HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams is taking his defense directly to residents as he fights allegations that he misused city funds and property.
During a virtual town hall Sunday night, Williams denied accusations outlined in a 21-page investigative report and accused city leaders of orchestrating a campaign to remove him from office.
Williams’ attorneys also announced they refiled a civil lawsuit against the city Monday, seeking to restore the mayor’s spending privileges while the city’s investigation continues.
“When I was not using it, it was at the city,” Williams said, referring to a city-issued vehicle.
“I literally used it for city business,” he added.
The comments addressed one of several allegations contained in the report, which accuses Williams of financial misconduct, including misuse of a city vehicle and fuel card.
Williams said he first learned of the allegations during an executive session on July 17. He claims city council members began documenting concerns about his conduct just days after he was elected.
“They didn’t want me in that position,” Williams said.
Williams also disputed allegations that he damaged a city vehicle, saying it was shared by multiple city employees and that others had access to it. The investigative report does not specify the type of damage allegedly caused to the vehicle.
“We have not gotten any proof. We have not seen any documentation, so we’re basically shooting in the dark,” attorney Robert Kenner Jr. said.
The report also accuses Williams of misusing the city’s fuel card by making multiple purchases on the same day. Williams argued the allegations lack critical details.
“I really don’t know how to explain that. They didn’t put a date on here. They didn’t put the times, the location, anything,” he said.
Attorney Gerald Griggs criticized the public release of the allegations before the investigation was completed.
“The biggest issue is the public release of this information without fact-checking any of it,” Griggs said.
Williams’ attorneys said they refiled a civil lawsuit Monday against the city and plan to challenge the allegations in court.
“We’re going back to court. We’re going to have our day in court. All of this will come out, subpoenaing people to testify,” Kenner said.
Williams vowed to continue serving as mayor.
“I’m all in for the city of Stockbridge, and there’s nothing anybody can do about it,” he said.
Williams has also argued he is being unfairly targeted because of his age. He was elected mayor at 22 years old.
In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, the City of Stockbridge said it stands by the ongoing investigation but declined to address the mayor’s claims while the review is underway.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot respond to the claims at this time; however, the City does look forward to a fair and thorough process. We thank community members for their support at this time,” the statement said.
The city said it expects the investigation to be completed within 30 to 45 days.
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