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Headlines: Omaree Case Verdict, Tesla Charging Station, Embezzlement

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Jury Finds Albuquerque Man Guilty In Child Abuse Case - The Associated Press

An Albuquerque man has been found guilty of some child abuse charges stemming from the beating death of his 9-year-old stepson.

Jurors announced their decision in the case of Stephen Casaus after more than six hours of deliberation on Friday. They also met for a few hours Wednesday following closing arguments.

While jurors acquitted Casaus of one of the most serious charges, intentional child abuse resulting in death, they found him guilty of child abuse with reckless disregard resulting in death.

Jurors had to decide whether Casaus participated in the abuse that led to the death of Omaree Varela or whether he acted with disregard by allowing the boy to be tortured or cruelly punished.

During closing arguments, the defense pointed jurors toward incriminating statements made by the boy's mother. She's expected to stand trial separately.

Hopi Hotel Partners With Tesla For Charging Station - The Associated Press

People who drive electric cars now have another place to charge their vehicles in the Four Corners area.

A Hopi development group partnered with Tesla Motors to bring a charging station to the reservation. It's located at the Moenkopi Legacy Inn and Suites across the highway from Tuba City.

Hotel marketing director James Surveyor says he's hopeful the charging station will bring more tourists to the remote reservation.

Other charging stations in the Four Corners area are located in Farmington, New Mexico, and Blanding, Utah.

Ex-Dona Ana County Employee Is Indicted For Embezzlement - The Associated Press

Authorities say a former Dona Ana County employee has been indicted for embezzlement.

Prosecutors in Las Cruces say 40-year-old Sylvia Dorado allegedly embezzled more than $20,000 during her employment as a compliance monitor with the Dona Ana County-Health and Human Services, Misdemeanor Compliance Program.

They say Dorado allegedly stole money orders for a number of years from clients enrolled in the compliance program for DUI charges or domestic violence offenses.

If convicted of the second-degree felony, Dorado faces a possible sentence of probation or up to nine years in prison.

It was unclear Friday if Dorado has a lawyer for her case.