In a surprising turn of events, the mayor of Thomson, Georgia, Benjamin “Benji” Cranford, was arrested on August 14 for allegedly providing alcohol to inmates. The arrest followed an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and has raised serious questions about the mayor’s conduct.
Charges and arrest
Mayor Cranford, 52, faces charges of furnishing prohibited items to inmates and criminal attempt to commit a felony. According to the GBI, Cranford purchased a 750-millilitre bottle of Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin from Rimpy’s Store and placed it in a ditch along Cobbham Road, strategically “in the path of” an inmate work detail.
The grand jury indictment issued on August 14 led to Cranford’s arrest. The investigation into Cranford’s actions began in June after the Thomson Police Department requested the GBI to look into allegations that the mayor had provided alcohol to an inmate work crew.
The grand jury reviewed the evidence and subsequently issued an arrest warrant. Cranford was arrested at the Thomson City Administration Office and taken into custody by GBI officers. He was booked into the McDuffie County Jail but was released later that day after securing a $5,000 bond by 6 p.m., according to WRDW-TV.
Mayor’s response
Following his arrest, Mayor Cranford maintained his innocence, stating that he intends to continue serving as the town’s mayor. “I’ve done nothing wrong,” Cranford told a local news outlet. He denied knowing any prisoners in Jefferson County and claimed not to recall the events mentioned in the indictment. “I don’t know no prisoner in Jefferson County. Didn’t know of any details that day. That was months and months ago. I don’t even remember that day. Who remembers what they doing every day?” Cranford said. Currently, Cranford has not yet entered a plea in response to the charges against him.
City’s position
A city spokesperson commented on the situation, stating, “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.” The city has refrained from making any further statements regarding the ongoing legal proceedings. The arrest of Mayor Cranford has sent shockwaves through the Thomson community, casting a shadow over his tenure as mayor. As the legal process unfolds, the case will likely garner further attention, especially as Cranford continues to assert his innocence while facing serious allegations.