Jury Weighs $1.1M School Funds Scandal | Santa Fe News

The jury is now deliberating in the high-stakes case of former state Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, accused of using her public office to siphon over $1.1 million from Albuquerque Public Schools into her friend Joseph Johnson’s company—without disclosing any conflict of interest. Prosecutors presented damning evidence, including undisclosed financial disclosures and duplicate billing for a $40K software license, painting a picture of systemic abuse. Defense teams argue no direct proof of collusion exists, claiming funds came from Johnson personally—not taxpayers—and that the software contract was justified by unique requirements. Johnson’s team insists he was unaware of the checks, which were meant for a shared foundation. Prosecutors counter that verbal agreements can still constitute conspiracy. The jury’s verdict will decide whether public trust was betrayed—or if this was a case of mismanaged oversight. 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/3c4046c91efe26e9