Overview
- Jackson County Legislature Chair Manny Abarca alleges a legislative aide offered between $10,000 and $50,000 in campaign contributions in exchange for backing a housing project the legislature shelved earlier this year.
- Abarca sent an email and other material to the sheriff outlining the claim but investigators say he has not yet made himself available for follow-up interviews.
- The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed receipt of Abarca’s complaint and said prosecutors have not yet received any law-enforcement referral for charging decisions.
- The accused aide, Calvin Williford, denies the allegation, has been placed on paid administrative leave, and has a prior 2018 federal guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
- Abarca has paused active campaign operations and called a closed legislative session, and officials warn the case could prompt a formal criminal review and further political fallout depending on investigators’ findings.