Ousted Georgia Mayor Jayden Williams Breaks Silence, Blasts City Officials
Williams, who was removed from office due to sexting and spending scandals, claims he was not properly informed about expense reporting procedures.
Jayden Williams, who became Stockbridge, Georgia's youngest-ever mayor, has broken his silence following his impeachment and removal from office. Williams, who served for 10 months, was ousted after investigations into alleged sexting with an 18-year-old male student and the misuse of nearly $4,000 in city funds.
Williams addressed the controversies, admitting to some expenses detailed in the investigation, including a $200 purchase at Academy Sports + Outdoors and a $63 purchase at a Polo Factory outlet. He also acknowledged a $322 expenditure at a restaurant for Father's Day, which he initially claimed were for gift cards but receipts showed were for food and sodas.
Despite these admissions, Williams criticized city officials, suggesting they failed to provide him with adequate guidance on expense reporting, particularly given his inexperience. "I take accountability for not asking the questions and doing my portion," Williams stated. "But they should have also taken the accountability to say ‘Hey, you’re a new mayor. You’re previously sitting on the council. This is your first time elected. Let’s go through these documents.’ That was never given to me."
He further contended that the questioned expenses were drawn from a $5,000 allowance fund designated for the mayor's office, not the city's general budget.
Regarding the sexting scandal, which involved a student in his mentoring program that was not affiliated with the city, Williams argued that no oath of office was violated as the exchanges occurred before he became mayor. However, he conceded that the relationship could be seen as inappropriate, stating, "I would have to somewhat agree" and that he "stopped it immediately." No criminal charges were filed, and the student was an adult.
Williams expressed surprise at his removal, stating he expected a decision like that to come from voters. He maintained that he would "never stop fighting for Stockbridge" despite not seeking a return to office. A special election to fill the mayoral vacancy is anticipated for November or March.