Senator David Perdue Recaps This Year’s Results, Previews 2018 on Fox News
State & National January 2, 2018
Senator David Perdue Recaps This Year’s Results, Previews 2018 on Fox News
ATLANTA, GA – U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) spoke with Mike Emanuel on Fox News’ Special Report about President Trump’s significant accomplishments during his first year in office and the priorities heading into 2018.
Delivering Results: “President Trump laid out four agenda items this year. We accomplished most of them. President Trump wants to continue to get results. The economy is going to move now that we started regulatory work and with the tax bill we just passed.”
Early Success: “The President is working diligently to get ready for 2018, but he is very happy with the results of 2017. His first year in office we saw 2 million new jobs created, 860 rules and regulations being reversed, illegal crossings down 60%, 500 people have been fired at the Veterans Administration for non-performance. The President is very excited about the future of our country now that we’re moving to get the economy going again.”
Business Focus: “We have a business guy in the White House for a change. He is moving at a business place, not a bureaucratic pace. Look, 2018 is an election year, but we have different leadership in the White House. He is not going to waive off his priorities for an election process.”
Immigration Solution: “President Trump, Senator Tom Cotton, and I have been consistently saying that any solution for DACA has to include an end to this archaic chain migration and money for border security and the wall at our southern border.”
Helping American Workers: “That’s what’s wrong with Washington, career politicians don’t understand how the free enterprise system works. The best thing we can do for the American worker, the American consumer, for anyone who works in America is to help our businesses, large and small, become competitive again with the rest of the world.”
Breaking The Gridlock: “The problem in Washington is gridlock. The minority party is causing that right now, but there are signs of encouragement. Frankly, the immigration issue is one that should have a bipartisan solution. We believe we can do that early in the new year. The President is going to keep focused on that as we get back to work next week.”
Man who “sextorted” 12-year-old Girl Receives 10-Year Prison Sentence
State & National November 10, 2017
MAN WHO “SEXTORTED” 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL RECEIVES
10-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE
ATLANTA – Gerardo Perez Uribe has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for coercing a minor girl in North Carolina to produce child pornography of herself and send it to him over the Internet.
“‘Sextortion’ is a growing problem on social media sites,” said U. S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Our office along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners encourage parents to help us target those who seek to prey on children by watching what your children are doing on the Internet, and who they are communicating with. Most children do not understand the dangers that may lurk on the Internet, and can easily fall victim to predators like Uribe.”
“Social media sites are a convenient way for young children to network with their friends and family, but unfortunately, they also make children easy targets for online predators like Uribe,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office. “Our Crimes Against Children unit is dedicated to weeding out sexual predators who troll the internet for unsuspecting children. They can’t do it alone and that’s why it is so important for parents to educate their children and monitor their activities on social media sites.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: In the summer of 2014, Perez Uribe met a 12-year-old girl on Facebook. He first told her that he was 13-years-old but later claimed to be 25-years-old. He asked the girl to send him nude images of herself, and she did. After receiving the images in August 2014, Perez Uribe took over the girl’s Facebook account, changed her password, and locked her out of the account. He then threatened to post the girl’s nude images on her Facebook page if she refused to send him more nude photos of herself. The victim believed Perez Uribe’s threat and sent him four photographs of herself that met the federal definition of child pornography. The girl’s parents discovered the crime and reported the incident to the Cabarrus County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and then referred the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation once Perez Uribe was located in Georgia.
Gerardo Perez Uribe, 32, of Rex, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on August 24, 2017. He was born in Mexico but was living in the United States as a permanent resident. He will be deported to Mexico after he completes his prison sentence.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cabarrus County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul R. Jones and Mary Webb prosecuted the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SENTENCED TO PRISON
State & National November 3, 2017
ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SENTENCED TO PRISON
ATLANTA – Stanley Lamar Bailey has been sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing ammunition and a firearm on November 7, 2015, after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase.
