Episode Details

A former state education official stunned the courtroom by revealing she was pressured by Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton to approve a $1M+ software deal for Joseph Johnson’s company — a move prosecutors say was part of a years-long bribery scheme. Perea, who refused to comply, testified she was ordered to buy a statewide license for Johnson’s Cyberquest platform using legislation Stapleton sponsored — but Johnson’s firm never even submitted a proposal. When Perea tried to follow proper procurement procedures, she was abruptly told to halt the process. Stapleton’s team objected, forcing a judge to limit her testimony to yes-or-no answers. With trial still underway in Albuquerque, the case hinges on whether Stapleton abused her power to funnel federal education funds to Johnson — and whether Perea’s defiance exposed a corrupt system.

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