Jayden Williams made history as the youngest mayor of Stockbridge when he took office at age 22 in January. Just 10 months later, the city council voted to remove him from office following a 10-hour misconduct hearing focused on his administrative conduct, spending and use of city resources. Williams, now 23, was removed after the council reviewed evidence gathered during a months-long investigation, according to local reports. The council’s decision ended a difficult investigation into Williams’ use of public funds, city property and communications with an 18-year-old high school student.
Atlanta News First reported that the city is preparing a formal resolution declaring the mayor’s seat vacant. Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander has taken over as interim mayor while city officials prepare for a special election to fill the vacant position.
It showed that the $322.92 was spent on beverages and Father’s Day meals for Williams’ family, according to the evidence presented by the city. Williams had a city vehicle checked out for 183 days between January and June, according to evidence presented during the hearing. The city also presented evidence that Williams accumulated about $2,600 in fuel expenses using a city card during the same period, according to WSB-TV.
Alexander also confirmed that he does not plan to run in the special election to permanently replace Williams.
Williams originally listed the purchase as gift cards for city staff and later said the items had been given to community members, according to the city’s investigation documents. The city said this accounted for all but nine days of his early time in office. Earlier, he said the vehicle remained available to him but that he was not necessarily using it every day. “The results of the investigation demanded we act,” Alexander said.
He also filed a form saying the original receipt was missing. Investigators later obtained the receipt. The investigation also examined Williams’ use of a city-owned vehicle and fuel cards. Local reporting also noted that the city’s rules require municipal vehicles to be used for official business or emergencies. Williams disputed the city’s interpretation of his vehicle use. His attorney also argued that Williams had not received comprehensive training on the city’s vehicle policies. After the council’s vote, Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander defended the decision, saying officials had a responsibility to protect the city and its residents.