Faces 64 counts of criminal charges

SANTA FE–With calls for Secretary of State Dianna Duran to resign growing by the day, the talk is already starting to shift to who will next fill one of the most important elected statewide offices.n

Duran is facing 64 counts of criminal charges filed last week by Attorney General Hector Balderas for using campaign money for personal use. On Wednesday night, Speaker of the House Don Tripp, R-Socorro, said the State House members will explore impeachment proceedings even as many high-profile state Republicans, including Gov. Susana Martinez, are seemingly distancing themselves from Duran.

New Mexico’s two largest newspapers also urged Duran...

Paul Thompson, 56, Prewitt, NM

Aug. 29, 9:30 pm

Felony DWI, 4th Offense

This intoxicated driver thought he could slide past the DWI checkpoint, but Gallup Police Department Officer Steven Peshlakai wasn’t about to let that happen. When he pulled Thompson over at Aztec Laundry Mat, he tried to hide behind the light pole, which obviously didn’t help him any. He smelled of alcohol and failed the field sobriety tests. He submitted two blood alcohol breath tests, which revealed a 0.18/0.17. A fourth DWI resulted in the felony charge.

Francina A. Smith, 39, Gallup, NM

Aug. 23, 9 pm

DWI, 3rd Offense

Smith racked up a slew of other charges, in addition to receiving a DWI...

Asks for continued support from BIA

SHIPROCK—Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez met with Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) Sept. 3 and spoke about the aftermath of the Gold King Mine breach that occurred on August 5.

Attorney General Ethel Branch, Speaker LoRenzo Bates, Delegates Tom Chee and Amber Crotty, and chapter officials Duane Yazzie and Gilbert Harrison were also in attendance.

President Begaye expressed that the immediate concern was the demobilization of water tanks owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Navajo Region. The tanks are in use at affected chapters to provide water for livestock and irrigation. BIA crews and equipment are...