Break Ins Follow Up - Incident 2.

By Accessmilton.com

All:

As we shared this past week, we reached out to the Milton Police Department requesting information on the recent breakins throughout the city.

Thanks to Police Chief Harrell and Katherine Fies of the Milton Police Department, we have received police reports involving these burglaries.

Out of respect for the victims, we will not post their names or numerical address. In addition, any information that could aid our Milton Police Officers regarding this or any other investigation will be removed. However, the rest will be complete and verbatim via the officer's report.

Additional reports will be posted one at a time every 24 hours.

Many thanks to the Milton Police Department for coming to those in need.
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Agency Name: Milton Police Department.
ORI: GA 0605700
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Location Of Incident: XXXXX Providence Lake Drive, Milton GA 30004
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Crime Incident: Burglary / No Force / Residential.
16-7-1 Resi No Force
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Crime Incident: Entering auto to commit a theft
16-8-18
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Premise Type: Resident / Home
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Case #: 11-00244.
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Date time reported: 02/15/2011 03:36 Tue
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Last Known Secure: 02/15/2011 03:36 Tue
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At Found: 02/15/2011 03:36 Tue
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Weapon / Tools : Not applicable / None.
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Victim 1: XXXX, white male / 41
XXXXX Providence Lake Drive, Milton GA 30004
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Victim 2: XXXX, white male / 58
XXXXX Providence Lake Drive, Milton GA 30004
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Officer / ID#: Wong, J. (1198)
Invest ID#: Barry, K. (1188)
Supervisor: Borsey, J. (1115)
Assisting Officer: Hickerson, J.M. (1166)
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Narrative: On Tuesday, February 15, 2011 I was dispatched to a report of a burglary at XXXX Providence Lake Drive. The complainant;XXXX; stated that he observed two unidentified offenders inside of his garage.

The complainant stated the he observed two offenders, described as white males age 16 to 18 years wearing hooded pullovers and baseball caps, inside of his garage at the incident location. One male was approximately 5 '8
and the other male was approximately 6'. The offenders fled on foot from the incident location and headed north on Providence Lake Drive.

Shortly after calling 911 to report this incident, the complainant observed the offenders across the street at XXXXX Providence Lake Drive by a 2006
Infiniti Sport Utility vehicle bearing GA license plate XXXXX. The complainant yelled at the offenders, who then fled on foot northbound on Providence Lake Drive.

Alpharetta Police were called to the incident location in order to perform a canine track, but were unable to locate the offenders.

It was then determined that the offenders entered the garage by using a garage door opener. The opener was stolen out of the complainant's unsecured vehicle, described as a 2010 Jaguar sedan bearing Ohio license plate XXXXX. The complainant's vehicle was parked outside of his residence in the driveway. The complainant had examined the vehicle prior to police arrival. No developable friction ridge impression evidence could be located.

I contacted XXXXX, the homeowner at XXXXX Providence Lake Drive and the registrant of the 2006 Infinity Sport Utility vehicle XXXXX stated that he left that vehicle unlocked. XXXX then verified that nothing was removed from the vehicle. No developable friction ridge impression evidence cold be located.

The complainant stated that the only stolen item was the garage door opener. No serial or model number information could be provided at the time of this report.

Ethics here, Ethics there, Ethics everywhere...

AM NOTE: With Milton having numerous ethics charges in it's brief history, we thought the following would be of interest to Accessmilton.com readers.

Mayor Elect Rahm's Transition Team Sets Record For Fastest Resignation Due To Ethics Violation.

Courtesy The Blaze.com

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Judy Erwin, a recent appointee to the transition team for the newly elected mayor of Chicago has resigned due to news surfacing about an admitted ethics violation. Erwin was also co-chair of Rahm Emanuel’s campaign. The Tribune detailed the ethics violations:

Erwin, the former executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, admitted using her office e-mail and phone while working on a campaign committee for presidential candidate Barack Obama, using staff resources to plan her trip to the 2008 Democratic National Convention and engaging in campaign fundraising activity while on the job, the state’s Executive Ethics Commission ruled in a decision filed Feb. 16.

After paying a $4000 fine, and reimbursing the state for their lost time, Ms. Erwin resigned her position last summer and also had to promise to NEVER work in state government again. Ever.

