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The Paper | Thursday, January 17, 2013
Jewelry heist suspects are jackson county board of education Sixth grade center to be linked to Jefferson crime considered for system By Alyssa LaRenzie and LeAnne Akin
Regional staff
The last of 11 suspects involved in a September 2011 jewelry heist pleaded guilty in Forsyth County Superior Court on Monday, the day their jury trial was slated to start. Sentences for the defendants ranged between 10 and 20 years depending on their involvement in the heist, during which about $2.5 million in jewelry was stolen from Milano Fine Jewelry on Buford Highway. According to the Jefferson Police Department, the defendants were part of a ring of gang members from Atlanta involved in a series of burglaries involving the same scenario. One such burglary occurred 18 months ago at the Pendergrass Flea Market in Jefferson, a case which Jefferson Police Detective Chris Foster and Sgt. J.H. McNatt been investigating. Eight of the 11 defendants entered their pleas before Judge David Dickinson on last week and Monday. The other three pleaded guilty in November and December. All of the remaining suspects would have been tried together had the trial, which was expected to take weeks, gone forward. Jefferson Police Chief Joe Wirthman informed the Jefferson City Council at its Monday work session of the sentencing of the suspects in Forsyth County. He noted the suspects were tied to the Pendergrass Flea Market burglary through sound investigative skills which he called “good, old grunt work.” Foster and McNatt point to the collaboration between multiple jurisdictions for the outcome which will find the suspects, thought to involved in a nationwide gang which focused on jewelry stores and flea markets where jewelry was targeted, behind bars. Officials arrested the 11 suspects as a result of an investigation that found evidence linking them to similar crimes across the state, which may have totaled more than $22 million in property damage and theft. Ten men and one woman were charged with two counts of felony theft by taking, one count of burglary and one count Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organiza-
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a town square atmosphere that’ll be surrounded by commercial properties. “We’re willing to wait as long as we have to [in order] to get what the citizens’ want,” Dees said. Those projects were a major goal when the budget was approved last March. City officials will begin in the next few months to work on the new fiscal budget as this year’s budget winds down. “This year we are actually seeing the work we’ve done come to fruition,” she said. The city’s population increased 350 percent between 2000 and 2010, although growth over the last two years has become more manageable. Dees attributes the city’s ability to attract businesses due to a mix of the high-income level of many residents, the location along main thoroughfares and the vision that officials had for the city. “We’ve been very lucky,” she said. In November the city also added a part-time employee, Amy Pinnell, to coordinate economic development functions for downtown. Pinnell, who is working to complete the new webpage and already has a Facebook
tions Act, or RICO. At the Pendergrass Flea Market, entry was gained through the roof of the structure which had apparently been well scouted out, Foster said. Entry was attempted through an exterior wall but that was abandoned for the roof. Once inside, the suspect used concrete saws to access safes and the ATMs. In addition to the damage, an estimated $675,000 in jewelry and $10,000 in cash from the ATM was reported as missing. Likely the jewelry was taken to a stash house, possibly in south Georgia, where the gold was melted down. “This has been a long time coming,” said Foster, who said the evidence collected at the crime scene helped wrap up the suspects with the gang. One of the saws left behind by the crew was traced to a New England theft. Foster credits law enforcement’s success in the case to the coordination between multiple local, state and federal authorities. He said he was overwhelmed by how the agencies came together at a meeting in Forsyth County and put all their collective evidence on the table. That sharing of information about crimes in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and beyond brought about the arrests. Foster said footprint casings and DNA evidence obtained from items the suspects left behind provide ample evidence to connect suspects to the Jefferson break-in. The gang’s operation was professional and well timed. “They were very comfortable inside the building,” said Foster. The suspects used inside information to cut phone lines and remove surveillance equipment. By viewing some video obtained in a Gainesville crime, police did have some images of the suspects. Mike Burrows, owner of a Gainesville store that was targeted is a retired law enforcement officer, was able to assist police with some good information, according to Foster. “A whole lot of hours went into this investigation,” said McNatt. Assistant District Attorney James Dunn was pleased with the outcome. “They got what they deserved,” he said. “I think it sends a strong message to people all over Atlanta that are involved in these types of crimes that they won’t come here.”
