The Stockbridge City Council voted to remove Mayor Jayden Williams from office following a nearly 10-hour hearing that exposed questionable spending practices and false statements about city credit card purchases. The 22-year-old, who became the city’s youngest mayor in history just eight months ago, now faces the end of his brief tenure after an independent investigation uncovered conflicting explanations about taxpayer-funded expenses.

False Statements About City Purchases

The investigation centered on a $322.92 charge at Pandora on the Square that Williams initially claimed was for staff gift cards, then changed his story to say he distributed them to community members. The actual receipt showed the purchase was for two beverages and three Father’s Day meals. Williams had submitted paperwork stating the receipt was missing, but investigators obtained the original documentation, exposing the false claim.

Williams testified during Saturday’s hearing that his use of the city-issued purchasing card for personal expenses was unintentional. However, Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander, who will serve as interim mayor, said the investigation revealed a pattern of problematic behavior. City Attorney Quinton Washington noted that council members considered employee treatment complaints alongside the spending issues when reaching their decision to remove Williams from office.

Attorney Claims Political Revenge

Robert Kenner, Williams’ attorney, disputed the council’s findings and accused members of acting on personal grudges rather than evidence. Kenner called the removal disappointing and announced plans to discuss filing an appeal in Henry County Superior Court. One councilwoman, LaKeisha Gantt, was barred by a judge from participating in the removal vote after her communications revealed bias against the young mayor.

The police department reviewed allegations involving Williams’ communications with an 18-year-old high school student but did not pursue criminal charges. The city council plans to meet Monday to discuss the special election process, including whether Williams will be eligible to run for his former position.

What Happens Next

Alexander emphasized he has no intention of running for mayor in the special election, stating he values his voting rights as a council member too much to give them up. The interim mayor said the investigation’s findings demanded action from the council. The case highlights ongoing concerns about financial accountability and ethical standards for elected officials, particularly when taxpayer funds are involved. Williams’ removal marks a dramatic fall for someone who made history as Stockbridge’s youngest mayor less than a year ago.