State Auditor Colón

LAS VEGAS, NM – This afternoon State Auditor Colón issued the following statement regarding the New Mexico Attorney General raids on the home of Las Vegas Mayor and City Hall:

“Upon information identified through an open and ongoing special examination the special investigations division on June 24, 2019 directed the Independent Public Accountant to consider risk to assess the potential loss of taxpayer dollars,” Colón said. “The allegations of improper compliance and violations of law concerning conflicts of interest between Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron and Gemini Construction/Marvin Salazar and other matters suggestive of elevated risk have resurfaced. It is deeply concerning as these matters were initially identified in the special audit released by the OSA over a year ago.”

The Office of the State Auditor is in a unique position to expand its scope beyond what is documented as the original concerns in the search warrant and is committed to working hand in glove with the Attorney General and law enforcement to ensure New Mexicans are protected from fraud, waste, and abuse.

New Mexicans concerned about potential instances of fraud, waste, and abuse should contact the Office of the State Auditor. Reports may be made anonymously through our website at www.saonm.org or by calling 1.866.OSA-FRAUD. You may also speak to an investigator by calling 505.476.3800.