Former Williamsport official charged with misusing $500k in funding

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A former Williamsport city official is facing felony theft charges for allegedly misusing more than $500,000 in public funds meant for River Valley Transit, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Tuesday.

William “Bill” Nichols, 71, who served as city, state, and federal funds — primarily restricted grants intended for public transportation projects — to other non-transportation uses. The alleged misuse of funds occurred over several years, according to the Office of Attorney General.

Nichols waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance. His formal arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 8.

“The defendant was a longtime public servant, but at some point, he chose to misappropriate public funds and manipulate the oversight process,” Henry said in a statement. “These funds were for a specific purpose, and he knowingly disregarded that.”

Investigators said Nichols diverted some of the restricted funds to a private nonprofit where he served as a board member. However, there is no indication that he personally benefited from the misused funds.

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The case, based on a detailed review of financial records from River Valley Transit and Williamsport, is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo.

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