Stapleton and Johnson Face Conspiracy Charges | Santa Fe News

The jury is now deliberating in the high-stakes case of former New Mexico House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton and co-defendant Joseph Johnson, accused of conspiring to steal over $2 million in education funds over eight years. Prosecutors paint them as a corrupt duo who funneled taxpayer money into personal ventures via fake invoices and blank checks — but the defense argues it’s theft from Johnson, not conspiracy, with no direct proof of collusion. Johnson claims he was blindsided by Stapleton’s actions, while prosecutors insist their roles as business partners — she approving payments, he signing checks — prove a coordinated scheme. With key testimony and evidence laid out, the jury faces a pivotal decision as Stapleton’s state court trial looms just days away. 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/307e2e7c5dc0cbf2