STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams will be allowed to return to City Hall this week after a Henry County judge ordered the city to restore some of his access while an investigation into his conduct continues.
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Channel 2 Action News was the only television station in the courtroom when Judge Holly Veal issued the ruling.
Williams and his attorney, Robert Kenner, argued the city had denied the mayor due process while investigating allegations of misspending and sexual misconduct.
“I have no issue with anyone calling an investigation, as long as it’s fair and just,” Williams said.
Kenner argued Williams is entitled to a fair hearing before the city takes action against him.
“Even the mayor has the right to the fair hearing,” Kenner said.
Veal ordered the city to return Williams’ key fob, giving him access to private areas of City Hall during normal operating hours.
“She agreed that the city had overstepped its bounds by essentially ousting the mayor,” Kenner said.
The mayor’s access remains limited. Under an agreement between the parties, Williams cannot access the human resources or finance departments, participate in budgetary initiatives or allow non-city employees inside city facilities after hours.
Williams also remains barred from using city vehicles, purchasing cards and gas cards.
“I’m happy to get back to work,” Williams said.
The legal fight comes as Stockbridge prepares to release the findings of its investigation Saturday.
During a July executive session, the City Council presented a 21-page report accusing Williams of misspending more than $4,000 on hotel stays, gas and food purchases. Williams has said the expenses were related to city business.
Williams has also criticized the city for what he says was inadequate training after he took office. He said the city gave him a pamphlet rather than providing formal training.
“I’ve asked for training,” Williams said.
He said city employees receive training when they are hired and argued the same should apply to the mayor and City Council.
Weeks later, the city also raised allegations of sexual misconduct against Williams. The city has not publicly released details of those allegations.
“I believe the allegations are simply allegations, and I stand 10 toes down,” Williams said.
Williams’ attorney has filed additional motions seeking to remove some City Council members from Saturday’s hearing, arguing they are biased against the mayor.
Meanwhile, a Stockbridge delegation of state lawmakers is calling on Gov. Brian Kemp to request a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into Williams.
State Sen. Emanuel Jones said lawmakers want the state to investigate to ensure the process remains unbiased. Jones said the city has become too closely involved in the dispute because of the ongoing civil litigation between Williams and Stockbridge.
“We are aware of the legislator’s correspondence,” read a statement from the GBI to Channel 2 Action News. “The GBI has not been requested for any specific criminal allegations in this matter.”
Jones and other lawmakers said in a letter that the back-and-forth court filings make an independent state investigation appropriate.
The city is expected to release its investigation findings Saturday. The city maintains the investigation is unbiased and neutral.
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