Georgia mayor, 22, loses city card access amid spending probe
Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams remains in office while officials examine alleged spending concerns, according to reports.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams is just six months into the job, and his city-issued credit card is already at the center of a local government fight.
The 22-year-old Georgia mayor is under investigation over alleged spending habits, according to Atlanta News First. City lawmakers responded last week by passing a resolution that limits his access to certain city resources while the review continues.
Under that resolution, Williams’ access to non-public areas was restricted, along with his use of city vehicles and his ability to spend city funds through a city-issued credit card, Atlanta News First reported.
Williams was directed to surrender the card and stop using city-owned cars. Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander said Williams had a Monday deadline, though Alexander said he did not know whether the mayor had complied, according to the report.
City officials have said they can deactivate the credit card remotely, TMZ reported.
City council cited spending concerns
Alexander said the city council received “information” last week that prompted concerns about Williams’ spending, according to TMZ. The specific purchases allegedly under review have not been made clear.
The amount of money involved has also not been disclosed.
As of Wednesday, Williams had not been charged with a crime, TMZ reported. The investigation remains active.
The city’s action does not remove Williams from office. While the spending questions are being examined, he can still preside over council meetings and continue carrying out his other duties as mayor, according to TMZ.
Williams’ team said the mayor is ready for the matter to be reviewed.
“Mayor Williams welcomes a full and independent investigation and looks forward to the opportunity to address any allegations through the proper process,” his team said in a statement.
A young mayor under scrutiny
Williams was sworn in as mayor of Stockbridge about six months ago, according to TMZ. His age has drawn attention as the investigation puts the new administration under a sharp public spotlight.
The council’s resolution focuses on access and spending controls while officials look into the allegations. It does not, based on the reports, detail what prompted the review beyond the information Alexander said the council received.
No finding of wrongdoing has been announced. Williams has not been charged, and his statement says he wants the allegations addressed through the proper process.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.