Stockbridge, Georgia – The City Council of Stockbridge, a suburb of Atlanta, has stripped Mayor Jayden Williams, 22, of several privileges amid an investigation into alleged spending habits. The council voted to restrict Williams' access to city vehicles, his city credit card, nonpublic city facilities, and communication with city employees. He has also been asked to return city-issued keys and access cards.
The council hired an independent investigator on Tuesday to review Williams' spending. This action followed a report of suspicious activity associated with his spending from the city manager's office, according to Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander. The specific allegations regarding the use of funds and the total amount are not yet public.
Williams, who made history last year as Georgia's youngest African American mayor, has stated he will take legal action to ensure a fair and transparent process. His statement indicated he welcomes a full investigation and the opportunity to address any allegations through the proper channels.
"At the same time, fairness requires that no conclusions be reached and no punishment be imposed before the facts are established and he has been afforded an opportunity to respond," the statement read.
The restrictions are temporary and not disciplinary, pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the council. Alexander noted that Williams had not yet returned his cards on Monday, but they could be deactivated remotely.
Alexander also raised questions about Williams' primary employment, stating he was unsure if the mayor currently holds a job. "A lot of us have asked that question — whether or not he has a job," Alexander told NBC News.
Williams, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Political Science, defeated a two-time incumbent by fewer than 500 votes in the 2025 election and was sworn in six months ago. Stockbridge has a population of less than 30,000, and the mayor's position is part-time. The investigation is anticipated to take approximately 30 to 45 days, though the identity of the third-party investigator has not been disclosed.