Stapleton’s Trial: Checks, Lies, and Power | Albuquerque News

Sheryl Williams Stapleton, a former state lawmaker and APS administrator, is locked in a high-stakes federal corruption trial where prosecutors unveiled damning video evidence of her allegedly cashing a check from a P.O. box tied to a software company linked to an accused accomplice. Accused of steering millions in public grants to the company—and funneling proceeds into her own accounts—Stapleton’s defense admits she took unclaimed funds but argues this wasn’t a years-long scheme, instead framing the company owner as the betrayed party. The case deepens with revelations that checks from the company went unreported on taxes, while Stapleton allegedly pocketed tax refunds on those same payments. Complicating matters further, Stapleton’s niece testified she never held a director role at her non-profit, and a former romantic partner of the company owner revealed lavish spending and bank access granted by Johnson—testimony the defense uses to portray him as naive, not corrupt. With thirty-seven charges including fraud, bribery, and money laundering, the trial’s conclusion 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/b3fed5293d8a8ea1