On March 10, 2015, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams held a press conference to announce corruption and bribery charges against several public officials who were accused of accepting various gifts in exchange for political favors. It was during that press conference that Williams declared, “there are no free passes when it comes to political corruption.” Now, a little over two years later, Williams is learning that lesson for himself.
Last week, federal prosecutors unsealed a 50-page, 23-count indictment accusing Williams of corruption, bribery and fraud. The following day in federal court, with Williams present, prosecutors laid out their case against Williams, essentially suggesting he was on the take from the moment he took office. The indictment details Williams’ acceptance of lavish gifts—including airline tickets, trips to an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, Philadelphia Eagles sideline passes and even a custom sofa—in exchange for favors and special treatment for friends and business acquaintances.