Emanuel’s staff claimed that they were not aware of the violations, a position echoed by the guilty party. When the newspaper contacted Judy Erwin about the ethics problems, she resigned almost immediately from the seven-person transition team, stating:

“The bottom line is the mayor-elect has very important work to do and I certainly don’t want to have any distractions, I will be stepping aside from the transition. I don’t want any distractions at all.”

Mission Accomplished.

Herman Cain Wins Tea Party Straw Poll.

Courtesy Foxnews.com

According to CNN, Herman Cain, the dynamic and possible 2012 candidate, won the the American Policy Summit's presidential live straw poll on Sunday held by the Tea Party Patriots conference.

Capturing 22% of the 1600 votes cast, Cain, the conservative talk show host and former Godfather's Pizza chief executive, won handily. Second was Gov. Tim Pawlenty with 16% who was also there.

Interestingly, Rep. Ron Paul won the summit's online poll winning nearly half the votes cast by more than 2,300 online registered attendees.

Many thanks to AM reader Melissa for bringing this to our attention.

Break Ins Follow Up - Incident 1.

By Accessmilton.com

All:

As we shared this past week, we reached out to the Milton Police Department requesting information on the recent breakins throughout the city.

Thanks to Police Chief Harrell and Katherine Fies of the Milton Police Department, we have received police reports involving these burglaries.

Out of respect for the victims, we will not post their names or numerical address. In addition, any information that could aid our Milton Police Officers regarding this or any other investigation will be removed. However, the rest will be complete and verbatim via the officer's report.

Additional reports will be posted one at a time every 24 hours.

Many thanks to the Milton Police Department for coming to those in need.
_______________________________________

AGENCY NAME: Milton Police Department.
ORI: 0605700.
LOCATION OF INCIDENT: XXXXX Birmingham Highway, Milton GA 30004.
CRIME INCIDENTS: Burglary-Forced-Res 16-7-1.
PREMISE TYPE: Residence / home.
WEAPON / TOOLS: Pounding tool / device.
CASE#: 11-00234
DATE / TIME REPORTED: 2/11/2011 18:06 Fri.
LAST KNOWN SECURE: 2/11/2011 12:35 Fri.
AT FOUND: 2/11/2011 18:06.

VICTIM 1: XXXX / 39 yr white female / Resident Status / Resident.
VICTIM 2: XXXX / 37 yr white male / Resident Status / Resident.

PROPERTY STOLEN:

