Waynesboro mayor steps down following indictment




Mayor Greg Carswell

Mayor Greg Carswell

Waynesboro Mayor Greg Carswell has stepped down, taking a leave of absence while citing ongoing legal issues and the health of his son.

In July of last year, Carswell was arrested in Statesboro and charged with felony theft by taking, identity fraud and theft by deception. He was also charged with forgery in the 2nd degree.

The charges were related to his employment by a Statesboro title pawn business.

In December, a Bulloch County Grand Jury indicted Carswell on the charges.

At Monday night’s city council meeting, Carswell announced his decision and on Tuesday issued the following statement:

“After continuing to deal with the legal matter that has been plaguing me, which I will fight and prove my innocence, more challenging circumstances arose in my life with the untimely murder of my brother, the current challenges of running the city and making sure we continue the progress,” he said.

“Last week when I received the news that my son had to go back in for another major surgery, I felt now, in the best interest of the city and my family, that I should take a leave of absence. My family is my everything, and (with) the stress I have been under, and now this information on Greg III, I want to make sure all of my attention is in the right place, and at this time I cannot focus on the duties as Mayor.”

“Upon obtaining a favorable resolution and my son goes through these series of issues, I look forward to returning and completing my term in office. I want to thank you all for your prayers and support,” he said in the statement.

Following the city’s charter, Vice Mayor Chick Jones will become acting mayor until the situation is resolved.

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