In a blistering grand-jury indictment released this week, Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams is accused of accepting expensive gifts from individuals facing legal problems, including local LGBT business owner Michael Weiss.
Weiss is identified as “Business Owner #2” in the indictment. He couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Weiss co-owns Woody’s Bar, a popular LGBT venue. The indictment doesn’t charge Weiss with any criminal wrongdoing. But federal prosecutors say he lavished Williams with gifts in 2012-15, including a Jaguar convertible, car-insurance payments, cash payments, round-trip airline tickets to vacation spots and lodging expenses.
In return, according to the indictment, Williams appointed Weiss as “special advisor” to the D.A.’s Office, helped Weiss obtain a police-accident report for an associate and wrote a letter to a California agency reviewing Weiss’ liquor license in that state.
The indictment includes several text messages between Williams and Weiss. In one text, Williams reportedly asks: “Can I be a greeter or celebrity bartender to work off my debt to you … ? LOL.”
In another text, Williams reportedly wrote: “Dude … I never want to feel like a drag on your wallet … but we are ALWAYS ready for an adventure.”
The indictment notes that in 2010, Weiss pleaded guilty to “corruptly endeavoring to impede the due administration of the federal tax code,” stemming from his involvement with the Palmer Social Club, an after-hours club on Spring Garden Street. Weiss was sentenced to three-years’ probation and fined $30,000. The social club was fined $562,063.04.
Williams faces 10 counts of accepting bribes, 11 counts of wire fraud and two counts of extortion. His alleged felonious activity includes diverting funds that were supposed to pay a relative’s nursing-home costs for his personal use.
Numerous groups and individuals are calling for Williams’ resignation. But as of presstime, he remained in office. He was scheduled to be arraigned March 22.