By Joseph Snook
Investigative Reporter
A 23-count federal
indictment was filed against Philadelphia, PA. District Attorney Seth
Williams on March 21, 2017.
The indictment
accuses Williams of accepting cash bribes and other lavish gifts, including
16 round-trip airline tickets, an all-inclusive vacation to the Dominican
Republic, a Jaguar convertible and stealing over $20,000 from his Mother's
pension.
“The indictment
(also) alleges that as District Attorney, Mr. Williams compromised himself
and his elected office...," according the U.S.
Justice Department.
"I
am merely a thankful beggar..."
-- D.A. Williams
D.A. Williams allegedly
accepted travel in return for negotiating lesser sentences, or favors
for one business owner who financed an all expense paid trip to Punta
Cana, Dominican Republic, complete with a presidential suite, private
beach and butler. While on 'vacation', the businessman reportedly requested
that Williams help another person in a criminal case, saying, “the
guy pleaded guilty, he will take any punishment but he just doesn’t
wanna do jail!” In response, Williams inquired about a second
trip, “I am merely a thankful beggar and don’t want to
overstep my bounds in asking... but we will gladly go.” Williams
also stated that he would try to help the business owner's friend by
attempting to, “make it a county sentence.”
As the 11th highest
paid employee of Philadelphia, Williams' earnings reached $175,000 annually
according to a 2012 article in Philadelphia
Magazine.
Michael Harpster,
the FBI special agent in charge of the investigations into D.A. Williams
stated, “When elected or appointed officials stray from their
sworn oaths, they must be held accountable. Combating public corruption
remains the FBI's top criminal priority."
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