DAYTON, OH – Former Dayton City Commissioner Joey Williams was sentenced to a year in prison on January 29, 2020, after pleading guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for influencing the awarding of city contracts. The case, investigated by federal authorities, reveals a pattern of corruption involving multiple individuals and a scheme to defraud both the City of Dayton and CityWide Development Corporation, a key non-profit entity linked to the city’s development initiatives.
Williams, who served as a commissioner from 2001 to 2018, admitted to accepting over $35,000 in benefits from an unnamed individual in return for leveraging his position to secure contracts for the individual’s business. These benefits included direct cash payments and the construction of a patio at Williams’ personal residence, performed at a significantly reduced cost. The individual’s company subsequently landed at least $150,000 in contracts involving demolition work, primarily through CityWide Development Corporation, which routinely oversaw the awarding of contracts for the demolition of properties within Dayton.
The investigation uncovered evidence that Williams actively attempted to conceal the illicit arrangement. He allegedly requested the individual create a falsified invoice, designed to misrepresent the home improvement work as a legitimate, fully-paid transaction. This attempt at deception was a crucial element in establishing intent to violate federal law.
Legal Ramifications
Williams was convicted under 18 U.S.C. 666(a)(1)(B), a federal statute prohibiting the acceptance of anything of value in connection with local government business. This specific section of Title 18 of the U.S. Criminal Code addresses bribery and corrupt influence. In addition to the 12-month prison sentence, Williams was ordered to pay $28,000 in restitution to compensate for the financial harm caused by his actions. He pleaded guilty to the charge in September 2019.
Broader Network of Corruption
Williams is not the only individual facing consequences in this case. RoShawn Winburn, Clayton Luckie, Brian Higgins, Steve Rauch, Joyce Cameron, and James Cameron were also implicated in the scheme. Luckie was previously sentenced in November 2019 to four months in prison after being convicted of mail fraud, demonstrating the scope of the fraudulent activity. Authorities suggest the investigation remains open, with the possibility of further charges or convictions.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Joey Williams
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Years Active: 2015-2020 (scheme uncovered)
- Crime: Bribery, corrupt influence, fraud
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 666(a)(1)(B)
- Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, $28,000 restitution
- Amount of Contracts Awarded: At least $150,000
- Value of Bribes Accepted: Over $35,000 (cash & home improvements)
The case highlights the ongoing vulnerability of local governments to corruption and the importance of rigorous oversight in the awarding of public contracts. The Department of Justice continues to prioritize the prosecution of public officials who abuse their positions for personal gain.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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