Atlanta firefighter arrested in Barrow

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Wednesday, July 8. 2009

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An Atlanta firefighter was arrested last week for allegedly beating and sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend, who is a paramedic in the Johns Creek area and resides in Barrow County.

The July 1 arrest of Joseph Shoemaker, 22, of McDonough was one of two local arrests of public safety workers from other jurisdictions.

A Gwinnett County police recruit was arrested in Auburn July 2 in connection with an alleged burglary.

Shoemaker is facing numerous charges following the incident.

For the rest of this story and other public safety and crime news, see the July 8 issue of the Barrow Journal.

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#1 james Laudermilk on 07/09/09 at 04:46 PM [Reply]

Shoemaker is agreat kid,I have worked with him many times. I would not be supprised if these charges turn out to be false and she ends up being charged with making a false statement.

#2 christy on 07/09/09 at 08:42 PM [Reply]

joey is a great youn man and my prayers are with him and his family and in the long run the truth will come out and then joey can get back to his life and everyone could see that they sould listen to both sides of the story instead of some one trying to destroy a young mans life

#3 Alta L Shoemaker on 07/10/09 at 07:24 AM [Reply]

Joey is my grandson. He is a sweet person who has never been in trouble before. His greatest goal in life was to be a Firefighter and now he is not able to live out his dream. He is a dedicated person, friendly, loving young man and I am so proud to be his grandmother.

#4 CDC on 07/10/09 at 08:48 AM [Reply]

I am saddened to hear this about Joey I have known him all of his life. I know him on a personal and professional level.Anyone who knows this wonderful hard working kind young man knows that this could not be true. The lord and angels from above will walk by his side in his time of need and the truth will set him free, Everyone remember Joey and his family in their time of need,and believe in the power of prayer. Know that there are plenty of people standing behind you. Stay strong and look ahead to the road in front of you THE FUTURE.....

#5 Greg WIse on 07/10/09 at 10:31 AM [Reply]

I know both of them and I have seen her be aggressive towards Joey but never Joey towards her. Joey has worked for me at my station and I know he has done none of this. She should be arrested immediately for making a false report! But there again this is just another example of the corrupt system where the woman is always believed no matter what. Good job Barrow Co., you should be proud you messed up a good person's life for a mental patient. Get some advice from a real law enforcement agency!

#5.1 ..... on 07/10/09 at 02:48 PM [Reply]

A definition: Libel- defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures. To those of you who are confident enough to call people "psycho" or a "mental patient": I hope that all of you are able to support these statements because you have yourselves committed a crime. There are always 3 sides to a story: his, hers, and what really happened. None of you were present when any of this was actually taking place so it is not up to you to try to prove that she has made a "false report" or that he is completely innocent. I have first hand seen only a very few things that are going to tell the truth in court. Barrow County detectives took physical evidence that they documented first hand in their police reports that will speak for itself. As far as the "false report"; there is only so much one can do when the DA is the one who presses the charges. Some of you need to step back and take in information from both sides before passing judgement. As far as those of you in public safety, don't make the rest of us look bad. If you're someone's boss, you shouldn't involve yourself this deeply in an employee's personal life. This is a very sad situation. It will not only effect the individuals that are most involved but also their family and friends.

#6 Linda Davis-Dobbs on 07/10/09 at 10:35 AM [Reply]

I have known Joey since he was 12 years old and have been running calls with him since he started at the fire dept. He is a good kid and would never do anything to hurt anyone. I can't believe this girl is such a psycho that she would put him and his family through this. My prayers are with him and his family and I know this will be set right in time.

#7 JR on 07/10/09 at 10:54 AM [Reply]

I have known Joey all his life and these charges are bogus and trumped up by someone
who neither cares for him nor loves him the way we do. Stay strong and keep your head-up because the real truth will come out and clear your good name.

#8 RHM on 07/10/09 at 11:39 AM [Reply]

I have also known Joey his entire life. He's is a really good person and these charges are a joke. Shame that someone is treated like a criminal before they are found guilty in a court of law.

#8.1 Joyce on 07/10/09 at 11:51 AM [Reply]

I saw the destruction in my daughters home and the filthy writings on the walls. He needs to be locked up

#8.1.1 Anonymous on 07/12/09 at 07:55 AM [Reply]

Nothing was written on any walls. if anything was written your daughter did it to make him look bad. Your daughter needs to do a major gut check.

