The Latest: Prosecutor denies compromising criminal cases
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Latest on corruption charges against Philadelphia's district attorney (all times local):
5 p.m.
A lawyer for Philadelphia's top prosecutor says he "vehemently denies that he ever compromised any investigation" despite an indictment that accuses him of taking luxury gifts in exchange for help with a criminal case.
District Attorney Seth Williams is expected to be arraigned Wednesday on the bribery and extortion indictment.
Lawyer Michael Diamondstein says he won't respond to any specifics of the 23 counts. However, he says the public should reserve judgment until trial.
Federal authorities on Tuesday accused the two-term city prosecutor of taking more than $80,000 from friends in exchange for favors and misspending $20,000 earmarked for a relative's nursing home care.
The indictment says Williams tried to help one friend bypass more secure airport screenings when he returned to Philadelphia from overseas business trips. The Justice Department officials say no security measures were ever thwarted.
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2:40 p.m.
Philadelphia's top prosecutor has been charged with taking gifts in exchange for providing favors. An indictment Tuesday also accuses District Attorney Seth Williams of using his position to seek help limiting security screening of a business owner at the airport.
He's accused defrauding the city of Philadelphia in a scheme of bribes and kickbacks. He faces bribery, wire fraud and extortion-related charges.
The charges come after a lengthy investigation into $160,000 in gifts that Williams failed to report, including a new roof, a $2,700 couch and luxury vacations.
Williams is expected to be arraigned Wednesday.
His lawyer is promising to fight the charges.
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This item has been corrected to show Williams is accused of seeking to help limit security screening for a business owner, not to have the man avoid security entirely.
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2 p.m.
The lawyer for embattled Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams says he'll vigorously defend the prosecutor against corruption charges.
Philadelphia lawyer Michael Diamondstein tweeted Tuesday that he's representing Williams.
A law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the investigation says the FBI and IRS will announce corruption charges Tuesday against Williams. The official wasn't authorized to release the information ahead of an afternoon news conference and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The charges come after a lengthy investigation into $160,000 in gifts that Williams failed to report, including a new roof, a $2,700 couch and luxury vacations.
Williams is expected to surrender to be arraigned Wednesday.
His spokesman says Williams isn't in the office Tuesday because he is spending time with his family, and had no further comment.
— Associated Press writer Maryclaire Dale contributed.
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12:55 p.m.
A law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the investigation says the FBI and IRS will announce corruption charges Tuesday against embattled Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.
The official wasn't authorized to release the information ahead of an afternoon news conference and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The charges come after a lengthy investigation into $160,000 in gifts that Williams failed to report, including a new roof, a $2,700 couch and luxury vacations.
Williams, the city's first black district attorney, announced last month he would not run for re-election this year. The 50-year-old Democrat said he showed poor judgment and regretted "mistakes in my personal life and in my personal financial life."
Williams has said he encountered financial problems amid a divorce and tuition costs for his children.
The AP left messages for Williams' spokesman and lawyer.
— Associated Press writer Maryclaire Dale contributed.
