Stone Mountain mayor says she wants to ‘clear up' allegations that could get her removed
Stone Mountain Mayor Beverly Jones is defending herself after the city council voted on rules that could lead to her removal at the end of an investigation into her use of city bank accounts.
Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach was at a news conference the mayor held on Tuesday morning where she claimed she did nothing wrong.
'I'm here to clear up a lot of matters, because this city needs to move forward in goodness and grace," Jones said.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Last month, councilmembers discussed concerns that Jones abused her authority as mayor and launched an investigation into whether she took control of the city's bank account.
They claimed that she removed names on the Downtown Development Authority's account at Truist and left just her own.
She denied removing any names and said she only acted after the bank warned her of a potential cybersecurity risk.
'It came up later that two employees were taken off. It was not my doing, I don't have that intent and don't have that capability,' she said.
TRENDING STORIES:
Atlanta Public Schools approves new $1.3 billion budget, will cut 135 positions
Atlanta Motor Speedway gets a new name
Governor's office said it will start issuing special tax refund checks this week
The city has since taken back control of all financial accounts and removed her access to them.
Councilmembers says they will not vote on whether to remove Jones as mayor until the independent investigation is complete.
Jones claimed that bank officials asked her to remove four names of people who no longer work with the city.
Gehlbach asked her who those people are, but she declined to comment, saying she had their identities but did not want to share out of fear of litigation.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
State Rep. Jolanda Jones to campaign for seat left vacant by congressman's death
AUSTIN (KXAN)– Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones announced Monday her campaign for Congress, seeking to fill the seat left vacant by Rep. Sylvester Turner's death earlier this year. The Houston Democrat becomes the latest candidate to enter what has become a competitive race for the 18th Congressional District, joining Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, energy executive Zoe Cadore, realtor Peter Filler, community advocate Robert Slater and independent candidates Reyna Anderson and Chance Davis. Jones emphasized her commitment to protecting federal programs and constitutional freedoms in her campaign launch, positioning herself as an experienced advocate ready to confront Republican policy initiatives in Washington. The Nov. 4 special election will determine Turner's replacement in a district considered safely Democratic. Turner died in March after serving just two months of his first term. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee previously held the seat before her death in 2024. Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner's seat Gov. Greg Abbott faced criticism from Democrats for waiting to schedule the special election until the November uniform election date, leaving the district without representation for nine months. However the extended timeline allowed Jones to complete the legislative session before launching her congressional campaign, as she had pledged to focus on her state house duties until the session concluded. Menefee criticized the governor's decision, stating it was 'unconscionable to leave nearly 800,000 people in this district without representation in Congress for most of the year.' Abbott defended the timeline, citing concerns about Harris County's election administration capabilities, though county officials disputed his characterization of their election operations. Jones brings diverse government experience to the congressional race. She has represented House District 147 at the State Capitol since winning the election in 2022, where she worked on criminal justice, health policy and redistricting issues. Before her legislative service, Jones spent four years on Houston City Council representing an at-large position from 2008-2012. She also served on the Houston Independent School District school board. The veteran attorney waited until the end of the legislative session to announce her congressional campaign, citing her responsibility to current constituents in the state house. Her legal practice spans more than two decades, during which she worked on high-profile cases including efforts to reform Houston's police crime laboratory following evidence handling problems. In Congress, Jones said she would prioritize defending social programs, including Social Security and Medicare from potential reductions. She also plans to advocate for expanded healthcare access and reproductive rights restoration. The candidate emphasized her long-standing advocacy for women's healthcare autonomy and pledged to work toward reversing federal abortion restrictions. Veterans' benefits protection and education funding would also receive focus under her congressional agenda, along with infrastructure investments for the Houston region. Several Democrats have already launched campaigns for the seat: Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee entered the race first, securing support from former congressional candidates Colin Allred and Beto O'Rourke. Lee's daughter, Erica Lee Carter, chairs his campaign organization. Former city council member Amanda Edwards brings municipal government experience and private sector leadership as head of a community solutions consulting firm. She spearheaded Houston's technology innovation initiatives during her council