“Bailey placed innocent people in danger by leading police on a high-speed chase, eventually crashing his vehicle and fleeing the scene, leaving behind drugs, a thirty-round extended magazine, and a semi-automatic firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “My office brought this case as part of the overall Department of Justice enforcement priorities relating to violent crimes. Bailey is a serial offender who has been removed from the community, along with any danger that could result from his actions.”
“Bailey’s criminal history shows a complete and utter disregard for the lives of others as well as for their personal pursuits,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt. “This sentence is a direct message to criminals that we will target you and we will ensure that you are prosecuted and removed from our streets.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: On November 7, 2015, a DeKalb County Police Officer was on routine patrol when he saw a car drive past him. The officer ran a check on the tags of the vehicle. He learned that its registration was suspended and it had no valid insurance. As a result, the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, when he initiated the stop, the driver, who was later determined to be Bailey, initially slowed down as if to pull over, then sped away.
Bailey briefly traveled into oncoming traffic, wrecked the car by hitting another vehicle, and then ran away on foot. In the abandoned vehicle, police found Bailey’s wallet, which contained, among other things, Bailey’s Social Security card and Georgia identification card. The photograph on the identification card matched the person who was driving the car and had fled the scene.
In the vehicle, the officer also found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a Glock semi-automatic pistol, a thirty-round extended magazine, and twenty-eight rounds of 9mm ammunition. Prior to this incident, Bailey had been convicted of more than seven felonies, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, burglary, and theft by receiving stolen property. Subsequent to the November 2015 incident, but before his conviction in this case, Bailey was convicted of aggravated assault and battery/family violence.
Stanley Lamar Bailey, 50, of Decatur, Georgia, has been sentenced to 21 years, 10 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Bailey was found guilty by a jury on July 11, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the DeKalb County Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzette A. Smikle prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga
Convenience Store Owners Sentenced for Food Stamp Fraud and Identity Theft
State & National August 7, 2017
ATLANTA – Jonathan and Stephanie Dupiton have been sentenced for using stolen identities to steal over $395,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The defendants illegally obtained SNAP benefits for themselves, and then cashed them at stores they owned in several Georgia communities.
“These defendants subverted the SNAP program to line their own pockets and also used hundreds of stolen identities to commit their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “They used the SNAP system as an ATM for their personal gain, diverting critical benefits that help those who need assistance in our communities.”
“The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General- Investigations, actively investigates allegations of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud. These defendants stole unsuspecting people’s identities, used those identities to fraudulently acquire EBT cards, and misused thousands of dollars worth of SNAP benefits to enrich themselves at the expense of American taxpayers. Collectively, this type of fraudulent activity undermines this vital program by misdirecting millions of dollars of taxpayer funds from the purposes they were intended,” said Karen Citizen-Wilcox, Special Agent-in-Charge, USDA-OIG. “We would like to thank U.S. Attorney’s Office for aggressively prosecuting perpetrators of fraud and sending a strong message that illegally profiting by defrauding USDA programs will not be tolerated.”
“This investigation was a great example of partnership and cooperation between our Department and federal authorities,” said Georgia Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden. “DHS has zero tolerance for fraud, waste and abuse in the programs it administers. After internal efforts to detect fraud, DHS was able to work with the U.S. District Attorney’s Office in bringing these individuals to justice. Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens need these valuable resources, and we are committed to ensuring the integrity of SNAP in Georgia.”
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges and other information presented in court: From July 2014 through October 2015, Jonathan and Stephanie Dupiton owned and operated two convenience stores in Cobb County, Georgia; J. Good Groceries in Mableton, and Stephanie’s Groceries in Austell. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service manages and funds SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, with the purpose of alleviating hunger and malnutrition among low-income families. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the SNAP program.
The defendants used stolen identities to apply for SNAP benefits instead of accepting SNAP benefits from qualified recipients to purchase food. These SNAP benefits were loaded on EBT cards, which are similar to debit cards. The defendants directed DHS to mail hundreds of EBT cards to addresses they controlled. The Dupitons then collected and swiped the fraudulent SNAP cards at their convenience stores. Over $800,000 in SNAP payments were deposited in the defendants’ bank accounts. DHS and USDA were able to link $395,000 of those funds to 321 fraudulent SNAP accounts.
