New Mexico Rep. Williams Stapleton resigns amid criminal investigation
Daniel J. Chacón | Jul 30, 2021After nearly three decades of serving in the Legislature, House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton resigned Friday amid a damning criminal investigation alleging racketeering, money laundering, illegal kickbacks and violations of New Mexico’s Governmental Conduct Act.
"Due to the recent allegations that have been lodged against me, which I unequivocally deny, I have made the difficult decision that it is in the best interest of the state that I resign," Williams Stapleton, D-Albuquerque, wrote in a one-page letter to Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver.
"This is a decision that weighs heavily on me, and which I have made after a tremendous amount of consideration of the best interest of the people," she wrote. "In short, because I must devote a significant amount of time and energy to fully defend against these allegations, I believe it is in the best interest of this state and the House of Representatives that my position as both a member of the House of Representatives and Majority Floor Leader be replaced with a representative who can fully and competently resume the tasks and duties that are necessary to continue serving this great state."
Efforts to reach Williams Stapleton for comment were unsuccessful. . .
https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/state-rep-sheryl-williams-stapleton-resigns-amid-criminal-investigation/article_bd24641e-f14e-11eb-9c36-8f5d01516ebc.html
It's rare to see any Democrat give up the reins of power. There may a prison cell in her near future.
