Georgia Today: DeKalb Jail Escape Update; Atlanta Housing Fraud Case; New Opioid Research & Risks

Podcast: Georgia Today (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Host: Peter Biello
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today provides updates and insights into three major news stories in Georgia: the recapture of three inmates who escaped from the DeKalb County Jail, a senior Atlanta Housing Authority executive charged with fraud, and new UGA research linking opioid use to increased infection risk. Additional reports cover appointments to the Georgia State Election Board, a disability discrimination settlement, astronomical research in Georgia, the sale of a historic Savannah landmark, and holiday safety reminders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DeKalb County Jail Escape Recapture

Segment Start: 00:32

• Incident: Three escaped inmates from DeKalb County Jail were captured after fleeing to Miami.
• Recapture: U.S. Marshals assisted in locating and arresting the men, who were considered armed and dangerous, but no civilian injuries have been reported.
• Security Issues: Sheriff Melody Maddox cited “aging infrastructure” as a factor in the escape, implying a need for funding to improve security.
  • No disclosure on how the escape was executed.

2. Atlanta Housing Authority Fraud Case

Segment Start: 00:59

• Accused: Tracy Denise Jones, senior vice president at Atlanta Housing Authority.
• Charges: Engaging in schemes to fraudulently collect Section 8 housing payments, pandemic relief fund fraud, and mortgage fraud.
• Scheme Details: Jones allegedly used shell companies and an alias to hide her receipt of Section 8 payments for her rental property, in violation of rules prohibiting staff from collecting such payments personally.
• Status: Jones was arraigned last week; she is not currently listed on the Housing Authority’s website and the organization did not respond to GPB’s request for comment.
• Agency Involvement: HUD Office of Inspector General is leading the investigation.

3. New Opioid Research & Risks

Segment Start: 01:56

• Research: University of Georgia study finds that the use of opioid pain medication increases the risk of developing C. Diff infection in hospitalized patients.
  • C. Diff: A highly infectious bacterium causing nausea and diarrhea.
• Particularly At Risk: Patients with compromised immune systems, including the elderly and those with renal or liver disease.
• Expert Commentary:
  • Pooja Goplay, PhD Candidate:

    “Clinicians need to be aware that the risk might be higher in such patients and need to consider that factor when prescribing opioids and also monitor patients on opioids for any signs and symptoms of C. Diff.” (02:28)

  • Call for More Study: Goplay notes further research is needed to fully understand these risks.

4. State and Local Government & Legal Updates

• State Election Board Appointment (Segment Start: 02:51)

  • Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones appoints Sally Grubbs to the State Election Board; described as a strong supporter of election integrity, aligned with top GOP figures.
  • Quote – GOP Chair Josh McCune:

    "Grubbs has a strong record of leadership and deep commitment to election integrity."

• Chatham County Board of Elections

  • Brooke Schreiner appointed as the new supervisor, taking over in February 2026.

• Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Settlement (Segment Start: 03:53)

  • First Franklin Financial Corporation to pay $750,000 and update its accommodation policies after the EEOC found they denied reasonable accommodations and, in at least one case, fired an employee for requesting medical leave.

5. Science & Astronomy

Segment Start: 04:42

• Astronomical Discovery:
  • Georgia State’s CHARA Telescope Array captured real-time images of two stellar explosions (novae) — a first in astronomy.
  • Detail from CHARA Director Gail Shaffer:

    “The second one that we called that year, it was a very slow, evolving nova. For that one. It took about 50 days before, like the outer layers kind of exploded outward.” (05:07)

  • These observations will help better understand star life cycles.

6. Savannah Cotton Exchange Building for Sale

Segment Start: 05:30

• Historic Landmark: The Savannah Cotton Exchange, built in 1886 and a key site in the global cotton trade, is up for sale for the first time in roughly 150 years.
• Uses: The $10 million property could become an event facility, restaurant, or luxury apartments.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Ann Bozzi, Engel & Volkers, on the ambiance:

    “You walk into the foyer and then you go into the trading floor and the energy is still there.” (05:57)

7. Holiday Travel & Safety Reminders

Segment Start: 06:29

• Message from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
  • Captain Maurice Raines urges Georgians not to drink and drive during the holidays.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “No one has to drink and drive. No one has to make that selfish, unnecessary choice on getting on our roadways.” (06:45 – Orlando Montoya)

  • Over 360 arrests for impaired driving were made last holiday season.

8. Media & Arts

• HOT 97 Launches Atlanta News Show (Segment Start: 07:29)
  • Hot 97 News Atlanta debuts in January as a daily one-hour live program focusing on metro Atlanta news, music, and entertainment, hosted by Lana Harris and Rondell Smith.

9. Sports

• NBA Highlight: The Atlanta Hawks face the Chicago Bulls, who are looking to extend a three-game win streak. Previous matchup was the season’s highest-scoring NBA game (152-150 Bulls).

Notable Quotes

• Pooja Goplay (UGA opioid research):

  "Clinicians need to be aware that the risk might be higher in such patients and need to consider that factor when prescribing opioids..." (02:28)

• Captain Maurice Raines (Holiday Safety):

  “No one has to drink and drive. No one has to make that selfish, unnecessary choice on getting on our roadways.” (06:45)

• Ann Bozzi (Savannah Cotton Exchange):

  “You walk into the foyer and then you go into the trading floor and the energy is still there.” (05:57)

• Gail Shaffer (CHARA Director):

  "The second one ... it took about 50 days before, like the outer layers kind of exploded outward." (05:07)

Important Timestamps

• DeKalb Jail Escape Recapture: 00:32
• Atlanta Housing Authority Fraud: 00:59
• UGA Opioid Study: 01:56
• State Election Board Appointment: 02:51
• Disability Discrimination Settlement: 03:53
• Astronomy Discovery: 04:42
• Savannah Cotton Exchange for Sale: 05:30
• Holiday Drinking & Driving Warning: 06:29
• Hot 97 News Atlanta Launch: 07:29

For more details on any story, visit GPB News.