🌱 Victims Trafficked At Cobb Hotels + Cobb Detainee Dies In Custody

Hello again, everybody. It's Thursday in Smyrna-Vinings and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in the community.

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But first, today's weather:

A little afternoon rain. High: 57 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories today in Smyrna-Vinings:

1. A lawsuit alleges that at least 15 people have been victims of sex trafficking at four different hotels near Smyrna. The suit, which was filed on behalf of nearly 20 women, includes allegations of prostitution that occurred between 2008 and 2016, with some victims being as young as 16 years old, according to attorney Patrick McDonough. A front desk employee at the Red Roof Inn in Smyrna allegedly stated that prostitution occurred at the motel constantly during that time. (WSB Atlanta)
2. James Martin, a detainee at the Cobb County Sheriff's Office in nearby Marietta, died five days after he was booked on Mar. 3 for possession of methamphetamine. Martin, who was known to be a heroin addict, informed the officials about his recent binge, which led him to be placed in the infirmary under close observation; he later died after suffering from a seizure on Wednesday morning despite the medical staff's efforts to save him. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations was asked to investigate Martin's death. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson and Brazilian community leaders are hosting a community meeting called "Little Brazil" next week at the Vine Atlanta Church in nearby East Cobb to gauge interest in forming a Brazilian cultural association. The meeting will be led by Brazilian community leaders Dilla Campos and Andreia Guilmet and will take place in the same venue as the Marietta Brazilian Festival. The aim is to bring together the Brazilian community in the East Cobb area and create a cultural association for them. (East Cobb News)

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Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Ward 4 Public Input Meeting At Smyrna Community Center (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Atlanta artist Matthew Evans pays tribute to the city's skyline in a unique way by using his signature chrome reflective smiley face. Through his mural, Evans combined art and technology, utilizing site-specific 360 photographs and a 3D model of a chrome object to create a dynamic and engaging art experience. You can see the mural at the link! (FOX 5 Atlanta)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Smyrna-Vinings area at the link. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• Arthur and Luisana Beaudet, who are passionate about high-quality and ethically sourced coffee, are opening a new cafe soon on Canton Road. Arthur, who grew up in the restaurant business, is now a supplier of coffee beans to local establishments like Marietta Perks and Honeysuckle Biscuits and Bakery. (Cobb County Courier)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! See you all tomorrow 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.