tenure and maintains extensive nonprofit board involvement. Energy industry executive Zoe Cadore is running after serving as a federal affairs director for Calpine Corporation. Her background includes policy work with the American Petroleum Institute and involvement in Turner's mayoral administration. Peter Filler, a real estate professional with environmental science training, offers urban forestry expertise and Texas teaching credentials to the race. Robert Slater campaigns on economic revitalization and public safety improvements, drawing from personal experiences growing up in underserved Houston communities. Independent candidates Chance Davis and Reyna Anderson, running under the 'Other' party designation, round out the field. The 18th District encompasses some of Houston's most politically active communities and serves as a crucial Democratic stronghold in Texas. With Republicans holding a narrow House majority, maintaining the seat remains important for Democratic legislative priorities. The extended vacancy has left constituents without representation during key congressional debates over federal spending and policy initiatives. Jones' candidacy adds state-level legislative experience to a field dominated by local government veterans and private sector professionals, potentially appealing to voters seeking Austin connections for federal advocacy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Florida's Hurricane Tax Holiday Delayed Amid Budget Gridlock
For years, Floridians have relied on the state's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to help them save money while stocking up for hurricane season. But this year, the tax break is missing, stalled by a budget stalemate in Tallahassee. At Hagan Ace Hardware in Mandarin, shelves are stocked with essentials like batteries, tarps, and flashlights — the very supplies normally exempt from sales tax in early June. Doug Kreie, the store's general manager, said the delay has slightly slowed business. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'When they announced the sales tax, we do see a bump because it reminds people,' Kreie said. The state legislature has yet to approve a final budget. That means the tax holiday, which traditionally begins June 1, hasn't been authorized. Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed two 14-day tax-free periods this year, estimating more than $70 million in savings, but negotiations are only just beginning. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The delay comes as forecasters predict another above-average hurricane season, with up to five major storms possible. And for shoppers like Geoffrey Decker, the uncertainty is frustrating. 'I know it isn't a lot, but it does draw people out to get it done,' Decker said. 'That's what I'm waiting on.' Decker said he's holding off on buying more expensive items until the tax break kicks in, if it does. He's got his list handy. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 'Batteries, water, pet supplies. God forbid if something does happen, we're prepared. And that's what it's all about,' said Decker. While lawmakers continue to negotiate in the state capital, experts and retailers urge Floridians not to wait. The storms won't delay, even if the legislature does. Kreie said calm weather may also be lulling some into a false sense of security, but now is the time to prepare, tax break or not. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former Ascension Public Schools employee arrested for felony theft
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A woman formerly employed with the Ascension Parish Public School System has been arrested after she was accused of stealing over $12,000. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office (APSO) says Kayla Jones, 33, is charged with felony theft of $5,000 but less than $25,000. According to the sheriff's office, detectives started an investigation after being contacted by officials with Ascension Public Schools on Wednesday, April 30. Jones, a former employee, was reported to have taken approximately $12,624.92 during her time of employment. An internal audit and follow-up investigation showed that the funds were taken in separate amounts over a period of time. A warrant was issued for Jones, who later turned herself in. She was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail. The investigation is ongoing. Ascension Public Schools released the following statement: 'We have zero tolerance for any form of misconduct or financial mismanagement within our school system. Upon discovering indications of potential theft of funds at Central Middle School, we acted immediately by initiating a thorough investigation in partnership with an independent auditor and notifying law enforcement and the legislative auditor's office,' said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent Edith M. Walker. 'We are grateful for our partnership with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office for pursuing this case and protecting our school district. In Ascension, we are fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public resources, and we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent of the law.' Superintendent Edith M. Walker Gonzales police arrest two suspects in Top Notch Daiquiris shooting Lawmakers sit back to watch Trump-Musk blowup drama What We Learned: Casan Evans is him, LSU fans are spoiled Customers report getting punctured Nintendo Switch 2s from NYC GameStop Former Ascension Public Schools employee arrested for felony theft Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles says another text message scam is circulating. Here's what to know. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
