A former New Mexico state House majority leader has been found guilty on multiple federal charges related to a long-running fraud scheme involving public school district funds. The jury reached its verdict after a trial featuring testimony from colleagues, investigators, and financial experts. Williams Stapleton, 69, was convicted on charges including bribery, mail fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to defraud the federal government.
According to prosecutors, Williams Stapleton directed more than $3 million in funds from Albuquerque Public Schools to Robotics Management Learning Systems LLC, a company owned by her associate Joseph Johnson. In her role as the school district’s career and technical education director, she facilitated the company’s invoices through the procurement process. Much of the diverted money originated from federal appropriations designated for vocational education programs.
Prosecutors alleged that Johnson provided blank checks to Williams Stapleton, who wrote approximately 230 checks totaling $1,152,506 for personal use. Johnson, also convicted on similar charges, testified that he was unaware of the large withdrawals from his company’s accounts during this period, claiming he lost focus on business matters following a personal tragedy in 2016. Williams Stapleton’s defense argued she stole from Johnson’s company but not from public funds or taxpayers.
Investigators presented evidence that both defendants failed to report substantial payments on their federal income tax returns. Prosecutors calculated that roughly 73% of the more than $3 million the company received represented profit that the co-defendants allegedly divided for personal benefit. Williams Stapleton, who first held elected office in 1994 and resigned in summer 2021 following the initial investigation, faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. Her attorney indicated that appeal options are being considered.
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