By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
SMYRNA, Ga. — A Republican candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives faces a felony child molestation charge and a public indecency charge following allegations that he exposed himself to a girl walking to her school bus stop.
Andre Lamar Stafford, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Gabriel Sanchez in House District 42, was arrested Oct. 22. The district includes parts of Cobb County, including Smyrna. Stafford denies the allegations.
According to a Cobb County arrest warrant described by FOX 5 Atlanta, the alleged incident occurred Oct. 15 near Lakes Edge Drive SE and Hillsdale Parkway. Investigators say a driver approached the child, commented on her appearance and exposed himself before leaving.
Authorities reviewed Flock license plate reader footage and identified a gray 2024 Kia Forte registered to Stafford, according to the warrant. Investigators said the child subsequently identified Stafford in a photo lineup. Those allegations have not been proven in court.
A magistrate initially denied bond, citing concerns about danger to a person or the community. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution subsequently reported that Stafford was released on a $27,720 bond.
“I have no reason to drop out, I am innocent,” Stafford told FOX 5 Atlanta when asked whether he would leave the race.
Sanchez expressed concern for the child and her family in a statement WSB-TV reported.
“Every student in our community deserves to be safe waiting for the school bus in their own neighborhood,” Sanchez said.
The allegations surfaced shortly before Georgia’s Nov. 3 general election. Stafford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and the criminal case remains separate from voters’ decision about who will represent the district.