52-year-old Benjamin Cary Cranford, the mayor of Thomson, Georgia, faces felony charges for reportedly hiding a bottle of gin in a ditch for state prison workers to access. He was indicted on Wednesday and apprehended by Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents. The charges include furnishing prohibited items to prisoners and attempting to commit a felony, per WRDW-TV.
Cranford was indicted for allegedly buying a bottle of gin on June 3 and leaving it in a ditch that is accessible to a work crew of state prisoners in Thomson, Georgia. Officials requested an investigation into the matter.
After a city council meeting, GBI agents apprehended Cranford at Thomson City Hall. He was booked into McDuffie County Jail and released Wednesday on $5,000 bail, according to the news outlet.
Jason Smith, a city spokesperson, said,
“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.”
Cranford may face suspension from his position until the charges are settled if a panel notifies Governor Brian Kemp that the accusations can affect his ability to do his duties as mayor.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
