89.9 FM Live From The University Of New Mexico
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Headlines: Santa Fe Paving Company Convicted Of Corruption, Flu Season Could Be Difficult...

Rae Allen via Flickr.com
/
Creative Commons License

Santa Fe Paving Company Convicted Of CorruptionThe Associated Press

The owner of a paving company accused of embezzling $1 million from Santa Fe County has been found guilty of multiple corruption charges.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that jurors convicted Joe Anthony Montoya yesterday of bribing public officials, committing fraud and engaging in conspiracy.

The jury also convicted Montoya's company, Advantage Asphalt, of charges involving bribery, fraud and conspiracy. Montoya and his company faced more than 30 charges combined.

Prosecutors say Montoya and his wife, Marlene, involved two county employees in an embezzlement scheme that took place between 2007 and 2010.

Marlene Montoya pleaded guilty earlier this month to bribery of a public official and conspiracy to commit fraud.

New Mexico Official: Flu Season Could Be Difficult - The Associated Press and Santa Fe New Mexican

A New Mexico state health official says this flu season could be more difficult than others.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, Dr. Joan Baumbach says the flu strain causing the most cases so far this year is one whose variations lead to more illness among older people.

The deputy state epidemiologist also says the strain circulating now has changed from the strain that was the basis for this year's flu vaccine. That may reduce the vaccine's ability to fully protect against the flu.

But Baumbach says it's still better to have some protection than no protection. She says it's important for everyone to get a flu shot.

Albuquerque Police Settlement Briefs Invited - The Associated Press

A federal judge is inviting Albuquerque residents to submit friend-of-the-court briefs for a pending settlement between the city and the U.S. Justice Department to overhaul Albuquerque police.

U.S. District Judge Robert Brack issued his ruling yesterday to give the public a chance to submit up to 15 pages.

The ruling will allow briefs to argue positions so the court can craft a final agreement.

The reform blueprint calls for new training and protocols for investigating officer shootings. It also calls for the agency to dismantle some troubled units.

A federal monitor will be chosen to keep tabs on whether the department is following the agreement.

Video Of Albuquerque Police Shooting Released - The Associated Press

Albuquerque police have released video of an officer who accidentally shot a man during a burglary investigation.

Video from a lapel camera shows an officer climbing through a broken window of a second-floor apartment Sunday when a gunshot is heard. The officer then says he fell after his leg got caught on the window sill and the gun went off.

The video then shows a man on the first floor with a gunshot wound in his back near his neck.

An Albuquerque police spokesman says Officer Tamas Nadas fired the shot. He's been placed on administrative leave.

Police say the injured man is expected to survive.

Bill Would Ban Alcohol Purchase By Interlock Users - The Associated Press and KRQE-TV

New Mexico legislators will be asked again to consider allowing authorities to prohibit alcohol purchases by people required to use ignition interlocks because of drunken driving convictions.

KRQE-TV reports that a bill introduced this week by Rep. Brian Egolf would allow the state to put "No Alcohol Sales" on licenses issued to a people who have had their licenses revoked.

The Santa Fe Democrat's bill also would allow judges to order the same marking on state-issued ID cards of people who have had their licenses revoked.

The state House approved a similar bill in 2013 but it died in the Senate.

Another NM Oil Town Approves Housing Project - The Associated Press

Another southeastern New Mexico region is trying to address its housing shortage.

Councilors in Eunice recently voted to approve $1 million awards from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to construct a 16-unit housing complex.

City Manager Marty Moore says the two awards will help alleviate infrastructural stress. He says the apartments are going to be affordably priced.

Despite the recent drop in oil prices, towns and cities in Lea County continue to face housing shortages because of the booming oil industry.

Mom Driving Van Of Kids Pleads Not Guilty In Chase - The Associated Press

A Tennessee woman has pleaded not guilty in a chaotic 2013 traffic stop and chase during which a New Mexico State Police officer shot at her minivan full of children.

KOB-TV reports that 40-year-old Oriana Farrell of Memphis entered the plea Tuesday in Taos to fleeing and other charges filed last month by a grand jury. An appeals court had dismissed previous charges, saying a prosecutor shouldn't have been involved in excusing a grand jury member.

The officer shot at Farrell's van carrying her five children after she twice sped off and was stopped by another officer for speeding. Dashboard video of the shooting gained national attention, and the officer was later fired.

Defense attorney Alan Maestas has said the charges aren't justified.