Former Stockbridge, Georgia Mayor Jayden Williams found himself unexpectedly removed from office earlier this month amidst allegations of misconduct. Williams, age 23, holds the distinction of being the city’s youngest mayor, serving for less than a year before being ousted.

Speaking to WSB-TV, Williams expressed surprise, stating, “I didn’t expect this. You know, maybe a censure, but definitely not a removal.” Williams faced scrutiny over alleged misuse of city funds and a relationship with an 18-year-old high school student.

Williams acknowledged to WSB-TV a level of impropriety in the relationship but emphasized, “There was no violation of the oath… I wasn’t even mayor yet.” He asserted that the relationship was non-sexual, confirmed by a police report stating no criminal violations occurred as the student was legally an adult in Georgia.

Controversy also surrounded Williams’ use of the city budget. He admitted to using funds for personal expenses but explained these were from a reallocated $5,000 annual mayoral budget, not the general city budget. “It was not intentional, and I paid it back immediately,” Williams stated, noting the similarity between his city purchasing card and personal card led to confusion, which he promptly corrected.

Williams’s political career was noteworthy, marking him as the youngest mayor in Georgia’s history, a position he achieved while still a student at Clark Atlanta University. The Stockbridge City Council moved to impeach him earlier this month, after his tenure began in January.