Georgia Mayor, Wife Arrested For Alleged Crimes Against Children

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Joseph Kelly, the mayor of Climax, Georgia, was arrested and charged with two counts of child molestation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

His wife, Natalie Kelly, was arrested and charged with two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree.

From the Georgia Bureau of Investigation:

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate allegations that Joseph Kelly had sexual contact with multiple minors. Both Joseph and Natalie Kelly were arrested later that same day by GBI agents and Decatur County Sheriff’s Office investigators. They were booked into the Decatur County Jail.

Joseph Kelly serves as the mayor of Climax and is employed by the Decatur County School District. At this time, there is no indication that the alleged acts are related to his employment.

The GBI investigation is active & ongoing. Once complete, it will be given to the South Georgia Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Kelly resigned as mayor two days after being arrested for the charges.

Per WALB:

Both were released on June 1. According to the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph Kelly paid $55,400 for his release while Natalie Kelly paid $11,400.

The small South Georgia town of Climax, home to just 270 people, is still processing the shocking news. Residents told WALB they were stunned to learn about the allegations, especially given Kelly’s role as both mayor and educator.

“I think the whole community is just overwhelmed by it. Being the person that he is, an educator and our mayor, it’s just kind of disturbing,” one resident shared.

On the morning of June 2, Kelly submitted his resignation. City officials quickly appointed Councilmember Vanessa Martin as Mayor Pro Tem.

In a statement, the City of Climax said:

“The City of Climax Council members and city employees have been made of aware of the arrest and allegations against Mayor Kelly. The city council and employees are following developments closely and will provide any updates to our citizens in a timely manner.

The council and city employees have no knowledge or information on accusations against Mayor Kelly. We are asking to allow legal process to unfold and to remember that all citizens have the right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Our priority still and always will be service needs for the people of Climax.”

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