Jonathan Dupiton, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years, nine months in prison, and Stephanie Dupiton, 24, also of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to six months in prison. Both defendants were also sentenced to three years of supervised release, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay $395,388.01 in restitution. Both defendants were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in April 2017, after pleading guilty to these charges. Jonathan Dupiton was also convicted of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Georgia Department of Human Services investigated this case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected]<m
New records set as Georgia’s jobless rate dips to 4.8 percent in June
State & National July 20, 2017
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced today that the state’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased for the fifth consecutive month to 4.8 percent in June, down one-tenth of a percentage point from 4.9 percent in May. The last time the state recorded a jobless rate as low as 4.8 percent was in September 2007. In June 2016, the rate was 5.3 percent.
“Georgia’s unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in almost 10 years, because our employers continue to create jobs and put record numbers of people to work,” said State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “We now have record highs for the number of employed individuals, the labor force size and total number of jobs in Georgia.”
Employers added 27,400 jobs in June, a 0.6 percent growth rate, which increased the total number of jobs to 4,496,000. The growth more than doubled the average May-to-June increase of 12,100 jobs for the past three years. Job gains came in leisure and hospitality, 9,200; professional and business services, 8,500; other services, such as repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services, 5,700; education and health services, 5,600; state and local government, 2,100; information services, 1,100; and trade, transportation and warehousing and financial activities, 1,000 each. The job gains were offset somewhat by losses in construction, 4,000, and manufacturing, 3,000.
Over-the-year, Georgia gained 122,600 jobs, a 2.8 percent growth rate, up from 4,373,400 in June 2016. The federal job growth rate was 1.6 percent. Georgia’s job growth came in the following employment sectors: professional and business services, 37,400; leisure and hospitality, 21,900; education and health services, 18,100; trade, transportation and warehousing, 17,900; financial activities, 10,000; government, 8,300; information services, 4,500; other services, 3,900; and construction, 2,000. Manufacturing lost 2,500 jobs.
The number of employed residents rose by 8,782 to 4,797,789 from May to June. There were 153,335 more Georgians employed than in June 2016. The number of jobless residents declined by 5,385 to 240,923 in June. There were 18,394 fewer unemployed residents than in June of last year.
The labor force increased by 3,397 to 5,038,712 in June, partially because high school and college students entered the job market. The labor force consists of employed residents and those who are unemployed but actively looking for jobs. The labor force is up by 134,941 from 4,903,771 in June 2016.
The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance, a measure of new layoffs, increased by 771, or 3.1 percent, to 25,638. The increases came in manufacturing and construction, administrative and support services, accommodations and food services, and educational services, which includes private schools. Over the year, claims were down by 1,657, or 6.1 percent, from 27,295 in June 2016.
Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com, showed 71,261 new job postings statewide for June.
Visit dol.georgia.gov to learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers and to connect with us on social media.
DATA FOR THE METRO AREAS ARE ATTACHED, TABLES AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT http://dol.georgia.gov/current-labor-force-data-and-grants
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685
Tomorrow’s Georgia Republican gubernatorial primary run-off
Opinion July 23, 2018
Reposted with permission from the Dustin Inman Society blog
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (left) and Secretary of State Brian Kemp (Right)
D.A. KING
While the liberal media ignores the fact, both candidates in the bruising two-month Georgia Republican gubernatorial primary race have avoided immigration issues where the eventual governor can make the biggest difference.
With run-off day looming tomorrow, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Secretary of State Brian Kemp have mostly kept their immigration focus away from topics that may offend the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and narrowed to “sanctuary cities” and on illegal aliens who have already committed additional crimes in the United States – or “criminal illegal aliens.”
The main driver of illegal immigration is illegal employment, which was not mentioned in either campaign.
