The mayor of a small Georgia town is facing serious charges for allegedly hiding a bottle of gin in a ditch for a state prison work crew. Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford, 52, was indicted on Wednesday and arrested by Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agents. He faces felony charges of furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempting to commit a felony.
The McDuffie County Superior Court indictment states that Cranford drove to a store on June 3, bought a bottle of Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, and left it in a ditch along Cobbham Road in Thomson, Georgia. This location was on the route of a state prisoner work crew from the Jefferson County Correctional Institution. Thomson Police requested the GBI investigate these allegations on June 6.
Following a city council meeting, GBI agents arrested Cranford at Thomson City Hall. He was booked into McDuffie County Jail and released on $5,000 bail. City spokesperson Jason Smith stated, “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.”
Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford was indicted on Wed & arrested by GA Bureau of Investigation agents. He faces felony charges of furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempt to commit a felony aafter investigators say he stashed alcohol in ditch for prisoners.🙄 pic.twitter.com/OEEYKEXhzF
— Sumner (@renmusb1) August 16, 2024
Cranford could face suspension from office if a panel advises Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp that these charges may impede his ability to serve as mayor. Other officials had been suspended in the past when facing unrelated felony charges. Cranford assumed office earlier this year, after winning against incumbent Kenneth Usry in last year’s election.
Earlier this month, Cranford, a former paving contractor, settled a lawsuit filed before he ran for office. The lawsuit accused him of attempting to hide assets from a bonding company that was covering some of his company’s debts to ensure the completion of large-scale projects.
Other News Sources
- Fox News reports that Georgia Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford has been arrested on felony charges for allegedly leaving a bottle of gin in a ditch for prison work crew, a move that is seen as an attempt to provide alcohol to inmates.(read more)
- KRCG 13 reports on George Santos facing more than six years in prison and owing at least $370,000 in restitution.(read more)
- ABC News reports Georgia Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford faces felony charges after investigators found he stashed alcohol for prisoners in a ditch.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is the mayor of Thomson, Georgia facing felony charges?
He allegedly stashed a bottle of gin for a state prison work crew.
What specific charges is Mayor Benjamin Cary Cranford facing?
Furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempt to commit a felony.
How did the authorities discover the mayor’s alleged actions?
Thomson Police asked the GBI to investigate allegations on June 6.
What could happen to Mayor Cranford while the charges are pending?
He could be suspended from office if a panel recommends it to the governor.
Did the charges against Cranford relate to his duties as mayor?
No, the charges are not related to his official duties.
