GOP Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended the mayor of a small town in Georgia after he was charged for hiding a bottle of gin in a ditch for a state prison work crew to access.
Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford, 52, was indicted in August for furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempting to commit a felony.
Cranford allegedly purchased a bottle of Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin and left it in a ditch for state prisoners to find along Cobbham Road in Thomson, Georgia.
GEORGIA MAYOR ARRESTED ON FELONY CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY STORING ALCOHOL IN A DITCH FOR INMATES
Thomson Mayor Benjamin Cary Cranford, 52, faces felony charges for furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempting to commit a felony. (McDuffie County Jail)
Following an investigation by the Thomson Police, Cranford was arrested by GBI agents and taken into custody after a city council meeting in August.
He was later released on $5,000 bail from the McDuffie County Jail.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Thomson Mayor Benjamin Cary Cranford for stashing a bottle of gin in a ditch for inmates to access. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
On Friday, Kemp issued an executive order suspending Cranford from his mayoral duties. Cranford had taken office earlier this year after winning the election last year.
A review commission appointed by the governor found that Cranford’s indictment affected the administration of his duties and recommended his suspension.
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Kemp issued an executive order officially suspending Cranford on Friday. (iStock)
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The commission’s report showed that Cranford’s indictment affected his duties, leading to his immediate suspension until the case is resolved or his term expires.
