Current:Home > MarketsGeorgia mayor faces felony charges after investigators say he stashed alcohol in ditch for prisoners -Elevate Capital Network
Georgia mayor faces felony charges after investigators say he stashed alcohol in ditch for prisoners
View
Date:2025-04-11 22:11:18
THOMSON, Ga. (AP) — The mayor of a small Georgia town has been indicted on charges that he illegally left a bottle of gin in a ditch for a state prison work crew.
Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford was indicted on Wednesday and arrested by Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents. He faces felony charges of furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempt to commit a felony.
The indictment issued Wednesday in McDuffie County Superior Court says that the 52-year-old Cranford drove to a store on June 3, bought a bottle of Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin and left it in a ditch along Georgia 150 in Thomson in the path of a work crew of state prisoners from the Jefferson County Correctional Institution.
Thomson police on June 6 asked the GBI to investigate the claim that Cranford gave alcohol to inmates, GBI said.
Agents arrested Cranford at Thomson City Hall after a city council meeting and led him away in handcuffs, WRDW-TV reported. Cranford didn’t answer questions from reporters after he was released from the McDuffie County Jail Wednesday on $5,000 bail.
Court records didn’t list a lawyer for Cranford as of Thursday, and he has not yet appeared before a judge.
Other city officials declined comment.
“As we understand the charges in this case are not related to Mr. Cranford’s duties as an elected official, we do not have a comment,” said Jason Smith, the local community development director who serves as a city spokesperson.
Cranford could face suspension from office until the charges are resolved if a panel recommends to Gov. Brian Kemp that the charges harm Cranford’s ability to act as mayor. Some other officials have been suspended when they faced felony charges that were not directly related to their office.
Cranford won election last year, beating 12-year-incumbent Kenneth Usry. A paving contractor before he was elected, Cranford later settled a lawsuit that alleged he had tried to hide assets from a bonding company that was on the hook to pay some of the company’s debts.
veryGood! (59818)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- How to Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony and All Your Favorite Sports
- Obama says Democrats in uncharted waters after Biden withdraws
- Tiger Woods watches 15-year-old son Charlie shoot a 12-over 82 in US Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Why David Arquette Is Shading Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent
- We Tried the 2024 Olympics Anti-Sex Bed—& the Results May Shock You
- Ryan Reynolds Jokes Babysitter Taylor Swift Is Costing Him a Fortune
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Read Obama's full statement on Biden dropping out
Ranking
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Democrats promise ‘orderly process’ to replace Biden, where Harris is favored but questions remain
- What can you give a dog for pain? Expert explains safe pain meds (not Ibuprofen)
- What to know about Kamala Harris' viral coconut tree meme: You exist in the context of all in which you live
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Trump, JD Vance, Republican lawmakers react to Biden's decision to drop out of presidential race
- Get 80% Off Banana Republic, an Extra 60% Off Gap Clearance, 50% Off Le Creuset, 50% Off Ulta & More
- Eva Mendes' Ultimate Self-Care Hack May Surprise You
Recommendation
Small twin
JoJo Siwa Clapbacks That Deserve to Be at the Top of the Pyramid
Charmed's Holly Marie Combs Reveals Shannen Doherty Promised to Haunt Her After Death
Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, last of the original Four Tops, is dead at 88
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
JoJo Siwa Clapbacks That Deserve to Be at the Top of the Pyramid
On a summer Sunday, Biden withdrew with a text statement. News outlets struggled for visuals
Homeland Security secretary names independent panel to review Trump assassination attempt