#8.2 Amanda Schell on 07/10/09 at 04:51 PM [Reply]

Joey & I dated for 3 1/2 years prior to this relationship. I can honestly say that I know Joey better than anyone else in this world, and I know for a fact that he is not this monster that the article has made him out to be. The police department and media should get their facts straights before printing such false accusations. We'll get through this...I always have been and always will be your rock. God never fails us.

#8.2.1 Someone who cares on 07/24/09 at 09:11 PM [Reply]

Would you parents have the same things to say about him? I doubt it.

#8.3 MKR on 07/10/09 at 05:06 PM [Reply]

Who's treating him like a criminal?

#9 Dylan on 07/10/09 at 11:49 AM [Reply]

This is BS it really is. I've known his ex since High School. He's beat the crap out of her numerous times, not just one occasion. Just because he's an Atlanta firefighter doesnt mean he's this innocent angel. Ive met the guy more than once and yes, he seemed like a really nice guy but most people do when they are hiding things. He was a different person behind closed doors. Just because he is your friend or a family member doesnt mean he isn't abusive. I cant tell you the number of times ive seen his ex with bruises, black eyes, and scratches on her from where he physically abused her. He's cheated on her multiple times, beat her, emotionally and physically abused her more than once, so stop thinking he's this image of perfection. Im just stating cold hard facts that most of you people dont know about.

#10 Dylan on 07/10/09 at 11:54 AM [Reply]

This is absurd it really is. I've known his ex since High School. He's beat the crap out of her numerous times, not just one occasion. Just because he's an Atlanta firefighter doesnt mean he's this innocent angel. Ive met the guy more than once and yes, he seemed like a really nice guy but most people do when they are hiding things. He was a different person behind closed doors. Just because he is your friend or a family member doesnt mean he isn't abusive. I cant tell you the number of times ive seen his ex with bruises, black eyes, and scratches on her from where he physically abused her. He's cheated on her multiple times, beat her, emotionally and physically abused her more than once, so stop thinking he's this image of perfection. Im just stating cold hard facts that most of you people dont know about.

#11 James Laudermilk on 07/10/09 at 02:21 PM [Reply]

I hope Barrow prints the rest of the truth when this comes out. Joey should file charges on her for fileing false report.

#12 ..... on 07/10/09 at 02:36 PM [Reply]

#13 MD on 07/10/09 at 04:35 PM [Reply]

Joey's a great man. I've worked with both parties involved and with out a doubt trust Joey. These allegations are off the wall and make no sense if you Joey at all. I hate that an emotional ex can cause so much uneeded drama.

#14 jon f on 07/10/09 at 07:50 PM [Reply]

Libel is not a crime. It is not against the law. You can only be convicted in a civil proceeding for saying stuff like that. Not criminal court. Learn before you speak. Definition : duh

#14.1 Perrie Masonic on 07/11/09 at 08:41 AM [Reply]

Criminal libel does exist. It is rare, but, in some instances, libel IS a crime. So, jon-boy, you're not quite the legal eagle you apparently think you are.
Where did you go to law school?

#14.1.1 jon fincher on 07/11/09 at 06:38 PM [Reply]

14.1 It's called the state of Georgia police academy. And you Mr. Fake name?

#14.1.1.1 Pall Drayke on 07/12/09 at 01:44 PM [Reply]

"Fake Name" jab doesn't address the FACT that your opinion was WRONG. Of course, you aren't man enough to admit that. To reiterate: You stated that libel was not a "crime." In fact, it can be, even though it's quite rare. And, obviously, Po-leece Academy isn't the same thing as law school. So, are you a stupid cop? Or just a regular buzz-cut imbecile?

#15 Anonymous on 07/10/09 at 08:48 PM [Reply]

Libel can go both ways.

#16 James Laudermilk on 07/10/09 at 08:53 PM [Reply]

If he acually done it then I hope he learned from it. If he didnot do it then I hope she learns from it. Good luck to them both.

