Michael Weiss, a local LGBT business owner who lavished gifts on Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams, testified this week during Williams’ ongoing corruption trial.
Weiss testified under a grant of immunity. Federal prosecutors say Williams requested many gifts from Weiss. In return, Weiss received favors from Williams relating to Weiss’ various legal problems.
In his testimony, Weiss denied giving any bribes to Williams. “I don’t believe I bribed anybody,” Weiss testified.
Weiss co-owns Woody’s Bar, a popular LGBT venue in the Gayborhood.
Prosecutors allege that between 2012-15, Weiss gave Williams gifts including a used Jaguar, cash payments and trips to vacation spots. In return, Williams appointed Weiss as “special advisor” to the D.A.’s Office, helped Weiss obtain a police accident report for a friend and sent letters on behalf of Weiss relating to Weiss’ tax problems.
Williams even let Weiss and his boyfriend drive a city-owned car a short distance in New Jersey, while the two men attended a party in Wildwood, according to prosecutors.
Weiss testified that he eventually became concerned that Williams was requesting too much from him. Weiss said he told his brother Billy, “We’ve got to stop this. We’ve put enough into this friendship.”
Weiss and his brother loaned Williams more than $2,000, but never received repayment, Weiss said.
But Williams did offer to serve as a “celebrity bartender” to help repay the loans, Weiss testified.
Weiss also testified he thought the Jaguar he gave Williams would be used by Williams’ girlfriend or her father.
“I was taken aback, extremely upset [to learn Williams kept it for himself], because that’s not what I expected,” Weiss testified.
Additionally, Weiss said he feared “retaliation” from an “angry” Williams if he put an end to the gift-giving.
Williams had a look of incredulity on his face when Weiss expressed his retaliation concern. But for most of Weiss’ testimony, Williams appeared emotionless while taking notes on a yellow legal pad.
Under cross examination by defense attorney Thomas Burke, Weiss agreed that he had a close, affectionate relationship with Williams. Weiss also agreed that he was a “leader” in the LGBT communiy, and that Williams benefited from his expertise on LGBT issues.
The two men, who’ve known each other since 2009, texted quite frequently.
In one text, Weiss asked Williams: “What does Little Sethie want for his birthday?” Burke indicated the text demonstrated a loving relationship between the men, and that gifts would be expected.
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 29 counts including bribery, extortion and honest-services fraud. His alleged felonious activity includes misuse of campaign funds and diverting for his personal use funds that were supposed to cover his mother’s nursing-home costs. n