Stockbridge mayor denies misconduct claims as hearing sheds light on probe

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. - Testimony during a civil court hearing Thursday shed light on allegations involving Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams, including allegations involving explicit text messages sent to an 18-year-old high school student.

Jayden Williams v City of Stockbridge

What we know:

Thursday's emergency court hearing stems directly from a civil lawsuit filed by Mayor Jayden Williams against the City of Stockbridge after the City Council voted in July to restrict some of his administrative mayoral privileges.

During the proceedings, Council Member LaKeisha Gantt took the stand under cross-examination and testified that the council acted out of caution to protect the city from potential legal liability.

Williams' attorneys pushed to disqualify Gantt from the case, believing she was biased against the mayor, but she testified to fight that claim. 

As she testified about the investigation against the mayor, she revealed a police report in an executive session that led to the council's decision to dig deeper into the mayor's misconduct. 

Police report findings

According to police records, officers initially discovered the message exchange while investigating an unrelated criminal investigation involving an 18-year-old high school student. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the student's phone and uncovered a message exchange with Williams dating back to December 2025. Police noted that while some texts centered on civic opportunities and mentorship, the conversation also included personal and sexually suggestive messages between the two adults.

The report explicitly noted that the Mayor did not commit any criminal violations, as the student was 18 years old and considered an adult under Georgia law. However, police forwarded the report for administrative reasons and a Stockbridge Board of Ethics review due to potential policy and ethical concerns regarding an elected official's interactions with a student involved in a city-affiliated mentorship program.

In a public statement, Williams noted that the online messaging occurred before he took office in January 2026. He also stated that the individual was never a participant in the city's official "Mayor for a Day" program.

City's ethical concerns over texts

What they're saying:

During cross-examination, Gantt explained that the council felt compelled to act due to potential legal liability for the city.

"We had information that Jayden had sexual misconduct with an 11th grader, and the reason his contact with that 11th grader in high school, an 11th grade male. That was due to the fact that he had a mentorship program, some type of mayor mentorship or ambassador program that the young male was a part for the City of Stockbridge. So to prevent....because it was attached to the City of Stockbridge...we could be liable. We had no choice but to act."

She told the judge she tried to address the mayor privately.

Defense attorneys questioned Gantt extensively regarding text messages, Facebook posts, and messages she sent to his grandmother suggesting Mayor Williams resign or step aside, though Gantt maintained under oath that she can remain impartial during upcoming council hearings.

Mayor Jayden Williams statement

Following the hearing, on Friday, Williams posted a full statement to Instagram where he spoke about his relations with the 18 year old individual and stated that the student was never in the program: 

"I want to begin by sincerely thanking everyone who has continued to stand with me and, more importantly, with the work we are doing for this city. Your support throughout this process has not gone unnoticed. I remain ALL IN for Stockbridge.

As I sat in the Henry County Superior Courtroom on August 20, 2026, I was reminded of the responsibility that comes with holding public office. I understand that residents may have questions about what they heard, and I believe they deserve the facts, the proper context, and an opportunity to make their own informed judgments. So, I want to be clear about what actually took place.

The investigation was regarding the purchasing and funding associated with my P-card. It is important that residents understand that distinction. The personal allegations discussed during the hearing were not the stated purpose of the original investigation. Additionally, the police report states that there was no criminal finding. That fact should not be lost in the discussion surrounding these proceedings. 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.

I also want to make the record clear regarding the City's "Mayor for a Day" program: this individual was never a participant. The Mayor for a Day program is a structured civic-engagement initiative, not a mentorship program. Students who participate go through established City procedures. They are vetted through City staff, and the program includes required Human Resources documentation from the student and their parent or guardian. These safeguards exist specifically to ensure that the program is properly administered and that parents and the City are appropriately involved.

These are not opinions. These are facts that should be considered when discussing this matter."

No criminal charges filed

The other side:

Williams has denied all allegations of misconduct, maintaining that the claims are completely baseless. His legal team previously argued that the messaging took place before he was sworn into office. 

The 22-year-old mayor faces no criminal charges. 

Stockbridge mayor restrictions lifted

The backstory:

The hearing came just a day after the city and mayor agreed to reinstate the mayor's access to non-public areas of City Hall, but it still restricts him from using city-issued purchasing cards, fuel cards and vehicles. His access was restricted in July. 

City leaders emphasized that the ongoing investigation was not sparked by political infighting or rumors, but rather by city staff who flagged unusual spending involving public funds to management and legal teams.

An outside investigator was hired to examine multiple areas, including whether a city credit card was used for personal expenses, missing purchase receipts, and potential violations of city ethics codes and state laws.

The city expanded the probe to include claims of sexual misconduct to determine whether any city rules or policies were violated during Williams' tenure. City officials noted that conducting the review does not imply guilt and is intended solely to establish the facts.

Next hearing

What's next:

There will be a hearing on Saturday, Aug. 22, where the city will vote on the outcome of the investigation and his conduct. 

Lawsuit and city probe continue

What we don't know:

The city has not yet released the full final report from its independent ethics investigator.

City officials have not stated what specific administrative or legislative actions the City Council will take once the complete ethics investigation is formally delivered.

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