GWINNETT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER FOLLOWING OPERATION (Gwinnett County, Ga., January 8, 2026) – On January 7, 2026, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office arrested convicted sex offender, Tarek Mentouri, following an operation led by the GCSO Jail Investigation Unit and Trafficking and Child Exploitation (TRACE) Unit. Mentouri was previously arrested in November 2025, after requesting video visitation with a female inmate at the Gwinnett County Jail using false identification. He was charged with Unlawful to Possess, Display, or Use Any False, Fraudulent, or Altered Identification Document. He was later released on bond. In December 2025, GCSO investigators received information that Mentouri was posting advertisements for massage therapy services on multiple websites. Following the operation, it was determined that he was allegedly operating a massage business without a valid license and had failed to register his employment as required by Georgia law for sex offenders. Mentouri has now been charged with two counts of Unlawful Advertisement or Practice of Massage Therapy, Unlicensed Massage Therapy, and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender/Failure to Comply with Requirements/Providing False Information. He remains in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail without bond. This is an active and ongoing investigation. To submit a tip, call 770.619.6655 or visit GwinnettCountySheriff.org. ###
GABCO News
Online filing for DeKalb County homestead exemptions opens Jan. 1 Homeowners encouraged to check their exemption status DECATUR,GA – DeKalb County homeowners who do not have a homestead exemption, or who may qualify for a senior, disabled veteran or disabled resident exemption, are encouraged to apply online before the April 1 deadline https://ocgnews.com/online-filing-for-dekalb-county-homestead-exemptions-opens-jan-1/
The Georgia House Democratic Caucus is thrilled to announce the election of Rep. Carolyn Hugley as the new Minority Leader. With her extensive experience, Hugley is set to lead with a "majority-minded, member-focused" vision, emphasizing unity, healthcare, and education. Her leadership team, including Chair Rep. Tanya Miller, Vice Chair Rep. Spencer Fry, Caucus Whip Rep. Sam Park, Deputy Whip Rep. Saira Draper, Treasurer Rep. Solomon Adesanya, and Secretary Rep. Park Cannon, is driven by a shared commitment to building momentum for a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, they aim to transform their ambitions into action as they work towards securing a majority in the 2026 legislative elections. Excited for what lies ahead, the team is poised to make significant strides for Georgia. Congratulations to the new leadership! #gahousedems #GADemocrats #GeorgiaDems
📣 Stockbridge is on the GO! The City of Stockbridge Government recently hosted its Hometown Connection Legislative Meeting. This event allowed state legislators, staff of the Georgia Municipal Association, the City of Stockbridge Staff, and the Stockbridge City Council to proudly show joint collaboration, teamwork, and progress. 📣Our City is shining!💫✨🙌🏻🙌🏼🙌🏾
The Same House was proud to attend the Spirit of DeKalb Awards alongside DeKalb County Government and Madam CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. We are excited to partner in a collaboration focused on creating positive impact and meaningful change across the DeKalb County community. Our CEO, Rodney Bullard, and COO, Amy Woodson, were in attendance and gratefully received a generous donation in support of The Same House, directed toward projects that advance economic mobility in DeKalb County. ✨ We are excited about this partnership and look forward to what’s ahead.
Congratulations to Henry County Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell and Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett for being honored by the Henry County Branch of the NAACP. Chairwoman Harrell has received the Myrlie Evers Trailblazer Award. This award recognizes her exceptional courage, visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. Sheriff Scandrett, the county’s first African-American Sheriff, has received the Medgar Evers Vanguard of Justice Award. This honor embodies his innovative leadership and commitment to protecting the community. The awards were presented at the organization’s Freedom Fund Gala, a celebration of excellence, leadership and community impact. “I am deeply humbled to receive the Myrlie Evers Trailblazer Award, named after a pioneering civil rights leader and trailblazer,” she continued. “This recognition serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is about service, dedication and commitment. I am committed to continuing to serve the Henry County Community with my heart and soul. Thank you, Henry County NAACP, for this esteemed honor.” “The Henry County NAACP Gala was truly unforgettable,” said Harrell. “Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered a stirring message that filled us with hope and determination. Despite the challenges ahead, she reminded us of the transformative power of our vote.” We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all honorees for their outstanding contributions to justice, equality and the community. We appreciate the Henry County Branch of the NAACP for their ongoing work in advancing justice, equity and community empowerment. Learn more: bit.ly/henrycountyawards
Sing the Dream. Live the Vision. Join us on Saturday, January 17, 2026, for the City of Columbus’ Official MLK “Dream Lives” Celebration. We are coming together as ONE community to honor the life, legacy, and vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk of Unity begins at 9 AM at the Judicial Center, followed by the full program at 10 AM at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. This event is FREE and open to the public. The Dream Lives On.
Rockdale County’s CTAE graduation rate soars above 99%, continues to top Georgia’s rate ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs remains exceptionally strong with 99.38% for the Class of 2025. RCPS continues well above the state-wide rate, which rose to 98.45%. Click link for full story: https://ocgnews.com/rockdale-countys-ctae-graduation-rate-soars-above-99-continues-to-top-georgias-rate/
Don't miss out on early registration for the NACo Legislative Conference! Click the link to visit the website and learn more!Registration is now open for NACo's 2026 Legislative Conference, with early bird rates available until Dec. 3! Join us in Washington, D.C., for a one-of-a-kind conference that will strengthen our intergovernmental partnerships for years to come. #NACoLeg Register now: https://bit.ly/47Njikd
Rockdale County’s CTAE graduation rate soars above 99%, continues to top Georgia’s rate ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs remains exceptionally strong with 99.38% for the Class of 2025. RCPS continues well above the state-wide rate, which rose to 98.45%. Click link for full story: https://ocgnews.com/rockdale-countys-ctae-graduation-rate-soars-above-99-continues-to-top-georgias-rate/
Join the excitement at the upcoming Tech Innovations Expo, where cutting-edge technology meets transformative ideas. This event is designed for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to explore the latest trends in innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, participate in workshops, and discover game-changing products that are shaping the future. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your knowledge and network with like-minded individuals.
. They encourage interested parties to engage and submit applications before the deadline.](https://www.gabcoonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Georgia-DOT-Opens-2026-Local-Maintenance-Grant-on-GABCO-570x350.jpg)
The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced that the 2026 Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant program application is now open. This program is designed to offer counties the necessary resources for local road projects. To learn more about the grant program, visit [Georgia DOT LMIG](https://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/LMIG.aspx). They encourage interested parties to engage and submit applications before the deadline.