CLIMAX, Ga. (WALB) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating after the mayor of Climax and his wife were charged with child sex crimes.

According to a release from the GBI, Mayor of Climax Joseph Kelly, 38, was arrested and charged with two counts of child molestation. His wife, Natalie Kelly, 44, of Climax, was arrested and charged with two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree.

On Saturday, May 31, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) requested the GBI’s assistance in investigating allegations of Joseph having sexual contact with multiple minors.

Both Joseph and Natalie were arrested later that day by GBI agents and DCSO investigators, according to the GBI.

The GBI said that Joseph is also employed by the Decatur County School District.

At this time, the GBI said there is no indication that the alleged acts are related to his employment.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

Both were booked into the Decatur County Jail, and are now out on bond. Joseph was released after posting bond for $55,400, and Natalie was released after posting bond for $11,400.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.