R. Seth Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Seth Williams
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Williams in 2016
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| 24th District Attorney of Philadelphia | |
| In office January 4, 2010 – July 24, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Lynne Abraham |
| Succeeded by | Kelley B. Hodge (Interim) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 2, 1967 |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Georgetown University Law Center Pennsylvania State University |
| Website | Office of the District Attorney of Philadelphia |
| Criminal status | Released in April 2020 |
Rufus Seth Williams (born January 2, 1967) is a former district attorney for the city of Philadelphia. A district attorney is a lawyer who represents the government in legal cases. They work to make sure laws are followed and that justice is served.
Williams started his term on January 4, 2010. Before this, he worked as an assistant district attorney. He made history as the first African-American district attorney in both Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. He left his position in July 2017.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Seth Williams was adopted when he was a baby. He grew up in West Philadelphia with his adoptive parents. His father, Rufus O. Williams, was a teacher. His mother, Imelda, worked as a secretary.
He went to Central High School and graduated in 1985. After high school, he attended Penn State. There, he was the President of the Penn State Student Black Caucus. He also led the Undergraduate Student Government.
As a student, he was an activist. He led a long march to the state capital to encourage Penn State to stop investing in companies connected to South Africa. This was during a time when many people were against South Africa's unfair system of racial separation.
Williams continued his education at Georgetown University Law Center. He earned his law degree in 1992.
Starting His Career in Law
After finishing law school, Seth Williams began working in the Philadelphia district attorney's office. He spent 10 years as an assistant district attorney. In this role, he helped supervise newer prosecutors.
He also created a special team called the Repeat Offenders Unit. This team focused on reducing crimes committed by people who had broken the law before. Williams gained a lot of experience in courtrooms during this time.
In 2005, he ran for the position of District Attorney against the person who held the job at the time, Lynne Abraham. He did not win that election.
After the election, the mayor appointed him as the Inspector General for the City of Philadelphia. In this job, he looked into claims of dishonesty or waste among city workers. He left this role in 2008 to work at a law firm.
Becoming District Attorney
Election to Office
On November 3, 2009, Seth Williams was elected as the District Attorney of Philadelphia. He won with a large number of votes. This made him the first African-American district attorney in Philadelphia and in Pennsylvania.
He officially started his job on January 4, 2010. During his time as District Attorney, Williams also taught classes at Temple and Villanova universities. He also served as a major in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, United States Army.
Important Cases and Challenges
During his time as District Attorney, Williams handled many important cases. One case involved a doctor who was found guilty of serious crimes.
Another case involved the Catholic Church. Williams brought charges against a priest. However, questions were raised about the information provided by a witness in the case. The priest was found guilty, but the case has been going through appeals.
Williams also faced challenges related to the professional conduct of some staff members. Concerns arose about certain online content shared by people working in the District Attorney's office. This led to public discussion and calls for action. Williams reassigned some of the staff involved.
Awards and Recognition
In October 2011, Seth Williams received an Alumni Fellow Award from Pennsylvania State University. This award recognizes former students who have achieved great success.
Personal Life
Seth Williams married a woman named Sonita. They had three daughters together. After they separated in 2011, their daughters lived with their mother.
Williams is a Catholic. He attended St. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church.
Images for kids
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Williams in 2016
