Source: Mark Makela / Getty
This morning (Fri. Feb.10th) Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams (pictured above 2nd from right) announced to reporters at a morning news conference that he will not seek re-election to a third term. He described his decision as “difficult,” saying that it was made in the best interests of the office and his family. He did not take any questions.
DA Williams has faced a series of ethics controversies over recent months, and was fined $62,000 last month by the Philadelphia Board of Ethics, their largest fine ever, for failing to report income and gifts. He is also under a federal investigation which began in 2015, concerning his acceptance of gifts and favors. The federal authorities have issued subpoenas to the political action committee he used while running for office. The investigation also began looking into Williams’ personal finances and those of his Second Chance Foundation’ charity. He’s also been embroiled in ongoing disputes with the city’s Fraternal Order of Police over police involved cases. FOP President John McNesby also began a campaign to force Williams from office.
Williams said that friends had helped him through a difficult period in his life following his divorce and stressed that he took no official action in return for their help. “I have made regrettable mistakes in my personal life and personal financial life that cast an unnecessary shadow” over the work of the District Attorney’s Office, Williams said and apoligized, promising to regain the trust of Philadelphians.
by Jerry Wells from articles on myfoxphilly.com and philly.com
