Former NM Leader Faces 37 Charges | Albuquerque News

Former New Mexico House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton is on trial facing 37 federal charges, including bribery and mail fraud, tied to Albuquerque Public Schools funds allegedly funneled through a company owned by Jeff Johnson—then reportedly returned to her. The case began in state court in 2021 but shifted to federal jurisdiction in 2024 after prosecutors argued the involvement of federal dollars warranted federal oversight. Prosecutors allege Stapleton and Johnson colluded to divert over $1.1 million to her restaurant and a nonprofit they co-led, while the defense contends the money was Johnson’s—not taxpayer funds. Testimony opened this week with APS CFO, and prosecutors are laying out contracts, invoices, and emails to trace the alleged misuse. This high-profile trial could mark a dramatic downfall for a once-powerful political figure as the jury begins deliberating. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e7a05b99d604f811