The Stockbridge City Council removed Mayor Jayden Williams from office Saturday after a daylong hearing examined allegations involving city spending, municipal vehicles, workplace conduct and explicit messages with an 18-year-old high school student.
Council members Kyle D. Berry Sr., Elton Alexander and Antwan Cloud voted for removal after deliberating in executive session. Yolanda Barber abstained, while LaKeisha Gantt had been disqualified from the panel after a hearing officer found evidence of bias. Stockbridge’s charter requires three votes to remove an elected official.
Investigators said Williams used a city purchasing card for expenses including movie tickets, a haircut, clothing and restaurant meals. Testimony focused on a $322 Father’s Day charge that Williams described as gift cards for staff, though a restaurant receipt showed brunches and drinks. City records indicated he kept a municipal vehicle for 183 days and accumulated about $2,600 in fuel charges.
Williams testified that some personal purchases resulted from accidentally using the wrong card and said he reimbursed the city when charges were questioned. His attorney, Robert Kenner Jr., argued the 23-year-old mayor lacked adequate training and said misunderstandings did not justify overturning voters’ decision.
The hearing examined sexually suggestive messages exchanged with an 18-year-old student interested in Williams’ mentorship program. Williams acknowledged the exchanges included explicit material but denied having sexual intercourse with the student. Stockbridge police previously found no criminal activity because the student was an adult, while noting ethical and professional concerns.
Williams’ legal team accused council members of reaching conclusions before the hearing. Kenner said the evidence did not support removal and left open whether Williams would appeal.
City Attorney Quinton Washington said a special election will fill the vacancy. Williams may challenge the council’s decision in Henry County Superior Court. No criminal charges have been filed against him.