In addition to black market labor, they are also both dodging obvious and voter-popular immigration issues where a governor can play a central role, including drivers licenses to illegal aliens and official English for government.
No mention of protecting jobs for American workers
When asked in a statewide December 2015 poll, “Who should get the future jobs in Georgia? – Americans, including legal immigrants already here, illegal immigrants already here, newly arrived legal immigrants and guest workers or it doesn’t matter, workers who will work for the lowest wage.” A whopping 90% of Republicans said Americans, including legal immigrants already here should get priority.
Silence on allowing voters to decide on constitutional official English
Nearly 86% of Republicans – and 76% of all voters polled – answered “yes” when asked “would you support an amendment to the Georgia constitution that makes English the official language of government?” in the same poll conducted by Atlanta-based Rosetta Stone Communications
Despite the objections of the business lobby and with a unanimous party-line vote, in 2016, the Republican-controlled Georgia state senate passed a Resolution that would have allowed all Georgia voters to answer a ballot question that year on English as the state’s constitutional official government language.
But the legislation quietly died with Democrat “no” votes when Republican House leadership instructed Republicans to stay away from a sub-committee hearing which killed the bill.
Official English is not a voluntary campaign topic for either of the Republican candidates for Georgia governor. This despite one metro-Atlanta school district boast that 140 foreign languages are spoken by its students.
While it is not widely understood by voters, currently, the state of ten million offers the written road rules portion of the drivers license exam in eleven foreign languages.
Drivers licenses for illegal aliens – not a campaign issue
The same statewide poll that asked about official constitutional official English showed that 80% of Republicans and 63% of all Georgians also want to end the practice of giving any drivers license to any illegal aliens.
Many voters are unaware of the fact that Republican Georgia has issued more than 20,000 drivers licenses and official state photo ID Cards to individuals who the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services classifies as lacking lawful immigration status – but who have been given work permits by both the Obama and Trump administrations.
This group of aliens includes recipients of the Obama DACA deferred action on deportation amnesty, aliens who have been granted deferred action outside of the DACA amnesty and aliens who have already been ordered to be deported by federal officials.
Work permits, officially known as Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services which is an agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The 2005 REAL ID Act implemented after the horror of 9/11 says that illegal aliens who have been granted deferred action on deportation or who have been ordered deported but then apply for permanent residence use that temporary condition as “evidence of lawful status” for the purpose of obtaining a federally approved drivers license or state ID card.
⦁ In a direct contradiction, USCIS says “Current law does not grant any legal status for the class of individuals who are current recipients of DACA. Recipients of DACA are currently unlawfully present in the U.S. with their removal deferred.”
⦁ Through an official spokesperson, USCIS has provided a breakdown of the classification codes contained on the work permits that illustrate the immigration status of the bearer.
⦁ USCIS also operates the SAVE verification system for official agencies to determine immigration status of applicants for public benefits. Drivers licenses and ID cards are public benefits in Georgia.
⦁ Appointed by current governor, Nathan Deal, Georgia’s Attorney General, Chris Carr, has told an Atlanta NPR affiliate that “We have continuously and clearly taken the position in ongoing legal cases that DACA does not confer legal status.” (July 17, 2017 WABE News).
Georgia is among the states that issues the identical drivers license to legal immigrants with ‘green cards’ and foreigners who entered the US lawfully on temporary visas – including Mercedes Benz executives – as are issued to the aliens the state Attorney General and USCIS says lack legal status. The defacto national ID, these credentials are used as valid ID to enter military bases, federal buildings and board airliners in America’s airports.
Drivers license issued to all non-citizens in Georgia, legal status or illegal status. Photo: DDS
Sponsored by conservative state Senator Josh McKoon, in 2016, legislation passed the Georgia Senate by a two-thirds majority – with every Republican vote except one – that would have clearly marked driving and ID credentials to note the illegal immigration status of the bearer. That measure was allowed to expire without a hearing in the GOP House, controlled by business-oriented Speaker David Ralston. McKoon also sponsored the official English Resolution.