#17 concerned for the woman.. on 07/10/09 at 08:58 PM [Reply]

Jerks like that get off everyday for the emotional and physical abuse they cause on women. If it was for his "Mommy" Fulton Co Know it nothing his Record wouldn't be so clean. Abusers don't happen over night.. They form a pattern. Now that someone has spoken up, and he's been caught, he has family and friends write on his behalf. Please I have faith in OUR Sheriff's Office that this will be a good arrest. Thanks BCSO for Getting another abuser off the streets!!!

#17.1 Anonymous on 07/11/09 at 01:24 PM [Reply]

What u typed makes no sense! Check ur grammar or proof read before you submit!

#17.1.1 concerned for the woman II on 07/12/09 at 10:38 AM [Reply]

Well well well we have a grammer police here. What I'm trying to get across is that no matter who his family and friends are, They Can't get him outta the mess he's in. He needs to take responsiblity for his actions and stop getting his family and friends involved in his messes. A Real man takes his punishment. A BOY as several here have called him takes the low road of name calling and blaming others for his actions. No one male or female deserves to be beaten and scared by another individual.

#17.1.1.1 Anonymous on 07/12/09 at 07:24 PM [Reply]

NO GRAMMAR POLICE HERE, JUST RECOGNIZE IGNORANCE WHEN I SEE AND READ IT. YOUR COMMENT STILL MAKES NO SENSE. NOBODY IS TRYING TO GET HIM OUT OF ANYTHING, HE IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. ANYONE CAN ACUSE ANYBODY OF A CRIME EVEN THOUGH THEY DIDNT COMMIT IT. SO YOU BETTER CHECK OUT THE WOMAN TOO BECAUSE SHE IS NO SAINT.

#17.1.1.1.1 Touchy on 07/14/09 at 06:17 AM [Reply]

Looks like some one close to this situation is a bit upset and has to scream to get their point across. I know neither party, but the truth will come out and then people will see who was telling the truth and who was lying. Emotions are running deep in this drama unfolding and it's best if family and friends step back before they cause anymore damage to
either of the persons involved reputations. You are making both look like buffoons. You'll have your day in court.. then you can express your knowledge of the situation....

#18 Anonymous on 07/10/09 at 09:24 PM [Reply]

Freedom of speech, or the freedom of expression, is recognized in international and regional human rights law. Includes any medium, be it orally, in written, in print, through the Internet or through art forms. This means that the protection of freedom of speech as a right includes not only the content, but also the means of expression.
the right to seek information and ideas;
the right to receive information and ideas;
the right to impart information and ideas.

#19 wb on 07/10/09 at 10:18 PM [Reply]

THE FACTS WILL BE PRESENTED IN COURT. WHOEVER IS ON THIS WOMANS SIDE NEEDS TO CHECK OTHER POLICE REPORTS IN OTHER COUNTIES THAT WERE FILED ON HER!!!! SURE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE STUPID AND DO AND SAY THINGS THEY MAY REGRET LATER BUT JOEY KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF ITS TAKEN TOO FAR AND HE IS NOT STUPID. IF SHE WAS SO ABUSED THEN WHY DID SHE STAY WITH HIM?????? WHY DIDNT ANYONE REPORT THIS SO CALLED ABUSE PREVIOUSLY??? SAY MR. DYLAN?????? I DIDNT THINK SO!!!! HOW CAN SOMEONE BE ABUSED THEN GO TO WORK FOR 24HRS??? YEAH THATS WHAT I THOUGHT. THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT KINDA DAMAGE ONE CAN DO TO ONES HOUSE AND SELF IN 48HRS BEFORE THE POLICE IS CALLED. IM PRAYING FOR YOU JOEY BECAUSE I KNOW IN THE END YOU WILL BE EXONERATED AND ALL CHARGES ARE DISMISSED AND SHE WILL BE THE ONE IN JAIL FOR FILING A FALSE POLICE REPORT.

#20 Angela and Michael Wilson on 07/10/09 at 11:44 PM [Reply]

Between me and my husband, we have been in public safety with the fire dept. for almost 40 yrs. We have known Joey and his family since he was about 10 yrs. old, his only goal in life was to be a firefighter. He is one of the most respectful men we have ever known. We have always commended Billy and Leah on what a wonderful job they have done raising Joey, he has always been a very respectful boy....ie.....yes mam, no sir. etc..... We have a 5 yr. old daughter and we could only hope that she would meet and become involved with a man like Joey some day. We have nothing but respect for Joey and his parents. We are sure that things go a-rye in relationships, but have no doubt, that Joey would NEVER involve himself in the things he is accused of. And being in public saftey for as long as we have been, we have no doubt, that we would have the backing of the same opionion from several Battalion Chiefs and Captains.

