Feds extend probe of Philadelphia DA to his charity

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF/AP) - A federal investigation into Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams' campaign and personal finances is expanding.

The former chairman of a charity founded by Williams told The Philadelphia Inquirer the group received a federal subpoena Monday.

Ryan Boyer said he resigned from the Second Chance Foundation last week because he was not being "kept in the loop" on its operations.

The Second Chance Foundation aids groups serving at-risk children and families. Williams' office and campaign spokesmen both declined comment on the report.

Last August, The Inquirer reported federal agents had subpoenaed Williams' campaign records.

Last week, Williams amended his financial disclosure forms to report to the city's ethics board that he received $160,050 in previously undisclosed gifts from 2010 to 2015, while in office.

Tuesday, Williams did not accept a FOX 29 News request for answers regarding what has become known as Giftgate.

The freebies included a $45,000 roof repair for his home.

Williams was elected Philadelphia's first black district attorney in 2009, and is up for re-election next year.

He has e-mailed supporters of his 2017 re-election bid to say he accepted full responsibility for failing to report the gifts.

Under Pennsylvania law, even lavish gifts would be legal as long as no proof exists that favors were exchanged.

However, Williams could face a hefty fine from the ethics board for failing to report the gifts in a timely fashion.