HARRISBURG, PA — In a development that has sent ripples through the Williamsport community, Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced felony charges against William “Bill” Nichols, a prominent figure in the city’s administration. Nichols, aged 71, who once held the influential position of director of finance, stands accused of wrongdoing involving the misuse of substantial funds allocated for public transportation initiatives under River Valley Transit.
The charges allege that Nichols misappropriated over $500,000 in funds drawn from city, state, and federal sources. These funds were primarily intended as restricted grants aimed at enhancing public transportation. The Office of the Attorney General has scrutinized this alleged misconduct, which reportedly spanned several years, drawing unwanted attention to Nichols’ otherwise long-standing career in public service.
According to Attorney General Henry, “The defendant was a dedicated public servant in the Williamsport community for over 40 years, but at a point, he decided to criminally misappropriate funds and manipulate the oversight process.” This statement emphasizes the gravity of the allegations, suggesting a significant breach of trust by Nichols, who allegedly diverted funds meant for transportation to various non-transportation projects. Among these diversions was the suspected channeling of money into a private non-profit where Nichols held a board position. However, the investigation did not uncover any evidence of personal monetary gain by Nichols.
The legal proceedings advanced with Nichols waiving his preliminary hearing, leading to his release on own recognizance, indicating no financial bond was imposed. His formal arraignment is slated for November 8, 2024, where the details of these allegations will further unfold under legal scrutiny.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo is leading the prosecution, representing the state’s interests in holding Nichols accountable under the law. It is crucial to acknowledge that, at this phase, all charges remain allegations, and Nichols retains the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
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