presence, is making plans for a networking breakfast to connect with Braselton businesses in order to better support them. In providing her report at the Jan. 10 meeting of the Braselton Downtown Development Authority, Pinnell updated the board on the new initiative. “I want to be their cheerleader,” said Pinnell, who announced that Breakfast in Braselton would be held for the first time on Feb. 15 and be held on the third Friday on the month. She envisions mingling and networking in a casual setting with breakfast and an interesting program on matters pertinent to business. In other business of the DDA meeting, Marvin Stover was re-elected as chairman, Peggy Kreiger was re-elected vice chairman, Cindy Green was named secretary and Cindy Phillips was re-elected as treasurer. Save the date The Downtown Development Authority set Thursday, Nov. 7, as the date for its annual Taste of Braselton fundraiser. Cindy Green offered the suggestion of a test mailer to seek donations to the downtown redevelopment effort including the Town Green. After discussion about what the DDA’s role is, additional
research will be conducted to determine how the authority can help support the future development of the Town Green, which is still in the design phase. New member needed Applications are now being accepted for a seat on the Braselton Downtown Development Authority. The appointment will be for an unexpired term running through June 2017. Applicants must be the owner or operator of a business located in the Downtown District. Meetings are held at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. There are also special events and training throughout the year. The Braselton Downtown Development Authority works to assure the long-term economic stability of Downtown Braselton by maintaining the small town character of the district and supporting the fundamentals that assure Braselton is a great place to live, work, play, invest, and do business. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31. For an application, email Amy Pinnell at apinnell@ braselton.net or download at http://braselton.net/dda. html The post was held by Kathryn Cooper Robinson who moved her business.
By KATIE JUSTICE
kjustice@clickthepaper.com
The Jackson County Board of Education is considering the creation of a sixth grade center to serve as a transitional school between fifth and seventh grades. “Sixth grade has been identified as a crucial time for the transition of child development to child independence,” said Superintendent Dr. John Green at last Thursday’s Jackson County Board of Education work session. The establishment of the sixth grade center would allow a focus on student development, while also helping Jackson County become one step closer to the building of a new high school. However, focus would remain on student success. “Our first priority is maintaining a safe, risk-free environment,” said April Howard, Jackson County Director of Instruction and Improvement, at the Board of Education meeting Monday night. “There’s a big difference between just having turned 12 and turning 14 years old.” “Rather than re-zoning or expenditures on portable classrooms, grade configurations should be considered that increase opportunities for students as well as improve academic performance,” said Green, who says that West Jackson Middle School (WJMS) currently has five portable classrooms and is expected to need another five next year if nothing changes. The proposed sixth grade center would be located at what is currently Kings Bridge Middle School. Students from the Maysville, Benton, South Jackson and East Jackson Elementary zones would attend the sixth grade center. Students in this area would attend the
Rather than re-zoning or expenditures on portable classrooms, grade configurations should be considered that increase opportunities for students as well as improve academic performance. Dr. John Green Superintendent, Jackson County Schools current East Jackson Middle School for seventh and eighth grades. Those from West Jackson Intermediate, North Jackson and Gum Springs would have the choice of attending the sixth grade center or remaining at West Jackson Middle School, which will continue to house sixth through eighth grades. Jackson County currently allows students to choose which schools to attend through school choice, and this would continue with the sixth grade center. In addition to helping improve sixth grade success, the creation of a sixth grade center is expected to help expedite the process of funding and building the new West Jackson High School. “There’s approximately $12 million of capital outlay funds that exist at the state level that are earmarked for Jackson County schools. We’re not allowed to access that $12 million until we have 100 percent capacity at our existing schools,” said Green. “I know this can change. If there’s money sitting somewhere and it’s not being used, or there’s not a plan to use it, sometimes legislators will find a way to move it,” said Green. “So I’m not saying that I don’t fully trust our legislators at the gold dome, but we’re about to go into a legislative session and so at
least I would want us to have a plan submitted.” The establishment of a sixth grade center would help Jackson County schools on the east side reach capacity more quickly, which would enable the school system to access the capital outlay funds. “The construction of a West Jackson High School would complete a community-centered grouping of schools to serve the families on the west side of the county,” said Green. “This would complete the transition from one centrally located high school to two community-centered high schools. This would also provide flexibility of use of facilities that are centrally located.” The Jackson County Board of Education’s February work session and meeting will be held at schools within the community, and be followed by a community meeting to further discuss the concept of a sixth grade center. The work session on Thursday, Feb. 7, will be held at Kings Bridge Middle School at 6 p.m. with a 7 p.m. community meeting to follow. Then, the Board of Education meeting will take place Monday, Feb. 11, at the East Jackson High School Theater at 6 p.m. with a community meeting to follow at 7.
