Board of Ethics issues unprecedented fine to Philadelphia DA Seth Williams

PHILADELPHIA -- District Attorney Seth Williams has agreed to pay $62,000 in penalties as part of a settlement with the Philadelphia Board of Ethics over failure to disclose gifts and sources of income and accepting gifts barred by the city ethics code.

In addition to the fine - which officials called the largest imposed by the board in its 10-year history - Williams will send the city $2,840, which the board called "the value of the prohibited gifts" accepted.

Officials said Williams didn't disclose five sources of income and 89 gifts on a 2010-2015 financial interest statement and omitted 10 items on an amended statement in August.

Williams, a Democrat, apologized to the city, prosecutors, supporters and family members and vowed to "work every day" to earn back their "trust and respect."

The following is a statement from District Attorney Seth Williams on the settlement agreement he reached with the Philadelphia Board of Ethics:

"I have agreed to a settlement with the Philadelphia Board of Ethics
that resulted in my being fined for failing to fully and properly
disclose payments I received from previous employers and gifts I

received from friends.

These mistakes were my own and I accept full responsibility for my
failure to do everything that was required of me as a public official.

It was wrong to fail to fully and accurately disclose the payments and
gifts I received. I apologize to the people of Philadelphia, the
hardworking and talented staff of the District Attorney's office, my

supporters, the friends who supported me and asked nothing in return
and most of all to my family, who have had to endure unwarranted
attacks for my shortcomings.

I will work every day to earn back the trust and respect of all of you."