New Mexico House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton recently announced her resignation from her office as she faces a criminal investigation into accusations of racketeering, money laundering, and illegal kickbacks.
The Democrat politician wrote a letter to the New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver stating, “due to the recent allegations that have been lodged against me, which I unequivocally deny, I have made the difficult decision that it is in the best interest of the state that I resign.”
She went on to say, “in short, because I must devote a significant amount of time and energy to fully defend against these allegations, I believe it is in the best interest of this state and the House of Representatives and Majority Floor Leader be replaced with a representative who can full and competently resume the tasks and duties that are necessary to continue serving this great state.”
Williams Stapleton was elected to the New Mexico state legislature in 1995 and became the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the House. She is a tech coordinator for the Albuquerque public school district and was placed on administrative leave from her position along with 11 other employees of the district as the investigation took place. Her home and business office was raided by officials from the state attorney general’s office following accusations made by school district superintendent Scott Elder in April.
Williams Stapleton is accused of funneling money from the Albuquerque public school district into her private accounts. The search warrant alleged that she received $953,000 from Robotics Management Learning Systems LLC through companies she owns and non-profit organizations she is involved with. However, formal charges have not yet been filed.
KRQE reported Williams Stapleton’s attorney, Ahmad Assed, said of the case, “she continues to be deeply troubled by the false allegations of APS and unequivocally denies them.” The attorney also stated, “the investigation is in its very initial stages, and no comment can be made as to any of the allegations. However, we are confident that the conclusion of the investigation will put them to rest.”
The state’s Democratic leaders said that Williams Stapleton’s resignation is “appropriate and in the best interest of the Legislature and the state.” Republican officials issued a statement regarding the resignation, saying “the evidence is damning and will further erode the public’s trust in our state government.” The Republican statement also noted that citizens deserve a full and transparent investigation into the allegations.
KOB 4 also reported that The African American Performing Arts Center in Albuquerque, which was named after the Democrat politician more than a decade ago, could be renamed as a result of the corruption investigation.
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Send her to a regular prison soon!!!