Does School Start Too Early? | Patch PM

Almost 12,000 people, many of them parents, have signed a petition arguing that at least one local school system is bringing students back to school too early. Meanwhile, a Gwinnett County man was arrested for molesting an 11-year-old boy during a professional massage, and police say a woman left her young daughter alone in a filthy, roach-infested apartment while she went out clubbing. Here are the top local news stories worth reading and talking about on Monday, July 24, as pulled from our Georgia Patch sites.

Nearly 12,000 Sign Petition Protesting Cobb Schools' Early Start

Nearly 12,000 people have signed a petition decrying the early start of the school year for Cobb students. School begins July 31 for students in the Cobb County Schools District. It's too hot for students to take part in outside activities required in schools and outdoor extra-curricular programs, the petition says.

Gwinnett Man Molested Boy During Massage: Police

A Gwinnett County man who advertised himself as a massage therapist has been arrested on charges he molested an 11-year-old boy. Marquez Hernandez, 48, of Lilburn, was arrested July 8 and charged with aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation and giving a false name to police. Earlier that day, Lilburn Police say a woman reported that her 11-year-old son had received a massage from Hernandez and, during the massage, Hernandez had twice touched him inappropriately.

Child Left In Roach-Infested Cobb Apartment While Mom Out Clubbing: Police

A Cobb County woman remains in jail after her child was found alone in filthy conditions at her apartment in Marietta, Patch has learned. The child, an 11-year-old girl, came to the attention of authorities when she knocked on the door of a neighbor and begged for food. The incident happened July 15 about 7 p.m., according to news reports.

More Georgia Headlines:

• Man Accused Of Killing Wife Turns Himself In
• Club Patrons Brawl Over $900 Debt Owed To Assault Victim: Blotter
• Teen Arrested In Gwinnett Double-Shooting
• Small Plane Lands On Highway In Gwinnett
• Man Fatally Shot In Stone Mountain: Authorities
• Lyft Driver Carjacked By Two Gunmen In Atlanta: Authorities

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