- Khalid Kamau, the mayor of South Fulton, an Atlanta-area city, was reportedly detained on Saturday, July 9, 2023, on suspicion of first-degree burglary and criminal trespass.
- He is accused of breaking into a residence he thought was empty and being detained against his will by the owner until the police could come. He disclosed to the police his interest in purchasing the home.
- He was given a mental health evaluation and released on a $11,000 bond. He wrote on Facebook that “God is still using me” and that he was “good” and “free”.
What is the Impact?
- The political repercussions of his imprisonment could be severe for his position as mayor of South Fulton. Georgia law allows the governor to remove a public official who has been charged with a felony from office until the matter is resolved.
- To ascertain whether the indictment has anything to do with the office’s performance or actions, the governor may create a review commission.
- The governor may issue an executive order suspending the official and appointing a successor if the commission determines that it does.
- Other Georgia mayors who were recently charged with crimes experienced this. For instance, after Waynesboro Mayor Gregory Carswell was charged with theft and fraud, Governor Brian Kemp suspended him in June 2021.
- In August 2020, he also suspended Jason Lary, the mayor of Stonecrest, who had been charged with stealing money for COVID-19 relief. Lary later entered a guilty plea and was given a prison term in July 2021.
- Kamau might consequently experience a similar outcome if he is charged with first-degree burglary and criminal trespass. He might lose his job and his clout in the city’s political scene. If found guilty, he can also be subject to legal repercussions like fines, probation, or imprisonment.
