Stapleton on Trial: Who Gave Her the Money | Santa Fe News

Sheryl Williams Stapleton stands trial on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and money laundering — but her defense insists she’s innocent, claiming the money came from her friend and co-defendant Joseph Johnson’s company and nonprofit, not taxpayers. Johnson’s attorney flips the script, arguing he was actually defrauded by Stapleton and had no knowledge of any conspiracy. Prosecutors counter with a damning narrative: Stapleton, as Albuquerque Public Schools’ career and technical education director, funneled public funds to Johnson’s firm in exchange for blank checks she used personally. The two-week trial kicks off with the school district’s CFO taking the stand, while Stapleton also faces separate state charges later this year. 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/666bce42ac94efa2