach
Charter and then fell to Central from Phenix
Junior quarterback Carlos Del Rio has thrown at McEachern. The last time Stephens coach
City, Ala., 24-20 on a last-minute touchdown.
for 457 yards and for touchdowns in two games against a DeKalb team was in 2011 with Tucker
McEachern is 2-0 after blowout wins over
with an 82.4 completion percentage. when they defeated Lakeside 57-7 and went on
Brookwood (48-10) and South Cobb (46-0).
McEachern also averages 118.5 rushing to win the Class AAAA state title.
Cedar Grove and McEachern played
yards per game. The defense is good at
each other for the first time last season, and
keeping teams out of the end zone and forcing
McEachern won 24-17 at home. The teams,

WEEKLY FOOTBALL
SCORES
Sept. 4
Decatur 7, Riverwood 4
Dunwoody 14, Northview 2
Marist 2, Lovett 0
Lithonia 19, Central Gwinnett 11
St. Pius X 15, Lakeside 0
Tucker 10, Towers 3
Lithia Springs 11, Chamblee 5
Starr’s Mill 9, Arabia Mountain 0

Sept. 5
Arabia Mountain 16, Columbia 8
Cedar Grove 22, Stone Mountain 3
Chamblee 15, Clarkston 0
Miller Grove 8, Lithonia 5
Tucker 10, Forest Park 9
Eastside 20, Druid Hills 1
Pope 13, Dunwoody 0
Madison County 3, St. Pius X 0
Washington 22, McNair 5

Sept. 6
Lithonia 14, Tucker 14

Sept. 7
Dunwoody 11, Decatur 3
St. Pius X 9, Mt. Vernon 3
Blessed Trinity 9, St. Pius X 8
Loganville 15, Arabia Mountain 1
Sprayberry 6, Southwest DeKalb 4
Union Grove 16, Arabia Mountain 1

Tucker defeated region rival Stephenson 21-9 on Aug. 29. Photos by Carla Parker
LOCAL
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way the hotel conducted business allowed and
facilitated this to go on. The hotels are putting
profits over vulnerable people. The problem that
we’re attacking is the fact that this is an accepted
business practice in the hotel industry at these four
hotels and a lot of other hotels.”
Tonge and McDonough have filed civil suits
asking for compensation to the victims for harm
done to them.
“Traffickers target and groom our most
vulnerable young people and then they rely on
complicit hotels to provide a cheap and secretive
location to sell them like chattel over and over
and over.” McDonough said. “For the ones that
survive, the lasting effects are heartbreaking,
complex and long term.”
“The employees are the problem and
traffickers are a problem and that’s the problem
for law enforcement,” Tonge said. “People that are
breaking the law on that level are often dealt with
by law enforcement [and criminal law].”
According to the FBI, Atlanta has one of
the highest incidences of sex trafficking in
the nation. The agency reports that 200 to 400
adolescent girls are sold for sex online per month;
approximately 65 percent of men who purchase
sex with underage females in Atlanta live outside
the I-285 perimeter; traffickers in Atlanta make
an average of $33,000 per week and 7,200 men
purchase sex from a minor every month in
Georgia. An estimated 91 percent of victims in
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 • Page 16
Georgia were enrolled in school at the time their
exploitation began, according to the Shapiro
Group, Urban Institute and Georgia Cares.
“I think a lot of people think that the problem
in Atlanta is limited to the airport, the interstates,
conventions and people that come into town
to visit. But, the reasons why Atlanta has such
problems is because there are a lot of buyers in
Atlanta that live here all the time and purchases
sex from victims. We have to recognize that and
deal with that. We all have to attack the buyers,
the traffickers and the venues,” Tonge said.
According to the lawsuit, La Quinta Inn
employees allegedly put sex traffickers in rooms
near the back of the hotel and provided extra room
keys to sex traffickers to avoid suspicion from
other guests. Extended Stay America employees
would allegedly sell lingerie to victims. Red
Roof Inn employees were allegedly paid by the
victims’ sex traffickers “for years” according to
the complaint.
Corporate employees had information on
trafficking activities at the Red Roof Inn and one
hotel employee admitted in online news articles
that the hotel was aware of sex trafficking, but
the company did not act, according to the lawsuit.
The complaints state that the Red Roof Inn in
Smyrna for years has maintained a “conspicuous”
policy at the front desk stating ‘No refunds after
15 minutes’ according to Tonge and McDonough,
both attorneys of Andersen, Tate & Carr of
Resources to help human
sex trafficking victims:
Georgia Cares
24-hour hotline: 1-844-8GA-DMST
www.gacares.org
International Women’s House
24-hour hotline: 770-413-5557
internationalwomenshouse.org/
Homeland Security Blue Campaign
To report suspected human trafficking: 1-866-347-2423
24-hour hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP”
or “INFO” to 233733
www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign
Office on Women’s Health
Helpline: 1-800-994-9662
(Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
www.womenshealth.gov/
Atlanta.
“If you ever meet any of these survivors, it’s
one of the most powerful things that will happen
in your life and you want to do everything in
your power to create a world where this does
not happen. We as lawyers have the power to do
things that everybody else can’t do so this is what
we’re doing,” Tonge said.