Staff Report:

The longtime Los Alamos Public Schools electrician under investigation surrounding theft allegations last month is back at work.

Wayne Montoya, a technician IV–electrician working out of the Pajarito Cliffs site, told the Los Alamos Daily Post March 7 that the investigation would clear him of any wrongdoing.

LAPS will not comment on personnel matters but Montoya provided the following information to the Los Alamos Daily Post for publication:

“I have been an employee of the Los Alamos Public Schools for over 35 years, having faithfully served the school system to the best of my ability and with the utmost professionalism. I have also been an electrician running my own business for 33 years, and during that time have purchased my own materials, tools and equipment. I have worked my personal business on my own time, after hours and weekends, and never while being paid by LAPS.

“During my 33 years that I have run my own business, I have established many good friendships and very good clientele for whom I performed electrical work for many years. The false accusations, which were recently made against me were accusations by certain individuals who, for malicious and unknown reasons, made false accusations against me causing me to lose work and in an attempt to discredit me, not to mention jeopardizing my job and retirement with LAPS after 35 years of service.

“I have provided evidence in my defense against all allegations against me and in support of my purchase of personal tools and supplies, thanks to my suppliers providing delivery receipts and confirmation of these being paid for by my business. After further investigation, I have been cleared of any wrongdoing and am back at work. I want to thank all those who supported me during this time and maintained their faith and trust in me, acknowledging their support through email, phone and text messages (even Oreo).”