1. James Avery Bracelet / Value: $200.00
2. Precious Metal / Value $100.00
3. James Avery Bracelet / Value: $100.00
4. James Avery Pin / Value: $60.00
5. James Avery Pin / Value: $100.00
6. Gold Ring /Dolphin / Value: $250.00
7. Gold Ring / Saphire / Value: $50.00
8. Gold Ring / Saphire / Value: $50.00
9. Cameo Broach / Value: $100.00
10. Cameo Charm / Value: $100.00
11. Class Ring / Value: $50.00
12. Class Ring / Value: $50.00
13. Ring Heart Shaped / Value: $$50.00
14. Scarab Bracelet / Value: $150.00
15. Pendant Fashion / Value: $270.00
16. Credit Debit Card / Value: $100.00
-----------------------
Officer/ID# Baronian, A.P. (1211)
-----------------------
Invest ID (0)
-----------------------
Assisting Officers: Mulvey, S (1203), Parker, T (1119)
-----------------------
Narrative: On February 11, 2011 at 18:06 hours I responded to XXXX Birmingham Hwy for a possible burglary. On arrival I met with the homeowners; Mrs. XXXX and Mr. XXXX. They had just returned home and found that one of the rear doors leading to a storage room had been broken into. The door, mainly made of glass, had been clearly smashed around the area where you would need to reach through to gain access to the deadbolt. Mr. & Mrs. XXXX had already cleared the home prior to my arrival. They also stated that the only thing apparently missing was Mrs. XXXX jewelry box which was located on her dresser in her bedroom. The bedroom is located in the opposite corner of the house, passing a big screen television, laptop computer, WII system, and several other items before obtaining the jewelry box. The exit point appeared to be the bedroom door which was unlocked. Both doors are entry/exit points to a fenced in backyard. The items in the jewelry box and their estimated values are as follows: Cherry wood jewelry box with two side opening doors, $100; James Avery Horse bracelet, silver, $100; James Avery Heart Shaped Pin, mother holding two children, silver, $60; James Avery oval pin, turtles, #1 Mom, little girl, silver $100; James Avery charms bracelet, boy and girl holding hands, cradle, silver, $200; Gold ring, single dolphin shape with blue pearl on top, wyland engraved on the inside of the ring, $250; Sapphire ring with a gold band, $50; Sapphire ring with gold band and three marquis sapphires on top, $50; Cameo Broach, reddish brown background with white front, $50; Cameo charm on gold rope chain, blue, mother holding child, $100; two class rings that say XXXX highschool, one has a blue stone and says XXXX, band,basketball#45, $100; Silver ring with heart in middle with XO on either side, $50; scarab bracelet, oval with several jade stones, $150; fashion pendant, 14k gold with one round sapphire, $270, RBC debit card, a Home depot credit card and possibly some other retail store credit cards. I gave Mrs. XXXX my card with a case number and asked her to e-mail me any further information. Ofc Symanowski went to the scene later and finger printed the entry and exit points...(the remaining part of this sentence has been removed to protect the MPD's investigation.) The XXXX also told Ofc Symanowski that they discovered a charge on their RBC account for $100 that had occured at 16:00 hours, and two other failed attempts to extract $100. The apparent location of the transaction was at a XXXXXXXXXX Check Cashing location in Roswell. This report along with a photo copy of a certified appraisal (fashion pendant) , and a hand written page containing the debit card information will be placed on file and forwarded to CID.
---------------------
Supervisor: Taylor, C (1114)
----------------------
Case Status: Active / Pending 2/11/2011

Milton Watch?

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"It Will Make People Reconsider What They Do...."

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"Mamas...Please..."

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Grant aids Milton Highway 9 corridor project.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milton officials already have drawn up plans for a new look for their busiest commercial corridor; now they're getting help in deciding how to develop it.

The city learned Wednesday it was awarded a $100,000 Livable Centers Initiative grant to create a quality growth plan for the Highway 9 corridor, the city's commercial and transportation core.

The funding, through the Atlanta Regional Commission, would create an overarching plan for potential development and redevelopment of the four-mile stretch from Bethany Bend south to Mayfield Road in Alpharetta, said Lynn Tully, Milton Community development director. The plan also would define appropriate land use and zoning changes, and include improvements for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, she said.

The Milton City Council adopted a 31-page design guide for the corridor in December, portraying a visually pleasing and accessible commercial center.

It has recommendations for building placement near the streets, with parking on the side or in back. It also promotes inter-parcel access between lots, enabling customers to drive from one location to another without re-entering the street.

Both studies should help the area qualify for future transportation grants, Tully said.

The latest LCI grants included two $100,000 awards for new studies, one for Milton and another for Cobb County's Six Flags area. Twelve other communities will receive varying amounts of funding for supplemental studies that will help them further implement their existing LCI studies.

“LCI has helped communities across metro Atlanta retool and redesign over the years, creating more places that attract residents and businesses alike,” said Tad Leithead, ARC Chairman. “Our local government partners have used these grants to the benefit of their communities and the entire region.”

City of Milton to fund playing field at local Elementary School

Courtesy of "The Inside Scoop!" Birmingham Falls Elementary School Principal's Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 12, February 24, 2011.

"Our Local School Advisory Council has been hard at work collaborating with the City of Milton to develop a viable land and building use contract agreement with the school. At this time we are in the final stages of the contract negotiations. If all goes well, we will enter a five year agreement with the City as follows: the City will improve and maintain our entire playing field, with irrigation and a combination of seed and sod, and in return, we will host youth activities on school grounds."

Rash Of Break Ins Hit Milton.

By Accessmilton.com

A rash of break ins have recently hit the city. From Fairmont subdivision to Redd Road, homes are being broken in to at an alarming rate.

We have contacted the Milton police department to get further clarification on what is transpiring and should have more information shortly.

In the mean time, be on the look out for a dark color late model Nissan Altima driven by two black males. If you see this vehicle, please contact the Milton Police Department at 678 242 2500.

