Georgia’s youngest mayor impeached after allegedly using city funds to live his best life

The Stockbridge City Council officially removed Jayden Williams from his position as mayor, ending his tenure just 10 months after he took office. This decision followed a formal impeachment process that centered on allegations of financial misconduct and inappropriate communications with a high school student.

As reported by the NY Post, Williams, who is 23 years old, made history when he reportedly became the youngest mayor in Georgia and the youngest Black mayor in the state. He originally campaigned for the role while he was a student at Clark Atlanta University. His time in office came to a swift end after an investigative hearing at City Hall, which was presided over by retired Judge Gino Brogdon Sr.

The city council reached its decision after reviewing evidence regarding the use of a municipal purchasing card. City representatives presented documentation showing that Williams reportedly spent more than $4,000 of city funds on personal items, including clothing, haircuts, restaurant meals, and a movie. 

He reportedly spent over $2,000 on gas

Additional allegations claimed he spent $2,600 on gas and used a city vehicle for personal travel. City workers first flagged these transactions after noticing unusual activity, which prompted them to notify management and the legal team.

During the hearing, Williams reportedly testified that he did not intend to use public funds for his own needs. He explained that the city-issued card looked similar to his personal card, leading to accidental charges. He stated that he eventually replaced the cards to prevent further confusion and noted that he later repaid the money. 

His defense attorney, Robert Kenner Jr., argued that the situation was a matter of inexperience rather than intentional wrongdoing. “There is a difference between inexperience, mistakes and disagreements about how something should have been handled and misconduct serious enough to remove an elected mayor or elected person who belongs,” Kenner said.

The council also examined Williams’ interactions with an 18-year-old high school student. City attorneys introduced hundreds of messages from Instagram and text threads, and Williams acknowledged that some of the content was explicit. 

While a police report determined that no criminal violations occurred because the student was an adult under Georgia law, the matter was referred for administrative review. This review focused on ethical concerns regarding an elected official’s interactions with a student involved in a city-affiliated program.

Williams previously maintained that he met the individual before he was sworn into office in January 2026. He stated, “The individual was 18 years old at the time of our communication, meaning we were both adults. I met this individual on November 30, 2025, and our online communication occurred before I was sworn into office in January 2026.” He also clarified that the student never participated in the city’s Mayor for a Day program.

The investigative hearing was notable for the recusal of Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt, whom Judge Brogdon removed from the panel due to concerns about her communication with the mayor and his family. Following the presentation of evidence, the panel entered an executive session to deliberate. They formally impeached Williams on grounds of malfeasance, misfeasance, and violation of his oath of office.

City Attorney Amanda Bradley emphasized the importance of the findings during the hearing. “It’s the pattern that tells you exactly what Mayor Williams knew and exactly what Mayor Williams did,” Bradley stated. “The card, the car, the forms, the staff, the high school student; public office is a public trust.” Williams is not facing any criminal charges in connection with these events.