An independent investigator recommends the mayor of Stockbridge be removed from office.

At a special called city council meeting Monday, investigators said they found Mayor Lee Stuart committed seven violations of the city charter and/or state and federal law.

Together, the report says, the violations amount to "misfeasance, malfeasance, and incompetence in office."

Lawyer Christopher Balch says he interviewed 17 witnesses and looked at more than 2000 documents in reaching that conclusion.

Mayor Stuart told Channel 2 Action News, "This is the continuation of the witch hunt."  He says the charges come as a result of him trying to disrupt the "good old boy" system.

If removed -- as he expects -- Stuart says he'll appeal in federal court.