Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams removed after investigation into city spending and conduct, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/stockbridge-mayor-jayden-williams-removed-after-investigation-into-city-spending-and-conduct/)

The Stockbridge City Council voted to remove Jayden Williams from office following a nearly 10-hour hearing regarding city spending, employee treatment, and his communications with an 18-year-old high school student. Williams, who took office in January at age 22, was the youngest mayor in Stockbridge history.Key details from the report include:

• Allegations & Findings: An independent investigation revealed issues with city spending, including conflicting explanations from Williams regarding a $322.92 charge at Pandora on the Square. While Williams initially claimed the expense was for staff gift cards and later said it was for community members, investigators uncovered an original receipt showing the purchase was for beverages and Father’s Day meals. Williams had previously submitted documentation stating the receipt was missing.
• Williams’ Defense: Williams testified that certain questioned purchases were tied to city business and claimed that using his city purchasing card for personal items was unintentional. Police also reviewed his communications with the high school student and determined there was no basis for criminal charges.
• The Decision: City Attorney Quinton Washington stated that council members weighed all the evidence togetherincluding city spending and employee treatmentand determined his conduct did not meet the standards expected of the mayor. Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt was barred by a judge from participating in the vote due to documented bias.
• Next Steps & Appeal: Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander was named interim mayor while the city prepares for a special election (though Alexander stated he does not plan to run). Williams’ attorney, Robert Kenner, criticized the council’s decision as being driven by a “personal grudge” rather than evidence, noting that Williams has the right to appeal the decision to the Henry County Superior Court.