Former New Mexico lawmaker set to plead guilty in state fraud case
A former New Mexico state representative plans to plead guilty to state fraud charges, according to online court records. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, who was convicted on dozens of federal charges earlier in the month, now has a change of plea hearing set for September 9 in state court.
A federal jury found Stapleton guilty on federal charges after she stole millions of dollars meant for Albuquerque students while working as an administrator for Albuquerque Public Schools.
Stapleton conspired with Joseph Johnson, who owned a learning software program, to funnel millions of taxpayer dollars into their pockets over the course of eight years. Johnson was also convicted for his role.
Stapleton was scheduled for trial on similar charges in state court on October 5. The details of any potential plea agreement have not been made public.
