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NewsWPLG Local 10 – EspañolAugust 14, 2026Miami-Dade

Federal jury convicts former high-ranking New Mexico legislator of fraud and bribery

A former New Mexico state legislator has been found guilty of multiple federal charges related to a scheme that diverted public school funds to a private business in exchange for kickbacks. The conviction follows a multi-year investigation into the misuse of state resources.

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Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Español

Why It Matters

The conviction confirms the illegal diversion of public education funds, impacting the integrity of state financial oversight and the allocation of resources intended for public schools.

Key Facts

  • A former high-ranking Democratic legislator in New Mexico was found guilty of dozens of federal charges.
  • The charges stem from a multi-year scheme to divert public school money to a friend's business.
  • The legislator received kickbacks in exchange for the diverted public funds.
  • The case was prosecuted in federal court.

Who's Mentioned

locationAlbuquerque“Location of the reporting and legal proceedings.”organizationAlbuquerque Public Schools“The school district from which funds were diverted.”personSheryl Williams Stapleton“Former New Mexico House Majority Leader and former administrator for Albuquerque”locationNew Mexico“Jurisdiction where the legislator served and where the fraud occurred.”personJoseph Johnson“Owner of Robotics Management Learning Systems LLC and co-defendant.”personFred Federici“Assistant United States Attorney.”organizationRobotics Management Learning Systems LLC“Company used to divert public school funds.”personAhmad Assed“Defense attorney for Williams Stapleton.”