Mentor to many and political favorite, former District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham, is still protecting the office she once held. Abraham, along with defense attorney Richard Sprague filed a lawsuit over the political impact of the legality of Williams maintaining his position while under investigation. 

The move to indict Williams is based on the argument that state law prohibits Williams from continuing as the city’s top prosecutor. Williams “is no longer licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” the lawsuit reads, “he does not meet the statutorily required qualifications to occupy the office of the Philadelphia District Attorney. …”

Alleging that Williams will "undoubtedly" use his $175,572 salary to pay for his new legal fees, the claims paint a picture of a Williams continuing to attempt to benefit from his position in office in unethical ways.

Abraham told the Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday night, “He should do the right thing,” said Abraham, “and allow the office to get out from under the cloud caused by his troubles, which will only continue.”

"You can disagree with their decisions, but a district attorney has to be above all ethical — true north in their actions and deeds."   

Similar to others who are currently in the race for District Attorney, Williams once worked with Abraham as well. Having joined the District Attorney's Office in 1992, during the time Abraham was the city’s top prosecutor, he continued to advance despite clashing with Abraham as she continued to raise in the ranks.

After Williams left the District Attorney's Office in 2003, he announced that he intended to run against her in the Democratic primary in 2005, though that attempt failed.

As the case heats up and the race for the primaries continue, Abraham's influence outside of the office will only become clearer.