Many thanks to "A Good Neighbor" for contacting Accessmilton.com about this story.

Meeting will focus on Milton's Crabapple, City Center projects.

By Patrick Fox

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lew Oliver, Inc. Whole Town Solutions will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Monday at Milton City Hall to explore long-term planning needs of the Crabapple Crossroads community and Milton's future City Center.

The meeting will feature a short presentation and discussion on a number of topics, including zoning tools, like the transfer of development rights. The goal of this process is to update the existing Crabapple Crossroads Master Plan to reflect current economic, transportation and growth realities of the area. For more information on this meeting, contact city planner Michele McIntosh-Ross at 678-242-2538 or e-mail michele.mcintosh@cityofmiltonga.us.

Noise Pollution - Milton GA.

Double Click To Enlarge Screen. Turn Speakers On. Video edited for time.

"Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the City's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its residents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment." - City Of Milton GA website.

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ru·ral

1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the country, country life, or country people; rustic: rural tranquillity. - dictionary.com

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tran·quil·li·ty

1. quality or state of being tranquil; calmness; peacefulness; quiet; serenity. - dictionary.com

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Lie

1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood. - dictionary.com

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Equality under the Constitution=>

The United States was born with a Declaration of Independence that proclaimed, as a self-evident truth, that, “all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men.” According to the founders of the United States of America, all people are equal, by virtue of their humanity, in possession of certain rights (such as rights to liberty) that it is the responsibility of government to protect. - answers.com

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Noise Pollution=>

is excessive, displeasing human, animal or machine-created environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human or animal life. The word noise comes from the Latin word nauseas, meaning seasickness. - wikipedia.org

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Can MHS fight City Hall? Milton ordinance could limit crowd, stadium noise at Friday night games.

By Candy Waylock, Appen Newspapers

February 15, 2007

A high school football game without the roar of the crowd? An outdoor graduation without fireworks?

A proposed noise ordinance in Milton has local high school officials concerned about its effect on activities at the school, many of which are held outdoors such as football games and marching band practice.

If passed, the ordinance would limit "unreasonable" noise if it met three of five conditions. Those conditions include if the noise is

• between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.;

• plainly audible inside a dwelling;

• amplified by a machine

• abnormally high or low [as judged] by a listener with normal hearing;

• and is constant for at least 5 minutes, or is repeated at least three times within 30 minutes.

The ordinance as proposed is not directed specifically at school activities, but the new school would be one of the few establishments in the city affected by the law. The law also seeks to control noise from construction equipment and lawn tools during early morning hours and late at night. Council is set to vote on the ordinance this month.

Milton High School Principal Ron Tesch said noise coming from many sports activities or marching band practice meets at least three of the five conditions, and therefore would be unlawful.

"I don't want to have the Milton Marching Mimes," laughed Tesch during a meeting with Milton City Council members last week to discuss the ordinance.

Tesch told the council he has worked hard to limit noise from the school, and detailed steps administration has taken to appease residents of nearby homes, some of which are less than 200 feet from the school boundaries.

"We've tweaked a lot of things since last year [when the school opened] to help alleviate concerns we've had over noise," said Tesch. "We're making the best effort we can to get the sound under control with the resources we have."

When asked, he noted there have been no more than five complaints about noise in the two years the school has been open. Those complaints were centered mainly on the sound of the loudspeaker during games or music during practices. Members of the City Council also confirmed receiving only a handful of complaints about school noise, again from the same residents also complaining to the school.

Tesch said he takes all complaints seriously, going so far as to take a decibel reader to areas outside the stadium on game nights to judge noise levels. What he has found is the noise is not unreasonably louder than other sources of noise, such as passing cars.

The school has worked on realigning speakers, limiting the times when the stadium's loudspeakers could be used, and even keeping percussion members of the marching band indoors during practice.

Tesch even tested a mobile loudspeaker with good results. However the $40,000 price tag was beyond the means of the school. He admits mistakes have been made in the past with regards to excessive noise, but the school is committed to being a good neighbor.

He told the council the school was in an unusual situation since relocating two years ago from downtown Alpharetta, where it stood for more than 80 years as one of the oldest schools in Fulton County. At that location, the school was also surrounded by homes, but the city passed a variance to its ordinance exempting noise from organized youth activities.

