STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — Former Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams is speaking publicly for the first time since the City Council voted to remove him from office last week following an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct and an inappropriate relationship with a former mentee.
In an exclusive interview with Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln, Williams acknowledged making mistakes during his nine months in office but disputed several findings of the council’s investigation, describing the effort as politically motivated.
“I didn’t expect this,” Williams said. “Maybe a censure, but definitely not a removal.”
Williams, who was elected at age 22 and became Stockbridge’s youngest mayor, said the outcome has been difficult to accept.
“It makes me upset,” Williams said when asked about becoming the city’s shortest-serving mayor.
The council’s nearly two-month investigation accused Williams of improperly spending more than $4,000 in city funds and violating his oath of office by engaging in a brief romantic relationship with an 18-year-old high school senior who had participated in his mentorship program, which he says isn’t affiliated with the City of Stockbridge.
Williams rejected the allegation that the relationship violated his oath of office.
“There was no violation of the oath,” he said. “I wasn’t even mayor yet.”
His attorney, Robert Kenner, also questioned the investigation’s motives.
“I think that there were certain council members, Elton Alexander in particular, that it was his goal to get rid of the mayor,” Kenner said.
Williams echoed those concerns, saying some allegations against him were inaccurate.
“In my opinion, some of the allegations were not true,” he said.
Regarding the spending allegations, Williams said the disputed expenses came from the mayor’s reallocated $5,000 annual budget rather than the city’s general fund.
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He acknowledged that some purchases, including a $35 transaction at AMC, a $63 purchase at a Polo Factory Store and about $200 spent at Academy Sports, were personal expenses.
“It was not intentional and I paid it back immediately,” Williams said.
Williams also addressed questions about undocumented purchases identified during the investigation, including $322 in Father’s Day gift cards for city employees.
He attributed those issues to a lack of training and guidance about city spending policies.
“I take accountability for not asking the questions and doing my portion,” Williams said. “But they should have also taken the accountability to say, ‘Hey, you’re a new mayor. You’re not previously sitting on the council. This is your first time elected. Let’s go through these documents.’ That was never given to me.”
Williams also acknowledged concerns surrounding his relationship with a former mentee.
When asked whether the relationship was inappropriate, Williams said, “I would have to somewhat agree to that.”
He said the relationship lasted approximately two weeks and ended after he realized the concerns it could raise.
The former mayor said the individual was 18 years old and a high school senior when they were involved. He said they met through his independent mentorship program before he took office.
Asked whether a romantic relationship between a mentor and mentee is inappropriate, Williams responded, “Absolutely, and that’s why I stopped it immediately.”
Williams maintained the relationship was never sexual and said he has never been romantically involved with any other mentee.“This is the one mistake I acknowledge, and that’s how we’re going to move forward,” he said.
For now, Williams said he plans to step away from politics but intends to remain active in the community.
“That’s my hometown, Stockbridge,” Williams said. “I’m never going to stop fighting for Stockbridge.”
Williams said he is considering legal action against the City of Stockbridge.
Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander, who is serving as interim mayor following Williams’ removal, rejected claims that the process was politically motivated.
“The difficult decision to remove Mayor Williams was determined by the evidence presented at the hearing; it compelled the City Council to act,” Alexander said in a statement.
Alexander said he maintained a positive working relationship with Williams during his time in office and even helped arrange media appearances for the young mayor after his historic election.
“To be transparent, I did not vote for Mayor Williams. But once the people have spoken, he became my mayor too,” Alexander said.
Alexander added that he is praying for “healing in the City of Stockbridge and for former Mayor Jayden Williams.”
Alexander is currently serving as mayor while the City Council and city manager continue handling city business. He could remain in the role through the end of the year if a special election is not held before then.
The city has begun coordinating with Henry County elections officials to schedule a special election.
Under Georgia law, the next available election dates are in November and March.
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