Georgia Mayor Indicted for Gin Stash

Thomson, Georgia – Mayor Benjamin "Benji" Cary Cranford, 52, has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly leaving a bottle of gin in a ditch for a state prison work crew. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested Cranford on Wednesday following an indictment issued by McDuffie County Superior Court. He faces charges of furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempting to commit a felony. The indictment details an incident on June 3, when Cranford reportedly purchased a bottle of Seagram's Extra Dry Gin and left it along Cobbham Road, where it could be accessed by inmates from the Jefferson County Correctional Institution. The Thomson Police Department initiated the investigation on June 6 after receiving allegations of Cranford providing alcohol to inmates. Following a city council meeting, GBI agents took him into custody at Thomson City Hall. Cranford was released on $5,000 bail but has not yet appeared before a judge, and no attorney is listed for him in court records. City spokesperson Jason Smith stated that the charges are not related to Cranford's duties as an elected official, thus the city has no further comment. However, he may face suspension from office if a panel advises Governor Brian Kemp that the charges could impede his ability to serve. Cranford, who took office earlier this year after defeating a long-time incumbent, previously settled a lawsuit alleging he attempted to conceal assets from a bonding company amid financial difficulties related to his former paving business.