Former Phila. DA gets 5-year sentence after guilty plea

Seth Williams

Former Phila. DA gets 5-year sentence after guilty plea

American Bar Association News Blog
By Debra Cassens Weiss
Posted October 25, 2017, 9:06 am CDT

Former Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams was sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a single count relating to accepting bribes.

U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond told Williams he had sold his office to "parasites" and humiliated employees in the DA’s office, report the Associated Press and Philly.com. Diamond said Williams’ "profound dishonesty" had to be deterred.

Diamond imposed the five-year sentence and ordered Williams to pay nearly $100,000 in forfeiture and restitution, according to the Philly.com article.

Williams had pleaded guilty during his June corruption trial to using interstate facilities to facilitate bribes from a business owner, in exchange for dismissal of 28 other charges. He had been accused of accepting gifts from two business owners, including a trip to the Dominican Republic. He was also accused of using campaign funds for business expenses and spending money that was intended to pay for his mother’s nursing home care.

During the sentencing, Williams spoke through a statement read by his lawyer. "Rather than holding myself to a higher standard, I squandered that trust placed in me," the statement said. Read more