PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Philadelphia’s top prosecutor has previously acknowledged taking more than $100,000 in gifts from friends and associates, but is vowing to fight federal charges that he promised help with any court cases or legal matters in return.
A bribery and extortion indictment unsealed Tuesday accused Democratic District Attorney Seth Williams of taking Caribbean trips, free flights and $9,000 in cash from an unnamed business owner who sought official favors. He also was accused of misspending $20,000 meant for a relative’s nursing home care.
The indictment caps a nearly two-year investigation into Williams’ financial affairs. Williams, who makes $175,000 in the top job, has said he ran into financial trouble after a divorce and while paying his daughters’ private school tuition.
Defense lawyer Michael Diamondstein said Williams “vehemently denies that he ever compromised any investigation, case or law enforcement function.”
The 23-count indictment described gifts from one business owner that included trips Williams took with his then-girlfriend to a resort in the Dominican Republic, where they stayed in a presidential suite; a custom $3,400 sofa; and $9,000 in cash or checks.