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Ex-New Mexico Rep. Stapleton Convicted on All Federal Charges

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ex-New Mexico Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton and Joseph Johnson were found guilty on all federal charges Friday.
Stapleton faced 37 counts—including fraud, bribery and money laundering—after a March 2024 indictment.
Prosecutors say the scheme diverted $3 million of vocational-education funds to Johnson’s Robotics Management Learning Systems LLC.
Stapleton wrote about 230 checks totaling $1,152,506, is out of custody, and could face 20 years in prison with a trial set for October.

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Story summary

Ex-New Mexico Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton and Joseph Johnson were found guilty on all federal charges Friday.
Stapleton faced 37 counts—including fraud, bribery and money laundering—after a March 2024 indictment.
Prosecutors say the scheme diverted $3 million of vocational-education funds to Johnson’s Robotics Management Learning Systems LLC.
Stapleton wrote about 230 checks totaling $1,152,506, is out of custody, and could face 20 years in prison with a trial set for October.