Key facts
- Stockbridge, Georgia, city council voted to remove Mayor Jayden Williams, 23, from office.
- Allegations against Williams included inappropriate communications with an 18-year-old high school student.
- Williams allegedly offered the teenager a city-backed internship and mentorship while asking to be "friends with benefits".
- Investigators questioned Williams about receiving nude photographs via text message.
- Williams' use of a city-issued credit card for purchases like movie tickets and clothing was also examined.
- Williams denied ordering office locks changed and stated his credit card use was accidental.
Stockbridge, Georgia, city leaders have voted to remove Mayor Jayden Williams, 23, from office amid allegations of questionable spending of municipal funds and inappropriate communications with an 18-year-old high school student. Williams, who took office in January, was the youngest mayor in the community's history.
An investigation preceding his removal examined communications between Williams and the student, which reportedly included sexually suggestive messages and explicit photos. Williams allegedly offered the teenager a city-backed internship and mentorship while also inquiring about a "friends with benefits" relationship. During a council hearing, Williams was questioned about receiving nude photographs via text message, to which he responded that it was "not abnormal for somebody my age."
Further allegations involved Williams' use of a city-issued credit card for purchases such as movie tickets, clothing, and jewelry. Williams stated that the use was accidental and that he had reimbursed the city. Investigators also accused Williams of creating a hostile work environment, including changing office locks and shouting at staff.
Williams denied ordering the locks changed, attributing issues to jammed keys. His attorney expressed disappointment with the council's decision, stating it was not based on evidence. Interim Mayor Elton Alexander, however, indicated that the removal was based on findings from an independent investigator, Richard Hyde, which "demanded we act."
Williams' situation draws parallels to other young mayors facing legal or political trouble, such as Tyrin Truong of Bogalusa, Louisiana, who was arrested in connection with a drug-trafficking investigation.