Georgia House Candidate Faces Molestation Charge Days Before Election

Republican state House candidate Andre Stafford has been arrested on public indecency and child molestation charges in Georgia, with the state's general election set for Nov. 3.

Cobb County authorities say Stafford is charged in connection with an Oct. 15 incident in Smyrna. The arrest warrant states a girl walking to her bus stop was approached by a gray 2024 Kia Forte, and the driver exposed himself. Police said Flock surveillance cameras traced the car to Stafford, and the victim identified him from a photo lineup.

Stafford is running for House District 42 in Smyrna, a 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 Loudermilk, and state Rep. Houston Gaines, who is running for a congressional seat now held by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. Collins said Stafford volunteered on many campaigns this year, including his. "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. Stafford's representatives did not immediately comment.

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