GEORGIA – According to the officials, Mayor Carswell’s suspension comes nearly six months after he was indicted on one count each of identity fraud, theft by taking, theft by deception and second-degree forgery.
Gov. Kemp’s order removes Carswell from office until his case has been disposed or until his term expires.
Mayor Carswell’s charges stem from his arrest last July in Statesboro after he was accused of taking nearly $12,000 from a title pawn business where he had worked.
He was reportedly fired after using identifying information to refinance two title pawn accounts without the person’s consent.
Carswell, who took office in 2017, announced at a May 17 council meeting that he was taking a leave of absence to deal with his personal and legal issues.
