STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — Residents of a metro Atlanta city whose mayor was removed from office over allegations of misconduct say his ouster is a sad chapter in the city’s history.
After a 10-hour investigative hearing at City Hall Saturday, Stockbridge city councilmembers voted 3-to-1 to impeach Jayden Williams.
Channel 2 Action News covered when Williams was elected at the age of 22, the youngest mayor in the city’s history.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
But six months into his tenure, the city began investigating allegations that he was using the city’s charge card for personal expenses and driving city-owned vehicles for personal trips.
Williams is also accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old high school student that involved sexually suggestive texts.
All that was presented in the hearing that drew dozens of spectators.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Stockbridge mayor removed from office after 10-hour hearing
- Injured Georgia Tech player released from hospital, school thanks community for support
- AP Top 25: New No. 1 team in this week’s rankings
“It’s just been a nightmare,” said Vickie Anderson, who’s lived in Stockbridge for 60 years and voted or Williams. “It’s been a mess. I really feel sad for the city. I don’t know where we’re going from here.”
She said Williams brought youth and energy to the office and was eager to see what he could accomplish for the city of 36,000 people.
“I’m sad for him,” she said. “I mean, they embarrassed him a lot yesterday. A lot of stuff was brought out that didn’t need to be brought out for what he did for the city.”
Williams was one month away from earning a political science degree from Clark Atlanta University when he was elected in November, garnering 53 percent of the vote. He unseated Anthony Ford, who had been in office since 2018 and was in his late 60s.
“I was very excited that he was as young as he was,” said Shea Brown, who recently moved to Stockbridge. “I thought wow, here we have some young fresh blood and he’ll take us through. And this is happening. And I wish him luck in whatever he does next.”
She disagrees with the city council’s decision to remove Williams from office. Brandon Walker also thinks the impeachment was too harsh, saying the young mayor showed such ambition and promise, city councilmembers should have given him a chance.
“I wouldn’t say oust, I would say maybe suspend, and do a further investigation,” Walker said.
Channel 2’s Bryan Mims tried to reach Williams by phone through social media Sunday and did not get a response.
Williams can appeal the decision, but his attorney said he wasn’t sure they would pursue that action.
The city must now hold a special election to seat a new mayor. City officials have not set a date.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
