DA Seth Williams Indicted On More Fraud Charges: U.S. Attorney

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams is now facing more charges related to his alleged misconduct, according to Acting New Jersey U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick. In his announcement, Fitzpatrick said Williams now faces 29 counts of various charges when he previously faced 23.

With the new charges added to the case, Williams faces 11 counts of travel and use of interstate facilities to promote and facilitate bribery contrary to Pennsylvania law (the “Travel Act counts”), two counts of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right, two counts of honest services wire fraud, 12 counts of wire fraud and two counts of mail fraud, according to Fitzpatrick's office.

The new charges are related to William's political action committee, from which he allegedly took funds intended for his campaign and used for personal expenses, the new charges claim.

In the superseding indictment, Williams is accused of using the PAC money on dinners, spa treatments, and other personal expenses.

Also, the superseding indict claims Williams used official City of Philadelphia vehicles for personal business.

Williams allegedly used High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area vehicles for personal use during non-working hours and on weekends, the indictment claims.

These new allegations add more weight to the indictment filed against Williams in late March.

That indictment alleges Williams accepted gifts for favors and that Williams defrauded a nursing home and other individuals by diverting money to be used for care of Williams' relative that he spent on himself.

Before any of these charges were filed, Williams said in a February press conference that he would not be seeking reelection this year.

William's trial for this case is set to begin Wednesday, May 31.

Image via City of Philadelphia