God, You are an all knowing God, you Know how everything will turn out before it even happens. I pray that you will put your angels of protection around this man and his family and bring them peace, and put this in their past, in your loving name we pray.

#21 Judge Parker on 07/11/09 at 08:44 AM [Reply]

He is guilty as hell. Justice for him would be:
th' beatin' o' the week.

#22 mm on 07/12/09 at 12:08 PM [Reply]

judge parker, seems like your threatening, maybe you are guilty. careful what you say. things might turn up you regret as well as she.

#22.1 Judge Parker on 07/13/09 at 05:31 AM [Reply]

Could you possibly write in English the next time you address me? I couldn't comprehend your illiterate gibberish.

#23 CDC on 07/12/09 at 03:09 PM [Reply]

Bet the PD recuirt is happy he is only charged with taking a play station

#24 lampshade on 07/12/09 at 03:52 PM [Reply]

Lot of folks probably thought O.J. was a nice guy too.

#25 Leah Shoemaker Joey's Mother) on 07/12/09 at 08:43 PM [Reply]

I would like to thank all of our family and friends for the support, prayers, and loving comments that you have put on this article regarding Joey. Please continue your prayers.

PSALMS 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me,
uttering slanders against me,
my adversaries and foes,
they shall stumble and fall.

#26 Anonymous on 07/13/09 at 09:05 AM [Reply]

First -- I don't know either party involved. I don't know their family, friends, or co-workers.

Here's what I do know: An person who is abusive, knows how to hide it. How many times have you heard -- they seemed like such a happy couple (family); he/she was such a dolting parent; she/he worshiped the ground he/she walked on; they had everything. and so on and so on.

I also know that ex's can sometimes be spiteful and will do/say things that are untrue and meant to hurt the other person.

I also know the police wouldn't have arrested the guy without cause for "allegedly beating and sexually assaulting" his ex-girlfriend.

Please keep in mind the word ALLEGED. It's for the courts to decide. I know feelings are raw on both sides, but please, give BOTH sides privacy and a chance to defend themselves.

#26.1 Anonymous on 07/13/09 at 12:58 PM [Reply]

Finally, someone with some since!

I came from an abusive home. To everyone else my father did no harm to anyone, and was the local hero! So, when my father tried to shoot me, beanting me wasn't enough this time, and missed and hit my mother, no one believed me. (the story she was cleaning a gun that was loaded, accidentally went off, was more believable.) I was 16, A student, never in trouble, yet no one believed me.

All should allow this to play out let the truth come forward, and leave it alone. Many women and men are abused everyday. And everyday people lie about it, whether about being abused or maybe they weren't really. However many won't come forward for fear of the aggressor and ridicule of others.

#27 FU on 07/13/09 at 12:41 PM [Reply]

The TRUTH will come out...SOON! And To "Dylan", No one said he is an innocent angel, he will tell the truth and what really happened. And if you were such a great friend and have known her so long why didn't you take her to the police a long time ago since YOU say its happened before. I know I would not let my "friend" live in alleged abuse. And I know if this happened to me I would go to the police ASAP, not wait an entire day and work like nothing happened. And don't worry the "hard" facts will come out. Read Amanda's comment who was with him for over 3 YEARS! She was never "abused" so that shows its not all Joey. Joey has called me on many occasions upset and crying due to her behavior and not knowing how to "stop" her. The Lord will get us through this. We just have to believe! And Thank You to everyone who has put Joey and his family in your prayers... You know the REAL JOEY as I do.

#27.1 MKR on 07/13/09 at 01:05 PM [Reply]

Abuse isn't so simple. Go read up on abuse and dependency.

Friends often don't know, and when they do, they (generally) don't do anything about it unless they know they can convince the person being abused to testify against the abuser. That doesn't usually happen.

