The corruption trial for Sheryl Williams Stapleton, a former high-ranking Democratic state legislator and Albuquerque public school administrator, has been scheduled to commence on January 2, 2024, according to court records.

Williams Stapleton faces 28 charges, including racketeering, money laundering, fraud, bribery, and other allegations that came to light in 2021.

The state attorney general’s office informed the Santa Fe New Mexican that delays in the trial were caused by changes in judge assignments, as three judges recused themselves from the case.

Both defense attorneys and prosecutors also requested additional time to review documents pertaining to the case, the Associated Press reported.

The charges against Williams Stapleton stem from allegations of diverting funds intended for vocational education at Albuquerque Public Schools to businesses and charities in which she had a personal interest.

Additionally, she was accused of leveraging her legislative position for personal gain.

Williams Stapleton has consistently denied any wrongdoing. She resigned from the Legislature in July 2021 and was subsequently terminated from her position in the school district.

Ahmad Assed, the attorney representing Williams Stapleton, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on Friday.

Written by staff