Philly DA Seth Williams fined by board of ethics

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The Philadelphia Board of Ethics has reached a settlement agreement with Philadelphia's District Attorney after allegations that he failed to disclose gifts and sources of income.

Seth Williams will pay $62,000 in fines and will also pay back nearly $3,000 in the estimated value of gifts he accepted.

The Ethics Board says the fine is largest imposed by the Board in its ten year history.

In a release Tuesday, the board says Williams failed to disclose five sources of income and 89 gifts on the City Statement of interests he filed from 2010-2015.

Among the gifts received, 20 were from individuals with financial interests the District Attorney could substantially affect through official actions at the time they gave gifts.

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."