Politics
Smyrna Republican candidate faces charges tied to alleged bus-stop encounter
Andre Stafford, a Republican running for Georgia House District 42, was arrested on charges of public indecency and child molestation. A Cobb County warrant alleges he exposed himself to a girl walking to a bus stop in Smyrna on Oct. 15.
Andre Stafford, a Republican candidate for Georgia House District 42, faces charges of public indecency and child molestation stemming from an alleged encounter with a girl in Smyrna, according to a Cobb County arrest warrant.
The warrant says the incident occurred Oct. 15, 2026, as the girl was walking to her bus stop. She was approached by the driver of a gray 2024 Kia Forte, who allegedly exposed himself, the warrant states.
Police used Flock surveillance cameras to track the car to Stafford, and the girl identified him in a photo lineup, according to the warrant. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Stafford is running for the House District 42 seat, which includes Smyrna and is currently held by Democrat Gabriel Sanchez. The charges come as voters consider candidates in the 2026 election.
Stafford had not provided comment in response to a request for comment at the time of publication.