# Former NM Leader Pleads to Fraud | Irvine News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/irvine-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7571856/former-nm-leader-pleads-to-fraud-irvine-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/irvine-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7571856/former-nm-leader-pleads-to-fraud-irvine-news.md
Podcast: [Irvine News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/irvine-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7571856)
Published: 2026-09-05T08:28:43+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/e7605bd1028c284b
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/0f0704fb-a005-46be-b59e-17edbde5ce9d.mp3
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Duration seconds: 111

## Resource

Sheryl Williams Stapleton, a former New Mexico state House leader and Albuquerque Public Schools official, just pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering — admitting she funneled millions meant for vocational training through a shell company tied to her friend, Joseph Johnson. Facing up to 10.5 years in prison and $1.8 million restitution, the plea deal signals a major crackdown on public corruption, as prosecutors aim to send a clear message: abusing taxpayer funds won’t be tolerated. Both she and Johnson are now awaiting sentencing after separate federal convictions, with appeals looming. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/e7605bd1028c284b Presented by The Plant Daddies — rare specimen trees, living art, and hand-carved limestone vessels and fountains for extraordinary spaces. Showrooms in Los Angeles and Irvine. Listeners of Irvine News Today receive 10% off with code LANEWS10. theplantdaddies.com/lanews

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