Most Georgians do not realize that under state law the same aliens USCIS says have no lawful status but have been issued a work permit are eligible for state unemployment benefits.
The jobs-for Americans, drivers license/illegal alien/unemployment benefits issue is not a topic in either Republican candidate’s campaign for the Republican nomination for Georgia governor.
Georgians deserve to now where the candidates stand.
The powerful Georgia business lobby has long worked against protecting jobs and wages for legal workers, use of E-Verify, immigration enforcement and official English. Georgia ranks ahead of Arizona in its population of illegal aliens, according to estimates from DHS and the Pew Research Center. One estimate is that the crime of illegal immigration costs Georgia taxpayers $2.4 billion annually.
The current governor, two-term, business-first Republican Nathan Deal, has avoided the illegal immigration issue since his first year in office. But, Deal boasts that Georgia is named number one state in which to do business by Site Selection magazine.
The influx of migrants and the anti-enforcement power of the business lobby will eventually result in a Democrat in the Georgia governor’s office. This year’s far-left, anti-enforcement candidate for the office, Stacey Abrams, has a real chance of winning and has recently received a one million-dollar donation from Georgia Soros.
Author
Senator Steve Gooch Honors City of Dahlonega
State & National January 31, 2018
ATLANTA (January 29, 2018) | Senator Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) is pleased to announce Monday, January 29, 2018, as Dahlonega Day at the state Capitol with Senate Resolution 590.
“Dahlonega is the gateway to North Georgia and I am grateful to be able to share my home with the rest of my colleagues,” said Sen. Gooch. “This year marks the 60th anniversary of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County citizens delivering gold, by wagon, for the installation of the state Capitol building’s gold dome. I could not be more proud to have representatives from our local community here today to celebrate this honor.”
The City of Dahlonega is a small city in northern Georgia founded in 1832. Dahlonega was the site of the first major U.S. gold rush and now is commonly referred to as the ‘Gold City’. The city sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by many natural elements. Dahlonega is the county seat of Lumpkin County. In addition to its history of gold mining, the city of Dahlonega is also known as the Heart of Georgia Wine Country, with six wineries and nine winery tasting rooms.
Two Indicted in Nationwide Unclaimed Property Fraud Scheme
State & National July 28, 2017
TWO INDICTED IN NATIONWIDE
UnCLAIMED PROPERTY FRAUD SCHEME
ATLANTA – Allen J. Pendergrass and Terrell McQueen have been arraigned on charges of orchestrating a nationwide unclaimed property fraud scheme. They provided asset recovery services for clients, claiming they would recover unclaimed money and assets held by local and state governments for a fee. During that process, they allegedly forged documents, claiming thousands of dollars due to citizens, which they placed into accounts they controlled, never distributing the money owed.
“These defendants are charged with forging power of attorney forms to steal over $100,000 owed to local businesses and residents,” said U. S. Attorney John Horn. “Citizens should remain vigilant in guarding their personal information as thieves continue to find new and creative ways to use it to perpetuate fraud schemes.”
“The defendants stole individual’s identities and received money that was not rightfully theirs,” said James Dorsey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “The IRS will continue to investigate and disrupt these complex financial schemes holding those accountable for their wrongdoing.”
“This investigation involved the meticulous gathering of hard evidence which uncovered a significant financial fraud and identity theft scheme,” said David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division. “Postal Inspectors will vigorously pursue and bring to justice anyone who commits a crime by utilizing the US Mail system.”
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the indictment, and other information presented in court: From on or about 2004 until 2014, Pendergrass owned and operated Guishard, Wilburn & Shorts, LLC a company based on College Park, Georgia, that purportedly provided asset recovery services, including recovering unclaimed money and assets held by local and state governments for a fee. During that time, Pendergrass also owned or controlled other companies in Georgia that purported to provide the same services, including Asset Financial Recovery, Inc., Recovery Capital, Attorney Recovery System, National Asset Recovery Agency, Inc., Beacon Asset Recovery Agency, LLC, National Unclaimed Funds, Inc. and Service Pros, Inc.
