Former NM House Leader Stapleton Convicted on 31 Federal Counts in Education Fraud Trial
A federal jury in Albuquerque convicted former New Mexico House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton and co-defendant Joseph Johnson on all counts of bribery, mail fraud, and money laundering. The verdict follows a two-week trial detailing an eight-year scheme to divert over $2 million in state and federal education funds from Albuquerque Public Schools to Johnson’s company, Robotics Management Learning Systems. Stapleton faces 31 felony charges, while Johnson faces 28. Both were released pending sentencing, which is expected within 90 days. Stapleton also faces separate state charges, though her defense has urged the state to drop the case due to the federal conviction.