Geneva’s mayor is calling on a city councilor to consider stepping down after his arrest on felony drug charges.
Mayor Jim Cecere released a detailed statement Thursday addressing the arrest of Councilor Ahmad Whitfield, saying the situation must be handled “lawfully, decisively, and in a manner that protects the integrity of City government and the public trust.”
Arrest follows narcotics investigation
New York State Police arrested Whitfield, 45, of Geneva on Jan. 7 after an alleged drug sale involving cocaine and fentanyl. Investigators said the arrest followed a joint narcotics investigation involving the State Police Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Geneva Police Department.
Authorities charged Whitfield with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, a class A felony, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, both class B felonies. Troopers transported him to the Ontario County Jail for CAP arraignment. The investigation remains ongoing.
Mayor details city response
Cecere said he learned of the arrest just hours before Wednesday night’s City Council meeting. He said he immediately met with the city attorney, city manager, and police chief, and then notified the full council.
He emphasized that Whitfield is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. At the same time, Cecere said Whitfield’s incarceration and uncertain status prevent him from carrying out his duties.
“As a result of his incarceration and the uncertainty of his future status, Councilor Whitfield is unable to discharge the duties of his office,” Cecere said. “This leaves the City of Geneva without full representation and prevents the City Council from operating as a fully functioning legislative body.”
Ethics review planned
Cecere said he will ask the City Council to initiate an ethics review through the City of Geneva Board of Ethics, as outlined in the city’s Code of Ethics. He noted that any potential discipline would fall short of removal, since the City Charter does not allow an elected official to be removed under these circumstances.
The mayor also explained that an arrest alone does not create a vacancy in office. Under state law, a felony conviction would automatically create a vacancy, while a resignation would also trigger the city’s process to fill the seat.
Call for resignation, compassion for family
For those reasons, Cecere said he is asking Whitfield to consider resigning.
“While resignation is a personal decision, doing so would expedite resolution of this matter, allow the City to restore full representation, and enable City government to move forward without continued disruption or distraction,” he said.
Cecere also addressed the personal toll of the situation, saying his thoughts and prayers are with Whitfield, his wife, and their five young children. He asked the public to show compassion and respect their privacy.
Governing will continue, mayor says
The mayor said city government will continue to operate fully and professionally. He added that remaining council members recently reaffirmed their commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct.
“The City of Geneva must move forward,” Cecere said. “We owe it to our residents to address this matter responsibly, to follow the law, and to put this behind us as quickly as possible.”
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