Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford, 52, is facing felony charges after allegedly stashing a bottle of gin in a ditch for a state prison work crew to access. The indictment, issued in McDuffie County Superior Court, accuses Cranford of driving to a store on June 3, purchasing a bottle of Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, and leaving it in a ditch along Cobbham Road in Thomson, Georgia. Thomson Police had asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to look into allegations that Cranford provided alcohol to inmates, leading to his arrest.
Cranford was taken into custody at Thomson City Hall by GBI agents following a city council meeting and booked into the McDuffie County Jail. He was released later on $5,000 bail. The charges against Cranford do not directly relate to his duties as an elected official, according to city spokesperson Jason Smith. Despite this, Cranford could face a suspension from office until the charges are resolved if a panel recommends to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp that they could hinder his ability to serve as mayor. Previous officials have been suspended in similar situations.
Cranford had taken office earlier this year after defeating incumbent Kenneth Usry in the previous year’s election. Prior to his election, Cranford operated as a paving contractor. He recently settled a lawsuit that was filed before he ran for office. The lawsuit accused him of attempting to hide assets from a bonding company stepping in to pay some of his company’s debts amid financial troubles to ensure completion of large-scale projects. The settlement was reached just months before he assumed office as mayor.
The mayor’s arrest and charges have stirred controversy within the small town of Thomson, Georgia. Some residents are questioning Cranford’s actions and the impact they may have on his ability to effectively serve as mayor. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will impact Cranford’s political career and the town as a whole. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the allegations against Cranford, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks. The community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