"When we left downtown Alpharetta, I had many people saying the thing they were going to miss most was the sounds of Friday night football," said Tesch.

Council members acknowledged that Milton High School is one of the most visible aspects of the new city, but clearly want to balance the needs of the school with the concerns of the community.

"No one from the city is saying we want to eliminate school activities," stressed Milton Council member Rick Mohrig. "We just want a balance."

Milton resident Jose Creamer told the city council during its recent work session he fully supports the noise ordinance, and also wants to make sure residents have the right to weigh in on any variances. The proposed noise ordinance provides for a variance, which Milton High School could apply for in specific events.

The noise ordinance in Milton has sparked the attention of at least one state politician. State Rep. Charles "Chuck" Martin, R-Alpharetta, whose son was a standout on the Milton football team, said he has problems with "perceived perception of a noise violation", written in the ordinance.

"From what I read, and I'm not an attorney, I think it is inherently unconstitutional to ask a police officer to make a ruling on what is 'unreasonable' noise without a clear measurement," said Martin. "It's like asking them to make a ruling on what is speeding [without designated speed limits.]"

City Attorney Mark Scott said he saw potential legal issues with an ordinance based on decibel ratings, and therefore opted for "perceived perception."

Martin said he hoped the city and school system come to a consensus that considers the needs of the thousands and kids and parents associated with the school system and the needs of the community.

Resident John Miller, who addressed the Milton City Council during a recent work session, echoed Martin's sentiment.

"I just want to make sure we do not keep schools from having Friday night football," said Miller.

Milton students assigned saplings for Arbor Day.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The City of Milton helped Summit Hill Elementary School celebrate Arbor Day Friday, donating $420 to purchase 830 saplings students will plant on public property. Milton firefighters joined Summit Hill staff and parents Friday handing out red buds, maples and oaks to students as they boarded buses home.

Lynn Tully, Milton director of community development, said the money comes from Milton's Tree Recompense Fund, which developers pay into when they remove trees that cannot be replanted on their property. The money goes to greenery on public land. Students and their parents have been given maps detailing public property and a planting guide created by City Arborist Mark Law.

Sen. Albers Introduces Bill to End GA 400 Toll.

ATLANTA (February 16, 2011) – Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) has introduced Senate Bill 97 aimed at ending the Georgia 400 toll. In September, the DOT board and the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) approved a 10-year extension for the toll that was set to expire this July.

“The extension was approved without any involvement from the people who drive through the toll every day. Voters originally approved the toll with the understanding that it would expire after it had paid off its debt, and had no say in extending the project for at least another 10 years,” said Albers. “With this legislation, we are establishing a process that would only allow tolls to be extended with the approval of SRTA and a joint resolution from the Georgia General Assembly. This is about preserving voter trust by ensuring that future decisions are made with community engagement and support.”

The bill prohibits any toll that is no longer paying off debt or interest from collecting a toll from drivers. SRTA is also required to review all operating tolls and create a schedule for paying off any interest as quickly as possible.

# # # #

Sen. John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

To the 2,450 contacts of the City of Milton's e-newsletter.

On Feb. 21, 2011 I will celebrate the birth of my daughter, Tallulah Grey Wright.

As such, I am taking two weeks to care for her and my wife and will return Tuesday, March 8. During this time, you will not see the regular updates from the Communications Department to which you have become accustomed (regular press releases, pre- and post-meeting updates, etc.).

Per state law, the City of Milton will remain active online, as agendas and minutes will be posted on the Web site. During this time, if you have questions or concerns, please continue to e-mail info@cityofmiltonga.us or call 678-242-2500 and a member of the City of Milton staff will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as Milton's Communications Manager.

Regards,

Jason Wright

Milton's Open Road Neighborhoods - A Ticking Time Bomb.

By Accessmilton.com

Once again, familes who reside in Milton's open road neighborhoods were put in danger this past week.

58 year old Charles Boatright of Canton decided to use the residential node of Batesville Road as his drinking and driving playground on February 13 around 4:20am.