In 2012, Pendergrass started Asset Financial Recovery, Inc., and was listed as the company’s chief executive officer. McQueen was listed as the chief financial officer. In 2013, Pendergrass and McQueen mailed forged power of attorney forms to the City of Atlanta and fraudulently claimed over $100,000 owed to local businesses and residents. These forms included forged signatures. Pendergrass and McQueen deposited stolen funds into bank accounts they controlled and did not provide the funds to rightful owners. Pendergrass, McQueen, and companies they controlled, perpetuated this fraud scheme across the country.
Allen J. Pendergrass, 60, of Fayetteville, Georgia, and Terrell McQueen, 37, of Fort Worth, Texas, were indicted on June 27, 2017.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Brown is prosecuting the case.
In that this remains an ongoing investigation, anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the United States Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected]<m
FYN Interviews Rebbeca Yardley on Georgia’s 2018 Sine Die – Last Day of Legislative Session
Politics, State & National March 29, 2018
It’s Sine Die day, that means it’s the last day of the 2018 Legislative Session! Interviews First Vice Chairman of Georgia Congress 9th District GOP Rebecca Yardley on the experience and what to expect from the Georgia Capitol today!
Violent gang member apprehended in Fannin County
Featured, News January 12, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – A police chase ended with the detainment of the suspect involved. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest after becoming involved in the chase shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Edmundo Ramirez was apprehended after a police chase in Fannin County.
Fannin County Sheriff’s Deputy Jared Wood noticed a green Nissan Pathfinder traveling south on Ga. 2 with a brake light out and failing to maintain its lane. Initially, the Pathfinder pulled over, coming to a stop, when Wood signaled for the driver to do so.
After pulling over, the vehicle then sped off to avoid the traffic stop. Several illegal traffic maneuvers later, the Pathfinder turned on to Old Hwy. 76 and proceeded toward downtown Blue Ridge.
Blue Ridge City Police Department was made aware of the situation and attempted to deploy spike strips at the Orvin Lance Connector and Old Hwy. 76.
The driver, identified as Edmundo Ramirez, eluded this attempt and continued closer to the downtown area. After turning off of East First Street, Ramirez was then observed running the stop sign at the intersection of East Main Street and Mountain Street.
Ramirez continued traveling down East Main Street going the wrong way on a One Way designated section and maintaining a speed of approximately 50 to 55 mph.
After reaching the end of East Main Street, the vehicle turned right onto Old Hwy. 76 in the direction of Ga. 2 once again. Ramirez lost control of the Pathfinder before reaching Ga. 2 and struck a natural rock formation, leading to a crash that would disable the vehicle in front of Bill Holt Chevrolet.
Upon wrecking the vehicle, Ramirez attempted to flee but quickly surrendered when Deputy Wood, conducting the scene as a felony traffic stop, pulled his handgun and demanded the suspect to halt. Ramirez then put his hands in the air and lay face down on the ground.
Ramirez, 25, of Buford, Georgia, was arrested and charged with multiple traffic misdemeanors. These misdemeanors include reckless driving, driving on the wrong side of the road, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to obey traffic devices or police, failure to wear a seat belt, and failure to maintain lane.
Along with these traffic misdemeanors, Ramirez is being charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license and felony fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
Ramirez, who has a criminal history throughout the state of Georgia, was detained for similar charges in Buford. He currently has an outstanding criminal warrant in Hall County.
A list of distinctive markings from Ramirez’s booking sheet.
As indicated by the tattoos covering his body, Ramirez also has confirmed ties with the violent street and prison gang, the Barrio Aztecas.
The Barrio Aztecas formed in the late 1980s in El Paso, Texas, and quickly grew to become an international crime group with strong ties to the Juarez Cartel in Mexico. Known for drug trafficking and contract killing, the Barrio Aztecas are considered one of the most dangerous gangs in America.
