Endorsements of Mullis Include Governor, Lt. Governor, and Over 60 Local City and County Officials

by: Summer Kelley

Senator Jeff Mullis has received several noteworthy endorsements of his bid to continue serving in the 53rd District seat of the Georgia Senate according to a press release sent out on Thursday, May 28.

Among those endorsing Mullis are Governor Brian Kemp.

“Senator Jeff Mullis is a strong leader for Northwest Georgia and our entire state,” Governor Kemp said. “He has been a trusted ally in advancing our agenda to put Georgians first – from passing the Heartbeat bill and cracking down on gangs to teacher pay raises and making Georgia the #1 state for small business. I endorse Jeff Mullis and look forward to continuing our work with him in the Senate as we build a safer, stronger Georgia."

In addition to Governor Kemp, Mullis has also been endorsed by Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan.

“Jeff Mullis is one of the most effective leaders under the gold dome,” Lt. Governor Duncan said. “He consistently delivers real results and real economic development to Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade & Walker County that no other senator could, added Duncan. Jeff is a 100% pro-life, endorsed by the NRA - National Rifle Association of America, and is a strong supporter of President Donald J. Trump. I’m honored to endorse Jeff Mullis for re-election and I know he will continue to be a strong and consistent ally in the state senate.”

Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Gary Black and Attorney General Chris Carr have also endorsed Mullis.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black discusses how reliable Senator Jeff Mullis is as a legislator when he says that “every time I’ve called, he’s always been there to help. Senator Jeff Mullis is a friend to the Georgia farmer. I appreciate his service and his friendship and endorse his candidacy.”

“As Attorney General, I know what it means to protect and defend the United States Constitution, the laws of the State of Georgia, and the interests of its people. Senator Mullis echoes this as a strong defender of our 2nd Amendment Right to Bear Arms,” said Attorney General Carr. “He has authored or co-authored every pro-gun legislation to come out of our State Senate since his election. As he is the only candidate from the 53rd District with an NRA endorsement, I urge you to support and vote for Jeff Mullis for State Senate.”

The current state officials are joined in their endorsements by Former Governor Nathan Deal and Retired U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson.

"Jeff Mullis is a good friend and leader who has consistently fought for conservative values,” Isakson said. “He is widely recognized for his effective leadership and results for Northwest Georgia. He will always have my support, and I believe he has earned the support of voters in the 53rd district as well."

“Senator Jeff Mullis is a relentless conservative who knows how to get results,” Deal said. “During challenging times, his leadership is needed more than ever before to make certain northwest Georgia is plentiful in good-paying jobs, great schools, and ample opportunities for families to get ahead.”

More than sixty local city and county officials have endorsed Mullis as well, including all four Sheriff's from 53rd district which covers Dade, Walker, Catoosa, and Chattooga counties.

“I would be honored and ask for your vote during early voting that continues until June 5 or on election day on June 9th. Thank you, and God bless you,” Senator Mullis said.

Two Arrests Have Been Made in Investigation of Explicit Photo Exchange Involving DCHS Students

by: Summer Kelley

The arrest of two male subjects in connection with the federal investigation of sexually explicit photos of Dade County High School (DCHS) students being exchanged online was announced Wednesday afternoon.

A press conference was held by Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross and Trenton Police Chief Christy Smith to announce the arrests at the end of Wednesday's COVID-19 update. The two arrested are reported to be former DCHS students who had graduated within the last ten years and were serving in the military. Cross and Smith said they were unable to share any more information regarding the arrests or the investigation as the investigation is ongoing.

Both law enforcement leaders emphasized that local law enforcement was not involved in the investigation except to help with the victims, which is "probably less than 50". Smith said there are probably more victims elsewhere, but t

"Understand we are just assisting in this investigation, the federal agents have more information," Cross said. "There is not a lot I can tell you."

Cross also responded to accusations on social media that the investigation is being swept under the rug by reiterating that the investigation is being handled by federal agents and sharing that federal travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have delayed the investigation by a couple of months.

"Let me assure you that we are not sweeping this under the rug or hiding anything," Cross said. "It is just an investigation where we have to take our time to make sure the perpetrators are brought to justice."

"It is imperative that we respect their authority and the integrity of this case," Smith said of the federal agents and the investigation. "We will continue to do that. As this investigation is being handled by federal agencies, it is at their discretion what can be shared."

The investigation into the nude photo ring was first announced in December of last year. Local law enforcement and state and federal agents interviewed students at DCHS who were believed to be victims. At the time, there were thought to be as many as fifty adults and minors who were victims in the photo exchange.

If there were any teachers involved in the sexually explicit photo exchange, the federal agencies were taking care of the suspects and have not shared that information. Cross said local law enforcement was taking care of victims and was not privy to information on suspects. Cross said as far as they know there are not any teachers at the high school now who were involved.

Local law enforcement continues the search for victims. If anyone has information or believes they are a victim in this case, they can contact the Dade County Sheriff's Office at 706-657-3233 or the Trenton Police Department at 706-657-4167.

The full update and press conference can be viewed below.

Dade Health and Rehab COVID-19 Re-tests Return Negative

by: Summer Kelley

The four employees and one resident who tested positive for active COVID-19 last week at Dade Health and Rehab may in fact be negative for novel coronavirus.

Trina Massengale, LPN /Administrator at Dade Health and Rehab on Sand Mountain has shared the information that the re-tests performed the same day the positive COVID test results have returned negative for the virus. In an update, Massengale said the staff members and resident will continue to be in isolation until complete testing of the negative test swabs is completed.

"We will then update all of you when we have a more definite answer of what may have happened, or if contamination was involved," Massengale said.

Massengale announced the positive test results during a COVID-19 Update for Dade County last week. She shared information on what staff had been doing and continued to do in order to protect patients and staff during the pandemic.

That story can be found here in the Mountain Valley Independent at https://www.discoverdade.com/post/positive-covid-19-tests-at-dade-health-and-rehab-4-administrators-1-resident-being-re-tested.