Smyrna Republican charged with child molestation days before vote

Andre Stafford, a Republican candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives, was arrested on charges of public indecency and child molestation. Cobb County authorities filed the felony charges following an incident that occurred on Oct. 15 in Smyrna.

Police records state that a young girl was walking to her bus stop when she was approached by a gray 2024 Kia Forte. The driver of the vehicle exposed himself to the victim. Flock surveillance cameras tracked the car to Stafford. The girl identified him in a photo lineup.

Stafford is running for house district 42, a seat currently held by Democrat Gabriel Sanchez. He has appeared in photos with several prominent Georgia GOP officials. These include state Sen. Greg Dolezal, who is seeking the lieutenant governor position, and U.S. Rep. Barry Loundermilk. State Rep. Houston Gaines, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, also appears in images with Stafford. Gaines is competing against U.S. Rep. Mike Collins for a congressional seat.

Collins addressed the news in a statement. "Mr. Stafford has volunteered on many campaigns across the state this year, including ours," Collins said. "The charges are sickening, and if they're true, then he belongs on a list and behind bars." A spokesperson for Gaines' campaign said Stafford had no connection to their specific race.

Stafford's representatives did not immediately provide comment on the charges. The Georgia general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. That is five days after the incident that led to the arrest.