Barrio Azteca Captain Eduardo Ravelo is currently on the the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitive list.
Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby was unable to comment on the detainee’s affiliations.
A source with the Appalachian Drug Task Force spoke with FetchYourNews about gang-related activity in north Georgia.
“North Georgia, I cannot confirm,” the source said speaking about Barrio Azteca infiltration in our area, “Atlanta, yes. There is a bit of every gang there.”
The source did confirm that there is known drug trafficking related to cartel activity in north Georgia, and added about why Ramirez might have been in Fannin County: “If he doesn’t live there, I would say it is likely that he was passing through for a specific reason.”
Ramirez made an initial appearance in court on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Magistrate Judge Brian Jones set bond at $12,500 for the charges in Fannin County.
Ramirez is currently being held at the Fannin County Jail. A hold has been placed on the detainee for transfer to Hall County, Georgia, where Ramirez has an outstanding criminal warrant.
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Update on Hurricane Irma Cleanup and Relief Efforts
State & National September 19, 2017
ATLANTA (September 18, 2017) | On Thursday, September 14, 2017, Senator Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) joined Governor Nathan Deal, local elected officials and first responders for a press conference in Habersham County to address Hurricane Irma cleanup and relief efforts.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my gratitude to the first responders and volunteers who are helping the ongoing recovery efforts in our local communities and throughout the state,” said Sen. Gooch. “It is an honor to join Governor Deal, our local elected officials, first responders and citizens in any and all efforts to get our state back up and running. Our citizens are resilient and I am confident that by working together, we can help those in need and rebuilt each and every community that was impacted. It was very uplifting to witness the outpour of assistance from the hundreds of employees of utility companies from all over the United States.”
On Monday, September 11, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Georgia leaving around 1 million citizens without power. The impact from Irma was felt from the coastal plains to the north Georgia mountains. The state of Georgia saw unprecedented damage caused by the tropical storm force winds that reached more than 400 miles from the storm’s center. Relief efforts are ongoing and first responders, power companies, state agencies, volunteers and citizens are working around the clock to rebuild and restore power.
Governor Deal and the federal government responded quickly and declared a state of emergency in Georgia so that funds could be appropriated to help with the financial burden of the storm. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) is coordinating their efforts with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state agencies and local authorities to ensure recovery, rebuilding and cleanup is completed in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
Additional information can be found on the GEMA and FEMA websites:
Josh McKoon 5/31/16
GMFTO May 31, 2016
BKP talks with Senator Josh McKoon about Atlanta’s Super Bowl and the NFL.
ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW RETURNS IN MARCH!
Announcements, Community, News February 29, 2016The Atlanta International Auto Show will celebrate its 34th anniversary when it returns to the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) on March 9-13, 2016. It is produced by the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association (MAADA).
Not only is the Atlanta International Auto Show the largest annual consumer event held annually at the GWCC, it is also one of the nation’s great auto shows, attracting many of the world’s major automotive manufacturers during its five day run.
There will be over 400 new and preproduction vehicles on display on the 400,000 square foot show floor.
At press time, the following manufacturers have agreed to participate in the show: ACURA, ALFA ROMEO, AUDI, BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, DODGE, FIAT, FORD, GMC, HONDA, HYUNDAI, INFINITI, JEEP, KIA, LEXUS, LINCOLN, , MAZDA, MERCEDES-BENZ, MINI, MITSUBISHI, NISSAN, RAM, SCION, SUBARU, TOYOTA, and VOLKSWAGEN.
At press time, the following 2017 pre-production vehicles have been scheduled for display: Audi R8, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XT5, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan, Ford Escape, Ford F-150 Raptor, F-250, Ford Fusion, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Forte, Kia Sportage, Lexus LC 500, Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Coupe Edition 1, Mercedes-Benz E 220 d, Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 and Mercedes-Benz GLS 63.