vices as a result of unforeseen items. Additional field work was required after it became apparent that some demolition work would disturb areas of the building with lead based paint so the demolition drawings were revised and an abatement company was needed to address the hazardous materials. Other work was self performed. In order to complete the final design and construction documents, the company should only need an additional 75 man hours at a cost of $4,500, according to County Manager Kevin Poe. In order to complete construction administra-
tion activities an additional amount of $12,500 is recommended. The $12,500 will be used as owner’s match for the two Federal Grants. Poe recommends the commission authorize Chairman Crow to execute a supplemental agreement with BCB for $17,000 for the interior renovations to the Historic Courthouse. Also on the agenda of the Jan. 21 will be re-adoption of existing building code as amended with the updated State mandated mandatory codes and optional codes. The Board of Commissioners last adopted this ordinance on Jan. 16, 2012, and the State last adopted the Georgia Minimum Standard Codes in Dec. 3, 2012.
BOC agenda The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will be asked at its Monday, Jan. 21, meeting to authorize Chairman Tom Crow to execute a contract with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development services to Jackson County. The Chamber will continue to provide services to recruit and promote economic development in Jackson County. Such economic development provides jobs and enhances the tax base. The Chamber would receive $100,000 for the services to be paid in quarterly installments on Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1. The commission will also consider a recommendation to amend the Design Services Agreement for Barker, Cunningham & Barrington, PC in the amount of $17,000 for additional ser-
Search is on for man, 5-year-old son By KATIE JUSTICE
kjustice@clickthepaper.com
Local authorities are searching for an Iowa man that is possibly “suicidal and homicidal,” after he was sighted in Gwinnett County, and his personal belongings were found by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Jeremiah E. Johnson, 33 years old, and his 5-year-old son Jonnathan Johnson were stopped by a Gwinnett police officer in Buford when the man ran a red light. When the officer ran Johnson’s license it showed he, along with his son, was missing from Iowa. Johnson disappeared with his son
during a custody dispute with the boy’s mother. Information from Iowa indicated Johnson could be “suicidal and homicidal.” When the officer told the man to exit his car, he drove off and eventually eluded the officer. Johnson’s personal belongings were found by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities are concerned that Johnson may harm himself and the boy or is trying to start a new identity. Johnson is wanted out of Gwinnett County on charges of fleeing or eluding police, two counts of obstructing a law enforcement officer, reckless driving,
cruelty to children, failure to obey a traffic control device and reckless conduct. Johnson is described a white man with blond hair and green eyes. He is about 5-foot-9 in height and weighs about 230 pounds. Officials are also on the lookout for Johnson’s 2003, silver Volkswagen Passat with the Iowa tag 608ZBD. The car has a carrier extending behind the car, and has a large-screen TV attached to the back of the front seat. Anyone who sees the car or may have information is asked to call 911 or the Gwinnett County Police Department at 770-513-5000. •HOW TO CONTACT US• 169 Towne Center Parkway, Hoschton, GA 30548 P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548 News: 706-658-2683, editor@clickthepaper.com Display Advertising: 770-535-6333, dpurvis@clickthepaper.com Classified Advertising: 770-535-6371, cellem@gainesvilletimes.com Circulation: 770-535-6353, dmontgomery@gainesvilletimes.com Office hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
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