Mayor of Register admits to violating evidence laws, council calls for suspension

At Tuesday’s regularly scheduled council meeting, the Register Town Council discussed, at the request of Mayor John Williams, the evidence room of the currently-suspended Register Police Department.

During the discussion, Mayor Williams explained that he went to the police evidence room and poured out all the liquor and beer seized during traffic stops by the Register Police Department.  Williams admitted that, with another city employee, he disposed of all beer and liquor. He stated he took photos of the disposal and noted the bottles went to a Bulloch Recycling Center.

Mayor pro-tem Barbara Rushing spoke immediately on the issue asking if the mayor obtained a court order to destroy the evidence. Williams explained “It was done. It is whatever” while Rushing explained it is a felony offense.

The audio is below.

Rushing then proposed the following resolution calling for the temporary suspension of the mayor pending an investigation. The resolution, which is all-encompassing and pertains to other issues, was presented by Rushing, and seconded by Tonya Boyd. The final vote was unanimous.

A motion was also made to temporarily suspend the city employee who participated in the incident. Rushing assured the employee the investigation would be completed as quickly as possible while also noting she understood he was acting at the direction of the mayor.

An investigative panel will be established Wednesday.

Future evidence concerns will be handled by the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office.