This event will once again take place in the C Building of the GWCC. This is a perfect location, since the exhibition area is located on the street level of Northside Drive, where there is plenty of available public parking and a shorter walk to the facility. Those who wish to take a test drive merely have to sign up in the lobby area and then go outside to visit their manufacturer of choice. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
At press time, the following manufacturers will be participating in Ride & Drive events: BUICK, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, DODGE, FIAT, FORD, GMC, HONDA, JEEP, KIA, MAZDA, RAM, and TOYOTA.
As always, the Auto Show will be presenting a number of special attractions. Marvel’s Spider-Man and Ant-Man will appear on March 12 and 13. Scooby Doo will also be onsite during these same two days, sponsored by Comcast Spotlight.
The Georgia Cool Cruisers will once again display their vintage vehicles and muscle cars in the show lobby and in a special attraction area on the show floor.
The Auto Show will have Seniors Day on Thursday, March 10, and College Day on Friday, March 11. All Seniors 55 and older and all College Students can show their identification of age/student id’s at the show box office and receive a 50% discount off the $10.00 Adult Admission. These same Seniors and College Students can also save 50% on parking by showing their identification of age/student id’s at the entrance of the Yellow Parking Lot of the Georgia World Congress Center on Northside Dr.
The Georgia World Congress Center is offering a $3.00 discount off public parking on March 9 & 10 ONLY in their Yellow Lot on Northside Drive. To receive this discount, attendees must tell the parking attendant that they are attending the Auto Show.
SHOW HOURS: Wednesday, March 9 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 10 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 11 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
RIDE & DRIVE EVENTS: Fiat-Chrysler (Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Ram), Ford, GM (Buick, Chevrolet and GMC), Honda, Kia, Mazda, and Toyota will all be conducting special Ride & Drive events at the show.
SPIDER-MAN and ANT-MAN – These two great MARVEL super heroes will appear at the Auto Show on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13.
SCOOBY-DOO – This popular cartoon character will appear at the show on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13, courtesy of Comcast Spotlight.
MEET THE WALKERS – Meet Atlanta-based actors who have appeared on AMC’s popular television series, The Walking Dead – March 11 – 13.
FOX5 STORM CHASER – This is the most advanced mobile weather lab and live TV production vehicle in the Southeast. The vehicle is equipped with the latest broadcast and meteorological technology to provide life-saving information to viewers about dangerous weather
COOL CRUISERS – There will be a display of vintage vehicles from the 20th Century in the show lobby and inside the show.
CAFFEINE & EXOTICS – Premier car show for exotic and high performance cars.
SHOW HOURS: Wednesday, March 9 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 10 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 11 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
BOX OFFICE CLOSES ONE HOUR PRIOR TO SHOW CLOSING DAILY.
TICKET PRICES: $10.00 ADULTS
$5.00 CHILDREN 6-12
FREE – CHILDREN UNDER 6
DISCOUNT COUPONS: $3:00 March 9 and 10 Weekday Discount Coupons are available at participating New Car & Truck Dealerships, in select AJC Newspaper Ads and by joining the Official Auto Show Club on www.GoAutoShow.com (membership is free).
DISCOUNT PARKING DAYS: The Georgia World Congress Center is offering a $3.00 discount off public parking on March 9 & 10 ONLY in their Yellow Parking Lot on Northside Drive. To receive this discount, attendees must tell the parking attendant that they are attending the Auto Show.
SENIORS DAY: All Seniors 55 and older can show their identification of age at the show box office on Thursday, March 10 only, and receive a 50% discount off the $10.00 Adult Admission. These same seniors can also save 50% on parking by showing their identification of age at the entrance of the Yellow Lot of the Georgia World Congress Center on Northside Dr. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount offer for this day.
COLLEGE DAY: All college students can show their student id’s at the show box office on Friday, March 11 only, and receive a 50% discount off the $10.00 Adult Admission. They can also save 50% on parking by showing their student id’s at the entrance of the Yellow Park Lot of the Georgia World Congress Center on Northside Dr. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount offer for this day.