Judge Who Used Public Employment to Steal $284,000 From Deceased Man’s Estate Sentenced to Prison

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2021
Contact: Jerri Mares  (505) 321 – 4372

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that
Pamela and Randy Smith have been sentenced to prison for multiple frauds and for
engaging in an official act for personal gain. Pamela Smith previously served as a
probate judge and deputy medical investigator for the City of Truth or Consequences.
She used her official positions to falsify public records related to a deceased man’s
estate and appointed her husband, Randy Smith, as special administrator to that man’s
estate. Randy Smith used his appointed position to steal approximately $284,000 from
the estate and convert it to the Smiths’ own personal use.
“The City of Truth or Consequences put its trust in Ms. Smith to protect New Mexico
citizens. Instead, she blatantly betrayed that trust and concocted a scheme to enrich
herself,” said Attorney General Balderas. “This was a disgusting act, and we must be a
voice for those who cannot speak for themselves and ensure that these individuals go
to prison for the harm they have caused to this family.”
Sierra County Judge Jim Foy sentenced Pamela Smith to 4.5 years and Randy Smith to
2.5 years in the Department of Corrections. Both will serve five years of supervised
probation after prison. Both will also have to pay restitution to the victim’s estate totalling
$284,000. In handing down his ruling, Judge Foy referred to Pamela Smith as an
example of “judicial corruption at its worst.”
This case was investigated by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General and
prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Peter J. Valencia.