Smyrna Republican state House candidate charged with child molestation

Andre Stafford, the Republican candidate for Georgia House District 42, was arrested on felony charges of public indecency and child molestation. Cobb County authorities issued the arrest warrant based on an incident reported in Smyrna. The charges stem from events that took place on October 15.

According to the warrant, a girl walking to her bus stop was approached by a gray 2024 Kia Forte. The driver of the vehicle exposed himself to the victim. Police used Flock surveillance cameras to track the car’s movements. Investigators identified Stafford as the driver after the victim picked him out of a photo lineup.

Stafford is seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Gabriel Sanchez in the race for the Smyna seat. He has been photographed with several prominent Georgia Republican officials. These include state Sen. Greg Dolezal, who is running for lieutenant governor, and U.S. Rep. Barry Loundermilk. He also appeared alongside state Rep. Houston Gaines, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Mike Collins for a congressional seat.

Collins, who is part of the campaign aiming to unseat U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, commented on the arrest. “Mr. Stafford has volunteered on many campaigns across the state this year, including ours,” Collins said. He added, “The charges are sickening, and if they’re true, then he belongs on a list and behind bars.” Houston Gaines’s campaign stated that Stafford has no connection to their effort.

Stafford’s representatives did not immediately provide a statement regarding the situation. The Georgia general election is scheduled for November 3. Voters in Cobb County will head to the polls to decide the district 42 seat just one week after the arrest warrant was issued.