April 14, 2017
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has once again called on Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams to resign from office, following the suspension of his law license that came weeks after federal authorities announced more than 20 corruption charges against him.
Wolf issued a statement Friday asking him to "step down immediately" so that the city could "move on."
He said:
“While District Attorney Williams, like any defendant, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, it is clear that his focus should be on his defense and it is beyond time for him to step down immediately from his post as District Attorney. The people of Philadelphia need a district attorney fully focused on, and legally capable of, executing the important duties of the top law enforcement official in Pennsylvania’s largest city. His resignation will allow the employees of the office to focus on their work and help the citizens they serve move on.”
Williams previously agreed to a temporary suspension of his law license, a decision that the state Supreme Court officially approved Thursday. His temporary suspension will become effective May 13.
Williams was indicted by a grand jury on 23 federal corruption offenses for alleged illegal activity.
Federal authorities claim that Williams accepted vacations, plane tickets, a car, furniture, cash and other items in exchange for favors. Federal officials also allege that Williams pocketed a relative's pension and Social Security money for his own benefit.
Former Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham has filed a lawsuit to remove Williams from office.
Mayor Jim Kenney and the Philadelphia Bar Association have also called for Williams to resign.