A witness saw the suspect drive by and heard a crash a moment later. Mr. Boatright had flipped his vehicle after plowing through a "Stop Ahead" sign, going into the other lane, and into the front of a Milton resident's yard, according to Milton Officer Fregosi's report. The Nissan Morano came to rest on it's side.

The suspect would end up being ticketed for failure to maintain lane and DUI.

With Milton announcing a surplus, many residents hope that more officers will be hired to focus on speed enforcement and safe driving in the open road neighborhoods throughout the city.

Taxpayer advocate won't fight Milton County anymore.

By Johnny Edwards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In an act of protest, taxpayer advocate John Sherman has quit a group formed to stop Milton County secession.

John Sherman, president of the Buckhead-based Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation, bows out of fight against Milton County secession.

Sherman, president of the Buckhead-based Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation, said it's because the Fulton commission has yet to adopt any of the cost-cutting recommendations by two of its own blue ribbon committees and a legislative subcommittee.

"Not a single one," said Sherman, whose foundation estimates that the committees' unanimous suggestion would cut expenditures by 38 percent. "That's anarchy. Unless we accommodate the residents of north Fulton, we will become divided, as we are now, de facto."

Earlier this week, he sent a e-mail to all seven commissioners resigning from the One Fulton County advisory committee, formed by Chairman John Eaves in 2009. The gesture gives a symbolic boost to the Milton movement, as last year Sherman was one of the strongest lobbyists against the House bill that would pave the way for Milton to re-form.

"I think as time passes, more and more people are going to understand the tyranny that has been placed upon north Fulton," said Michael Fitzgerald, a member of the Milton County Legislative Advisory Committee.

The House measure has been re-introduced this legislative session, with all 10 north Fulton senators and representatives dropping their own bills. The breakup of Georgia's largest county would subtract hundreds of millions of dollars from the general fund and school system. Buckhead leaders oppose the idea, fearing it would make their affluent area the county's new cash mine.

Commissioners contend that Fulton is one of the best-run, most efficient county governments in the state. The recommendations Sherman is referencing date back to 2006 and 2008.

"Some of the recommendations have already been acted upon," Eaves said. "Some of them are irrelevant. Some of them, it takes the legislature to act upon, not the county."

Sam Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition and a One Fulton committee member, said he's disappointed with the commission, too, but he doesn't think quitting is the answer.

"That doesn't change the damage that Milton secession would do to the City of Atlanta," he said.

Staff writer Pat Fox contributed to this article.

Former ‘Most Wanted' madame convicted of murder.

Kisha Rutledge received life in prison for role in arranging a Sandy Springs slaying.

By Christian Boone/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Sandy Springs madame who avoided capture for more than two years was sentenced to life in prison late Friday for her role in the murder of a former client.

Prosecutors say Kisha Rutledge engineered the June 2007 plot to rob construction worker Keith Alan Brown at his Milton apartment because she knew he carried large amounts of cash. Brown was shot several times by already convicted conspirators Jeff Dulcio and Stephen Woods as Rutledge and adult entertainer Michelle Morrison waited in a car outside, according to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.

The murder was the first in the history of the north Fulton city, incorporated in December 2006.

Dulcio and Morrison were sentenced in 2009 to life in prison plus five years for their roles in the slaying. Woods reached a plea deal with prosecutors and was sentenced to 15 years in prison on armed robbery and weapons charges.

Rutledge was arrested in August 2009 soon after her case was featured on the television show "America's Most Wanted."

'Milton Madam' sentenced to life in prison.

Convicted of masterminding Milton's first murder.

By Jonathan Copsey; Appen Newspapers

February 17, 2011

MILTON – Kisha "Key" Rutledge, the notorious "Milton Madam" accused of orchestrating Milton's first murder in 2007, has been sentenced in Fulton County Superior Court to life in prison.

Rutledge, owner of an Atlanta escort service, discovered a Milton man, Keith Brown, was in possession of thousands of dollars at his home. Along with three accomplices – Jeff Dulcio, Steven Woods and Michelle Morrison – Rutledge drove to the home June 12, 2007, where Dulcio and Woods attempted to rob Brown. During the burglary, shots were fired from both Brown and Dulcio. Brown was wounded and, after dialing 911, died.

It was Milton's first homicide, occurring less than a month after the police department was launched in May 2007. Police detective Travis Parker was assigned to the case. It was his first murder investigation.

