Georgia Mayor Arrested on Child Molestation‌ Charges; Wife faces Cruelty Count

​ Updated June⁤ 01, 2025
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Joseph Kelly, 38,‌ the mayor of Climax, Georgia,‌ and his wife, Natalie Kelly, were arrested Saturday following⁢ a Georgia Bureau⁤ of Investigation ⁣(GBI)​ inquiry.The ‌Decatur County Sheriff’s Office initially requested⁣ the GBI investigation.

Joseph ⁢kelly ‍is accused of⁤ sexual contact with multiple minors, according to ‌the GBI. He also works⁣ for the Decatur County School District, though authorities say the alleged crimes appear unrelated to his employment.

Kelly ​faces two counts‍ of child molestation. Natalie Kelly is charged with two ⁢counts of second-degree cruelty ⁣to children. Both were booked into the Decatur County Jail.

What’s next

Authorities ⁢are‌ continuing to investigate the child molestation charges. Channel ⁢2 Action News has⁢ contacted the⁤ school​ district ‍for ⁤comment.