🌱 Former Gwinnett County Teacher Arrested + Student Chefs Compete

Hi all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with a shower or two. High: 59 Low: 53.

Are you a real estate agent in Dacula struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Dacula newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Here are the top three stories in Dacula today:

1. R'Kheim Young, 36, a former teacher at Gerard Prep School in Gwinnett County, has been arrested on two counts of child molestation and one count of improper sexual contact with a child under 16. Investigators say that the victim's mother reported allegations from her daughter in February. Young was the school's art and Spanish teacher and has been teaching for more than a decade, and he was suspended as soon as allegations were made to the school and eventually fired following the arrest. (FOX5)
2. Two Gwinnett County teens are being accused of an armed robbery at a vape shop to try to get into the MS-13 gang. Jose Daniel Martinez, 16, was a witness to the robbery and was found shot to death a week later on Mar. 1. Investigators believe gang members killed Martinez after he had lied to them about one of the teen's whereabouts. Both teens involved in the robbery are being charged as adults. (WSB-TV)
3. Berkmar High School students have won first place in the state culinary championship. The winning menu at the championship included a sesame seed-crusted tuna, a stuffed duck, and a mousse. The team will move on to a national cookoff in Washington, D.C. in May and go up against 80 teams of the best student chefs from across the country. (WSB-TV)

Today in Dacula:

• Crazy 8s Math Club At Gwinnett County Public Library Dacula Branch (5:00 PM)
• Mocha Monday At TradeWind Coffee Co. (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Gwinnett County Sherriff's Office is recognizing Master Deputy Robert Chapman on his retirement after 23 years of service. Officer Chapman has made a remarkable impact on the community, and the sheriff's office thanks him for his dedication and service! (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Tickets are on sale now for Peter Pan: The Musical at Gas South District! The musical is presented by Pointe of Grace Ballet and will make its way to the Gas South Arena on Apr. 30. (Gas South District via Instagram)
• April is #NationalGardenMonth! Make this the month of the green thumb by visiting some of Gwinnett County's ten gorgeous community gardens. (Gwinnett Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Stress, Depression, and Anxiety Recovery Program (April 16)
• Add your event

That's it for today! See you soon for your next update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.