Tucker Company Blamed for Damaging Houses

An engineering firm in Tucker is being blamed for damaging houses in a south DeKalb neighborhood.

Desmear Systems, based at 2130 LaVista Executive Park Drive, was contracted by the county to do granite blasting work at the Snapfinger Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to WSB. But residents of the nearby Camelot subdivision complained of cracks appearing in their homes and driveways after the project began.

Desmear was chosen after they gave a campaign donation to former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, according to the report. But the company was suspended from the project in September after numerous complaints and a grand jury is now looking into the affair. Critics said Desmear was not qualified to do the job, WSB reported.

Ellis is under indictment on multiple counts, including extortion, theft by taking and several conspiracy charges. He illegally pressured contractors and vendors into giving him campaign contributions, the indictment stated.  

Camelot residents were given until Dec. 20 to file damage claims with DeKalb County.