CAMILLA, Ga. (WALB) - Tensions were high as the city of Camilla held their first city council meeting since the mayor, city clerk, and election superintendent were arrested and charged with election fraud and conspiracy to commit election interference.

Mayor Kelvin Owens, Interim City Manager Cheryl Ford, and former Election Superintendent Rhunette Williford were all indicted by a grand jury last week after being accused of trying to delay the special election in November 2024.

|READ MORE: Ga. Supreme Court issues new order in Camilla election case|

Each of them faces multiple counts in a 13-count indictment.

During Monday’s council meeting, multiple residents spoke out in support of the officials, and some called it unfair that they had to sit in jail before being granted bond.

During the city council meeting, locals spoke up about the controversy, and some believe it all stems from racial discrimination.

“The Camilla Massacre continues. It started in 1868, and it hasn’t ceased yet,” one local said.

“It’s known all around the world that Camilla, Georgia, is a racist town. When does it stop?” another local asked.

While some blamed racism, others believe the catalyst for the indictments is the complete opposite.

“It’s not about race. It’s about what’s right and what’s wrong,” one man said.

“I have worked with black and white, and we worked together. That’s what’s needed here, another resident added.

Regardless of the differing opinions, it was announced that the city of Camilla will pay for the legal defense of the three officials facing these charges, thanks to an ordinance established by the council in January 2024, months before the special election.

“The basis of it is that if you are a city official and if you’re operating within your job, your title, then there should be some degree of support,” Mayor Owens said.

In spite of the ordinance being established before the election controversy, Councilman W.D. Palmer doesn’t agree with it.

“It’s still unethical for someone to vote to enhance themselves and by that have someone else to pay their bills for them. It’s unethical,” Palmer said.

“I still have a job to do. This is not a start and stop responsibility even with these allegations, it’s important that I work for the people of this city,” Owens said.

The mayor ended the meeting on a positive note by telling locals to keep their heads high, stay encouraged, and know that he and the city council are doing all they can to continue to move Camilla forward.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Camilla City Council to hold meeting on Monday
• Camilla mayor, city clerk, elections supervisor released on bond
• Bond hearing set for Camilla mayor, city clerk and election superintendent
• Camilla mayor, city clerk and election official indicted on election interference

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