The mayor of a small Georgia town has been suspended by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp after he was accused of hiding gin bottles in a ditch accessible to state prison workers.
Thompson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Carey Cranford, 52, was indicted in August and later arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on felony charges of furnishing contraband to an inmate and attempting to commit a felony. It was done.
Cranford drove to a store on June 3rd, bought a bottle of Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, and then dumped a state prisoner from the Jefferson County Correctional Facility in a ditch along Cobham Road in Thompson, Georgia. It is believed that the vehicle was left on the road where workers were passing by.
Georgia mayor arrested on felony charge for allegedly storing alcohol in inmate ditch
Benjamin Cary Cranford, 52, of Thomson, faces a felony charge of supplying contraband to an inmate and attempting to commit a felony. (McDuffie County Jail)
Just days later, Thomson police asked the GBI to investigate Cranford for allegedly leaving alcohol with an inmate.
Cranford was taken into custody by GBI agents after the August City Council meeting. he was booked McDuffie County Jail He was later released on $5,000 bail.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has suspended Thompson Mayor Benjamin Cary Cranford for hiding a bottle of gin in a ditch accessed by state prison workers. (AP Photo/Bryn Anderson)
Kemp issued an executive order on Friday formally suspending Cranford from his mayoralty. Cranford took office earlier this year after defeating incumbent Kenneth Yousley in last year's election.
The governor's office received the indictment on August 20th, and an executive order was issued on September 9th, appointing members of the review committee to determine whether the indictment is related to or has a negative impact on the mayor's performance of duties. Appointed.
Georgia Muslim voters turn Harris against Trump in election over both candidates' support for Israel
Kemp issued an executive order Friday formally suspending Cranford. (St. Petersburg)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
On October 1, the commission submitted a report to the governor stating that the indictment is affecting the mayor's performance of his duties and the rights and interests of the people. The committee recommended that Mr. Cranford be suspended.
Mayor Cranford's suspension is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the final disposition of the case or the expiration of the mayor's term, whichever comes first.
