Georgia House Candidate Stafford Arrested in Smyrna Incident

Andre Stafford, the Republican candidate for Georgia House District 42, was arrested on charges of public indecency and child molestation, a felony count, Cobb County authorities said. The charges stem from an Oct. 15 incident in Smyrna, where a girl walking to her bus stop was approached by a gray 2024 Kia Forte whose driver exposed himself, according to the arrest warrant.

Police said Flock surveillance cameras traced the vehicle to Stafford, and the victim identified him in a photo lineup. Stafford is running for the Smyrna seat held by Democrat Gabriel Sanchez. He has been photographed with state Sen. Greg Dolezal, who is running for lieutenant governor, U.S. Rep. Barry Loundermilk, and state Rep. Houston Gaines, who is seeking a congressional seat.

Mike Collins, a U.S. Rep. who is running against U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, said Stafford volunteered on many campaigns across the state this year, including Collins's. "The charges are sickening, and if they're true, then he belongs on a list and behind bars," Collins said. Jackson's campaign has said Stafford has no connection to their campaign. Representatives for Stafford did not immediately comment on the situation.

Georgia's general election is on Nov. 3.