Archived News

Police called to shootout on Memorial Drive

DeKalb County Police responded to a call regarding shots fired between two gunmen at 4940 Memorial Drive on Jan. 5.

According to police spokeswoman Mekka Parish, the initial call came in at approximately 2:45 p.m.

“Initial reports are that two men were arguing for an undetermined reason when both pulled out weapons,” Parish said.

Parish said there was an exchange of gunfire and one man was struck and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The second man fled the scene.

According to Parish, detectives have identified the suspect who fled, although he has not yet been taken into custody. She said detectives now believe the men knew each other and were arguing about money.

MARTA police officer arrested and charged with child molestation, sexual exploitation

The DeKalb County Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit has arrested and charged a MARTA police officer with child molestation and sexual exploitation.

Willie Clarence Lee Jr., 46, was taken into custody on Jan. 4. According to a press release, an investigation began after an adult caregiver of a 14-year-old female noticed disturbing text messages on the girl’s cellphone. The phone contained several text messages that were sexual in nature, as well as a pornographic image.

According to police, the caretaker filed a report with DeKalb Police on Jan. 2. A subsequent investigation has led detectives to believe abuse has taken place over a five-year period.

Lee is an ex-boyfriend of the victim’s family member. He was given a $10,000 bond during his Jan. 4, court appearance.

According to the release, the investigation of Lee is a joint investigation with the Clayton County Police Department, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Lithonia resident indicted for defrauding IRS

Jason Shepherd, 24, of Lithonia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of mail fraud and sentenced to two years in prison on Jan. 5 for stealing $25,000 in payments meant to go to the Internal Revenue Service, a U.S. Attorney’s Office release said.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said from approximately June to November 2009, Shepherd worked as a contractor at a Bank of America lockbox facility in Tucker that processes tax payments on behalf of the IRS.

According to the release, Shepherd stole approximately 50 money orders from the lockbox facility. The money orders were allegedly altered and deposited into prepaid debit card accounts controlled by Shepherd. The indictment also alleges that in one instance, Shepherd altered a money order and negotiated it himself at a local Post Office.

According to reports, Shepherd’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. He is also required to pay $24,958 in restitution to the IRS.

DeKalb County School System reassigns finance chief

The DeKalb County School System announced Jan. 5 it has reassigned Chief Financial Officer Marcus Turk.

Turk’s reassignment comes as new Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson continues her restructuring of the system and the completion of her 90-day entry plan.

Please check back for more updates.