Former New Mexico state representative Sheryl Williams Stapleton and businessman Joseph Johnson have been convicted on federal charges stemming from a yearslong scheme to divert millions of dollars in public education funding for personal benefit.
Following a nine-day trial, a federal jury found both defendants guilty of bribery, fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors said Stapleton used her positions at Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and in the state legislature to steer contracts and funding to Robotics Management Learning Systems, a company owned by Johnson.
Between 2013 and 2021, APS paid Robotics approximately $3.25 million for educational software and related services, including about $2.52 million in federal funds intended for career and technical education. Stapleton, who served as a state representative from 1995 to 2021 and as majority floor leader from 2017, helped secure additional funding for APS programs before directing a substantial share of that money to Johnson’s company. Prosecutors said Stapleton secretly received approximately $1.15 million from Robotics, equivalent to about 38% of the money APS paid the company. The funds were transferred to businesses and a nonprofit she controlled, used for home renovations and other personal expenses, or withdrawn as cash.
The scheme was concealed through undisclosed financial relationships and false statements. Stapleton failed to report the income on required state disclosures and federal tax returns, while Johnson allegedly concealed their relationship in company proposals and contracts. Stapleton was convicted of conspiracy, bribery involving federal funds, mail and honest-services fraud, false tax returns and money laundering. Johnson was convicted on related bribery, fraud and money-laundering charges. Neither defendant has been sentenced. Prosecutors said Stapleton faces up to 524 years in prison and Johnson up to 515 years, although actual sentences will be determined by the court.