🌱 Johns Creek Woman Uncovers Scam + Local Drug Trafficker Sentenced

Hey, everybody. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Johns Creek Daily — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

A couple of afternoon showers. High: 62 Low: 49.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Looking for a local realtor you can trust and count on? Alan Horne of Weichert Vision has over 38 years of real estate experience and multiple 5-star reviews from clients who rave about his professionalism, responsiveness, market knowledge, compassion and negotiating skills. “First class customer service,” one writes. “Please do yourself a favor, and go with him,” says another. Work with a proven realtor your neighbors recommend, trust and know. Visit Alan here to learn more.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top four stories today in Johns Creek:

1. On Nov. 10, a Johns Creek woman told police she was almost the victim of a major fraud scam. A caller claimed they were from Amazon and told her thousands of dollars were charged on her Amazon charge card and she had opened loan accounts from Bank of America and Wells Fargo. She was told to send a picture of her license and take out $5,000 cash. After she did that, the person told her to open a cryptocurrency account. She then became suspicious and called her friend, who said the incident was fraud. The police advised her to notify the Department of Drivers Services because her license had been compromised and gave her an Identity Theft Victim Resources sheet. (Appen Media)
2. Giovani Orozco Ramirez, a 31-year-old living in Alpharetta, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for many charges, including drug trafficking activities, intent to distribute drugs with minors present, and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On the day Ramirez was arrested, he went to Johns Creek to discuss a drug deal with a potential customer. Chief Mark Mitchell of the Johns Creek Police Department said, "This is another example as to why partnerships with our federal law enforcement agencies are so vital toward the fight to eradicate illicit drugs from the Communities we serve. We are extremely grateful for the initial work by the DEA and the dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to see this case through to a very successful prosecution." (U.S. Attorney's Office: Northern District of Georgia)
3. On Dec. 6, the Johns Creek Planning Commission recommended rezoning a deserted 42-acre office park to create a mixed-use district at McGinnis Ferry Road and Johns Creek Parkway. The new district by Mark Toro, the creator of Avalon in nearby Alpharetta, would have restaurants, shops, offices, townhomes, apartments, and public space. A Johns Creek board backed the major redevelopment, but many members had reservations about the proposed number of apartments. The Johns Creek City Council is expected to cast its final vote on the rezoning by early next year. (Subscription: Biz Journals)
4. On Dec. 6, the Fulton County School Board swore in three new members. Michelle Morancie, Kristin McCabe, and Lillie Pozatek will take office in January 2023. (Appen Media)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Food Truck - B&L Cafe BBQ At Six Bridges Brewing (4:00 PM)
• Live Music: Dixie Duncan At Abbott's Bar and Grill (7:30 PM)
• Atlanta's Best Karaoke At Tony's Sports Grill (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Johns Creek police made no arrests on the alleged Nov. 12 knife attack on Barston Court due to inconsistent statements from all parties. But the woman — who allegedly held the knife — was cited for disorderly conduct for kicking and damaging the man's car. (Appen Media)
• A new, two-story townhome with three bedrooms is for sale in nearby Suwanee. View the link to see details and more homes on the market in the Johns Creek area. (Johns Creek Patch)
• Meet Atticus, a Domestic Short Hair kitten, who is looking for his forever home! Click the link to see Atticus and more adoptable pets in the Johns Creek area. (Johns Creek Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Roswell Rotary to sponsor Job Fair December 12 (December 12)
• Halcyon Hosts Fourth Annual Ugly Christmas Bar Crawl with the Grinch (December 15)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - A Kids' Christmas (December 17)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - Christmas Pops! (December 17)
• Christmas Eve Carols Service at Influencers Church Alpharetta (December 24)
• Add your event

Housing:

• NEWLY LISTED Amazing senior independent living community in Lawrenceville (Details)
• Add your listing

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!