FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16, 2017
Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216
Santa Fe, NM – Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that a Santa Fe jury found former Senator Phil Griego guilty on five counts in the corruption trial prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General. After a two and half week trial, the jury found Griego guilty of Violation of Ethical Principles of Public Service, Violation of Ethical Principles of Public
Service (Requesting or Receiving Thing of Value), Bribery, Fraud (Over $20,000), and Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract (Over $50). The case involves the 2014 sale of a state-owned
building in downtown Santa Fe wherein Griego received a $50,000.00 commission.
“Holding the powerful accountable is how we ensure our government truly serves the citizens of New Mexico and that no one is above the law, regardless of their political status,” said Attorney General Hector Balderas. “Public officials are elected to do the work of the people, not to enrich themselves from their official duties while New Mexicans struggle just to get by. New Mexico families deserve the highest level of ethics and service from their elected officials.”
The defendant is facing 1-17 ½ years in prison for today’s convictions and sentencing will be scheduled in 90 days. This case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Sharon Pino,
Special Prosecutions Director Clara Moran, Assistant Attorney General Zach Jones, and Assistant Attorney General Mark Probasco.
Phil Griego is also facing 22 felonies and misdemeanors in a second case being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General which includes charges of Embezzlement, Fraud, Perjury and Filing a False Campaign Report.
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