"It feels pretty good to have closure on that case," said Parker, who worked with GBI agents to catch Rutledge. "We looked for her for almost two years."

Parker, now a patrol supervisor, said Dulcio and Woods were unknown to the victim, but that Rutledge was in contact with him, setting up "dates" with her escorts.

"There was evidence from the victim's phone that led to Michelle Morrison, and once we got her, she pretty much cooperated with us and she was able to give us nicknames," Parker said. "From those nicknames we were able to find Woods and Dulcio."

Rutledge was on the run until 2009, when she was captured in Houston, Texas, after her case was dramatized in the television show "America's Most Wanted."

She was smart, said Parker. Rutledge did not have her own cell phone. Instead, she would use disposable phones or those of other people, so she could not be easily traced. Parker said that there was no telling if Rutledge had done this sort of crime before.
The night he died, Brown had contacted Rutledge to set up a date with Morrison, an escort. All four conspirators arrived at Brown's Milton home and tried to force entry. Both Brown and Dulcio were armed and shots were fired.

Both Dulcio and Morrison were caught soon after the murder. They were tried and sentenced to life in prison in 2009 for their roles in the murder. Woods pled guilty in a plea agreement and was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted armed robbery.

"I want to express how pleased I am that all the parties involved in this crime have been brought to justice," said Milton Police Chief Deborah Harrell. "I especially want to highlight the determination and hard work of Milton Police Lt. Travis Parker, who led the initial investigation, and the GBI for their invaluable assistance on this case."

Milton council mulls changing road privatization rules.

State change to law allows flexibility

By Jonathan Copsey; Appen Newspapers

February 15, 2011

MILTON - Privatizing a road is a touchy subject. Residents of a subdivision may be concerned over the safety of their roads thanks to commuters cutting through. However, those commuters are using their roads because the main ones are clogged with too much traffic. If the subdivision is cut off, that's one less route through Milton.

At last week's meeting, the council heard from city staff, which said Milton should look at changing its rules now that state law has changed to give municipalities more leeway in deciding what roads to abandon.

When a municipality abandons a road – thereby privatizing it – the city stops paying for the upkeep. The residents who wished their road privatized would be responsible for keeping it up to city code, but they would have the freedom to do what they please in regards to traffic-calming measures– installing speed bumps or even gating off the road.

A new law introduced by Jan Jones (R-Milton) last year relaxes the burden on cities that want to abandon roads. Under the previous law, cities had to get 100 percent approval of all residents who may be affected by the abandonment. In a subdivision, that could mean every resident within.

City Attorney Ken Jarrard said that, under the new law, council could have wide leeway in how it decides who gets to privatize their roads, basing judgment on whether it serves the public interest to keep the road.

"That is altogether a different thing," Jarrard said to the council. "You as a city council get to determine what is in the best interest of the city. That's why you were elected."

He added, "I think that's a significant change."

All North Fulton cities have the 100 percent rule and, to staff's knowledge, there are no other cities thinking of changing their policy.

Now that the door is open to change the city's law, most council members voiced concern to requiring every affected resident's approval.

"I don't believe 100 percent approval is a realistic standard," said Council member Karen Thurman, whose sentiment was echoed by the others on council, with Joe Longoria adding that homeowners' associations should get more of a say.

"Something like 75 percent of Milton's citizens live in a subdivision that has an association coupled with it," Longoria said. "I think we should allow the HOA to play a role."

Several subdivisions in Milton have pushed to close off their roads to cut down of traffic and crime, however they cannot gate off a public road. The residents of Crooked Creek subdivision have long been asking to gate their roads, and that was a major issue during Longoria's election campaign. However, they have fallen short of the 100 percent resident approval.

Staff will take council's comments and revise the ordinance, bringing it back before council for approval in a few months.

Also discussed at the meeting:

* An alcoholic beverage license was unanimously approved to "Erwood's," a new business to open in Crabapple.

* Qualifying fees for this year's municipal elections were set at $390, or 3 percent of the salary a council member would make in the year. The elections will be held Nov. 8, with the seats of Julie Zahner Bailey (District 1), Burt Hewitt (District 4) and Alan Tart (District 6) on the ballot.