Thomson Mayor Faces Serious Charges Amid Community Controversy
In a shocking turn of events, the mayor of Thomson, Georgia, has been suspended following his arrest on charges of providing alcohol to prisoners. Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford, aged 52, was taken into custody in August after a city council meeting in the small town about two hours east of Atlanta.
Allegations and investigation
The arrest followed a request by the Thomson Police Department for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to probe allegations that Cranford had supplied alcohol to inmates on June 3.
According to reports from WRDW-TV, the mayor allegedly purchased a bottle of Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin and left it in a ditch for a work crew of state prisoners.
An employee at the local liquor store, where Cranford was reportedly a frequent customer, remarked, “At least twice a week? Sometimes it might be three, but usually, at least twice a week.”
Legal proceedings and suspension
Cranford was charged with furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempting to commit a felony on August 14 but was released on a $5,000 bail. Subsequently, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp suspended him from his mayoral duties.
City spokesperson Jason Smith commented, “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.”
Mayor’s response and ongoing legal battles
Cranford, maintaining his innocence, stated, “While I am disappointed in the decision to suspend me as the Mayor of Thomson, as a public servant of this community I feel compelled to address this directly.”
He further expressed his commitment to the community amid the turmoil, emphasizing, “I look forward to continuing to be part of the positive changes that the community of Thomson wants and needs.”
Cranford, who assumed office in January 2024 after defeating longtime mayor Kenneth Usry, is no stranger to controversy. He is embroiled in a federal lawsuit related to his company, C&H Paving.
The lawsuit, filed by Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Maryland, accuses Cranford of failing to honor an agreement to settle debts, resulting in significant financial losses.
Future implications
Cranford’s suspension is set to last until the legal case concludes or his term expires in 2026. The unfolding situation has left the community of Thomson in a state of uncertainty as they await further developments in this high-profile case.