Stockbridge, Georgia's youngest-ever mayor, Jayden Williams, has been temporarily stripped of some of his duties and privileges amid an investigation into his alleged spending habits. The probe comes less than a year after Williams, 22, was elected on a platform of accountability and transparency.
City council officials launched an investigation after receiving unspecified "information" regarding Williams' spending. On Friday, council members voted 5-0 to suspend the mayor's city-issued credit cards and block his use of city-owned vehicles. Williams was ordered to surrender his city-issued credit cards by Monday at noon but reportedly failed to meet the deadline.
While Williams has not been charged with any crimes, officials stated that these measures are intended "solely to preserve the integrity of City operations during the investigative process."
Williams, who became Georgia's youngest African American mayor earlier this year, has announced that he has taken legal action to ensure the process is conducted fairly. A statement shared on his Facebook page indicated that he "welcomes a full and independent investigation and looks forward to the opportunity to address any allegations through the proper process."
City officials confirmed that the credit cards could be deactivated remotely, securing the items even if they were not physically returned. Elton Alexander, the city's mayor pro tem, estimated the investigation should take between 30 and 45 days, emphasizing the importance of being "good stewards of the tax payer money."
During the investigation, Williams will retain the ability to preside over council meetings and perform other constitutional duties. He was elected to the mayor's office on a platform focused on "unity, accountability, and community-driven progress." Williams defeated a two-time incumbent by 420 votes, a victory his campaign team described as ushering in a "new era of leadership focused on collaboration, transparency, and inclusive growth."