#28 sr on 07/14/09 at 12:31 AM [Reply]

Being a close friend to this family, I realize that some will say I am biased, But I have went over all this in my mind so many times.There truly must be something I am missing here!Its sad that any relationship comes to this,and that so many are hurt by it.
I have known Joey his Whole life and he has always been so polite to me and anyone else I have seen him have contact with. Its been Yes sir and no sir!And since I can remember he always has wanted to be just like his Dad and To make him proud. And it is truly hard for me to belive these allegation's!
Even more sad to me is that I am watching. a man that I have known and loved since I was eleven years of age,I am having to watch his heart Breaking!
When something like this happens, Its not just the two partys involved that get hurt, Its many people who are affected.

To Joey, hang in there,The truth will come out and i believe you will be vindicated!

To Dylan, It scare'S me to think I would ever have a friend like you,Acording to you , I would be a vegetable are dead by now!you can not truly be a friend to this person!

To the person who is making these allagations.
Why please tell me ,it took so long to report this incident!

To Barrow county:As in all cases, I hope you get this right,Cause you are dealing with lives here that will affect the out come of people's future's , and that is what most important!

I have seen many times in my life were break- ups will bring out the worst in people, Things are said that later they regret.Allegations are made that can't be taken back!

I pray that all who are involved do the right thing!

#28.1 Ricky Stanley on 07/14/09 at 07:27 PM [Reply]

I have known Shoemaker for most of my life. We grew up playing baseball together and have been best friends to this day. Around September of this past year Joey and this female canis lupis familiaris started dating (these words are in my opinion and are based off of my perception of her physical and social attributes and are in no way meant to define her being) {for all those who point and scream libel like an uneducated adolescent}. In the beginning the CLF found out that my wife and I were friends with Amanda "the unbeaten ex" and she demanded that joey cut all ties with my wife and I, thats right joey was not "allowed" to be friends with his child hood friend because the CLF had her own little set of mental issues. Mind you we met Amanda through joey so after they broke up we rarely talked to Amanda staying true to our friend, which gave no chance of joey and Amanda running into each other through us. So, my question is, why so paranoid? People, this and many other things that I am not allowed to say at this time have occurred that show with out doubt that the CLF does have mental issues that really do need to be addressed. To change the song, I'm not writing to damage the CLF's feelings or name as she has attempted to do to Joey. I am writing as a character reference for Joey. Knowing him so well I can say with all certainty that these accusations are completely bogus. Just remember that the BIGGEST word in the story above is "allegedly" and for all those whom are too incapable, allegedly means "we don't know if it happened or not it just sounded good to write a story about an Atlanta Fire Fighter with out all of our facts; aka our ducks aint in a row yet stupid." Unfortunately in our society today it is all too easy for a female to walk into a police station and claim a number of acts have been committed against her knowing that they have not. Now I don't blame Barrow County police as much as I do the CLF because if they do not throw on their cuddly little uniforms and spring into action the local news papers would have a field day with their uninformed selfs.

Joey you were always good at being the bigger person just keep in mind that when the CLF starts cracking under pressure and drowning in her lies tell your lawyer not to back down one inch. I know your a better person but if it were me, once she starts to slip due to overwhelming evidence I wouldn't stop until every last breath is squeezed out of her pitiful little case and thrown back in her face.

Now for all those people who's little wheels and I do mean little wheels are turning trying to think of something cute or cunning to say. Think before you write. Remember this is the world wide web and I would just love to come back and embarrass you in front of the globe!!!

#29 C.M. Thornton, III on 07/15/09 at 08:33 AM [Reply]

Boy...a lot of folks sure will be embarrassed and disappointed if this Joey guy isn't as sweet as some seem to think he is...

#30 The Truth on 07/15/09 at 02:13 PM [Reply]

They are both on a higher level of craziness than all of us combined. Kinda makes me chuckle

#31 Someone who cares on 07/23/09 at 03:06 PM [Reply]

I have known this woman for many years, and I applaud her for acting like a lady and not responding to all of these biased and hurtful things beeing said about her. Her, just like his, day in court will come and she will be able to prove her case - and do it constructively, with the court of law on her side.

#32 Anonymous on 07/26/09 at 08:35 AM [Reply]

make this clear She's not a Johns's Creek PMDC. She works in another area for RMA.

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Atlanta firefighter arrested in Barrow

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