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Former Sen. Griego Charged with Bribery, Fraud In Land Deal

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Former state Sen. Phil Griego

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas on Monday brought felony charges against a former state senator accused of using his office to make money on a land deal.

Like many of his colleagues, Phil Griego of San Jose kept his day job while serving as a part-time state senator. But his work as a real estate agent became a problem, authorities say, after he took a $50,000 commission on a deal he had ushered through the legislature.

Charges filed in district court accuse Griego of bribery, solicitation, tampering with records and “violating the ethical principles of public service.”

He also charged with defrauding other brokers out of what should have been their share of the commission.

Griego has maintained he did nothing wrong. He resigned last year after details of the deal came to light.

A judge will decide if there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial.

 
 
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