Allegedly corrupt Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton resigns in disgrace

On Friday, allegedly corrupt former Democrat majority leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives resigned in disgrace. 

According to the Albuquerque Journal, ​​“House Speaker Brian Egolf revealed the resignation.” 

“Stapleton, an Albuquerque Democrat, is stepping down after 27 years as a member of the state House. She rose to become the House majority leader in 2017, making her the second-highest ranking member of the chamber.” On Saturday, Democrats planned to oust Williams Stapleton at their caucus meeting.

The Journal reports, Williams Stapleton’s “attorney, Ahmad Assed, said he or Stapleton would issue a comment shortly.”

Williams Stapleton was accused of racketeering, money laundering, and receiving kickbacks.

READ MORE: Police execute search warrants at home of Democrat House Leader Sheryl Stapleton

Williams Stapleton’s full resignation letter sent to Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is below:

Dear Secretary of State Toulouse Oliver:

The continuity in governance over the great State of New Mexico is the highest priority to me. I have been long honored to serve the People of New Mexico as the Majority Floor Leader and as a member of the House of Representatives, and as a public servant for many years. I have held this position with great distinction and humility. Serving this State, and the People. have always been the most important goal in my position. 1 also recognize that the ideals and principles of bipartisanship and bicameralism between the State House of Representatives and the Senate that we have achieved in recent years is a delicate balance that must continue to expand for the continued prosperity of our government and for the People of this great state. This is a pivotal moment that cannot be hindered by any outside interruptions that will impede the continued flow of government and the provision of services to the people of New Mexico.

Due to the recent allegations that have been lodged against me, which I unequivocally deny, I have made the difficult decision that it is in the best interest of the State that I resign my position as the Majority Floor Leader and a member of the House of Representatives. This is a decision that weighs heavily on me, and which I have made after a tremendous amount of consideration of the best interest of the People. In short, because I must devote a significant amount of time and energy to fully defend against these allegations. I believe it is in the best interest of this State and the House of Representatives that my position as both a member of the House of Representatives and Majority Floor Leader be replaced with a representative who can fully and competently resume the tasks and duties that are necessary to continue serving this great State.

I remain loyal to my constituents and my colleagues throughout these trying times, and pledge my full support and cooperation in the continued operation of the House of Representatives and the transition of my position. I care deeply for all of my constituents and colleagues, and I vow to persist in serving the People of New Mexico to the best of my abilities. I thank you all for your continued support and service to the State of New Mexico during this difficult time. I will continue to cooperate and comply with my duties as I strive to put these allegations to rest.

Very truly yours,

Sheryl Williams Stapleton

New Mexico Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce released a statement following the disgraced former majority leader’s resignation:

“This is a sad day in New Mexico politics. I know Rep. Stapleton personally, and we have worked together, but there’s no excuse for what she’s apparently done. These actions must be dealt with appropriately. She should step down because she has violated the public trust and violated her oath of office to New Mexicans. Rep. Stapleton must be held accountable, and we hope the investigation and judicial process will take the proper course in this matter.”