Federal authorities have indicted Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams for allegedly accepting gifts in exchange for fixing cases and smoothing out legal troubles for a friend and local business owner.
Williams faces more than 21 counts of wire fraud, honest services fraud, and bribery charges for his alleged actions on behalf of Philadelphia business owner Mohammed N. Ali and friends, Philly.com reported Tuesday.
The indictment comes after an almost two-year investigation into Democrat Williams’ financials, which became troubled after a divorce, according to 6ABC.
Williams is accused of taking more than $160,000 in gifts, including a stay at a Punta Cana resort, a custom sofa, and a used Jaguar convertible with insurance coverage.
In exchange for the gifts, authorities say Williams helped Ali’s friend seek a reduced prison sentence and helped Ali attempt to avoid enhanced screening when returning to the U.S. from overseas trips, 6ABC reported.
Williams is expected to turn himself in to police Wednesday. He announced last month that he would not seek a third term as district attorney due to the investigation.
Williams, who is 50, said he had shown poor judgment and had made “mistakes in my personal life and in my personal financial life,” 6ABC said.
At the same time Williams is accused of taking gifts such as Philadelphia Eagles sideline passes, $21,000 in free airfare, and a Rolex watch, he was prosecuting Philadelphia lawmakers for taking cash or jewelry worth a few thousand dollars from an informant, 6ABC reported.
Many Twitter users didn't seem too surprised by the news.
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