The mayor of a small town in Georgia has found himself in hot water after being charged with a bizarre crime involving alcohol and inmates. Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford, 52, was indicted and arrested for allegedly stashing a bottle of gin in a ditch for a state prison work crew to access.
According to reports, Cranford purchased a bottle of Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin and left it in a ditch along Cobbham Road in Thomson, Georgia, where a work crew of state prisoners from the Jefferson County Correctional Institution would come across it. The incident was brought to light when Thomson Police asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation.
Following his arrest, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp took swift action and issued an executive order suspending Cranford as mayor. Cranford, who had only recently taken office after defeating the incumbent in last year’s election, now faces felony charges of furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempt to commit a felony.
A review commission appointed by the governor determined that the indictment adversely affected the administration of the mayor’s duties and recommended his suspension. Cranford’s suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until the case is resolved or his term expires.
This shocking turn of events has left the small town of Thomson reeling, as residents come to terms with the alleged actions of their mayor. The case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position of authority. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
