HARRISBURG, Pa. — William “Bill” Nichols, the former finance director for the City of Williamsport, has been charged with felony theft and tampering with records for misusing more than $500,000 in public funds, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Tuesday.
Nichols, 71, is accused of diverting city, state, and federal money intended for public transportation projects managed by River Valley Transit. According to the Office of Attorney General’s investigation, most of the misappropriated funds came from restricted grants meant solely for transportation-related purposes.
“The defendant was well aware these funds were for a very specific purpose, and he chose to ignore that,” Attorney General Henry said. Nichols, who had been a public servant in Williamsport for over 40 years, allegedly redirected the funds to other non-transportation projects, including a private non-profit organization where he served as a board member. The investigation did not find any evidence that Nichols used the money for personal purchases.
Nichols waived his preliminary hearing on Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance. His formal arraignment is scheduled for November 8, 2024. The case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo.
