AG says teen’s death in Albuquerque standoff was avoidable
December 30, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top prosecutor says a teenage boy’s death in an Albuquerque house fire, which broke out after authorities tried to arrest a man inside, could have been avoided.
New Mexico seeks changes to US rules for wildfire claims
December 29, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is asking that changes be made to rules proposed by the U.S. government as it processes damage claims from a historic wildfire sparked by forest managers.
New Mexico allocates grants from $32M mine spill settlement
December 27, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Six entities impacted by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill will share roughly $4 million in grants from a settlement, according to the New Mexico Attorney General’s office.
Outgoing Attorney General Hector Balderas announced earlier this month that nearly $4.3 million will be divided among multiple municipalities and agencies.
New Mexico AG inks $235,000 salary as new college president
December 9, 2022 GMTOutgoing New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas will earn nearly triple his current salary as the next president at Northern New Mexico College.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Thursday that contract negotiations have culminated in Balderas signing on for three and a half years and will be paid $232,500 annually.
New Mexico sues tobacco companies over settlement payments
November 30, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is suing more than a dozen tobacco companies, accusing them of conspiracy and breach of contract.
Attorney General Hector Balderas announced the legal challenge Tuesday, claiming that the companies have been withholding portions of annual payments that are due under a multi-state tobacco settlement that ended dozens of lawsuits that sought reimbursement for health care costs associated with smoking-related illnesses.
New Mexico attorney general selected as college president
November 18, 2022 GMTESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — Outgoing New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has been selected as the next president at Northern New Mexico College.
He was the unanimous choice as the school’s board of regents voted Thursday.
Western states propose deal over beleaguered Rio Grande
October 26, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico, Texas and Colorado have negotiated a proposed settlement that they say will end a yearslong battle over management of one of the longest rivers in North America, but the federal government and two irrigation districts that depend on the Rio Grande are objecting.
AG is among 4 finalists for Northern New Mexico College post
October 9, 2022 GMTESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is one of four finalists being considered for president of Northern New Mexico College, according to media reports. Balderas is leaving office at the end of this year.
New Mexico AG wants state’s anti-corruption law strengthened
October 3, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is calling on lawmakers to strengthen the state’s anti-corruption law.
A recent ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of criminal charges against four defendants, and Balderas told the Albuquerque Journal that the court “took away from citizens a very necessary tool to prosecute public officials who use their public office for their own personal gain.”
NM AG declines to charge deputies in woman’s shooting death
September 9, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's attorney general has decided not to file charges against Bernalillo County deputies involved in the shooting death of a mentally ill woman.
The office of Attorney General Hector Balderas announced Thursday he was declining to prosecute after “extensive examination of the case.”
Albuquerque police chief wants probe of teen’s death in fire
July 13, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Albuquerque police chief is calling on the state's attorney general to review a teenage boy's death in a house fire, which broke out after authorities tried to arrest a man inside.
Western states could settle feud over beleaguered Rio Grande
July 5, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The fight between Texas and New Mexico over the management of one of the longest rivers in North America could be nearing an end as a date to resume the trial has been put off pending negotiations aimed at settling the years-long case before the U.S.
Albuquerque salon owner behind ‘vampire facials’ takes plea
June 24, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A former Albuquerque spa owner has pleaded guilty to conducting unlicensed “vampire facials” that led to two clients contracting HIV.
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced the plea from Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Ruiz in a news release Friday.
AG to probe of Chaves County fatal deputy-involved shooting
June 17, 2022 GMTCHAVES COUNTY, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Attorney General's office is taking over the investigation into the shooting death of a suspect by Chaves County deputies.
Attorney General Hector Balderas said in a statement Friday that District Attorney Dianna Luce asked for the review because of a conflict of interest in her office.
Raúl Torrez wins Democratic primary for attorney general
June 8, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Raúl Torrez has won the Democratic primary for attorney general in New Mexico to challenge Republican attorney and U.S. Marine veteran Jeremy Michael Gay of Gallup.
The Albuquerque-based district attorney defeated State Auditor Brian Colón to vie for the state’s top law enforcement post as Attorney General Hector Balderas terms out of office.
New Mexico Democrats vie for attorney general in primary
June 3, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic voters are deciding on a nominee for New Mexico attorney general as state prosecutors contend with a surge in urban gun violence, outside claims to scarce water supplies and concerns about pollution, consumer protection and political extremism.
New Mexico voting starts to pick GOP challenger for governor
May 10, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Early voting started Tuesday across New Mexico ahead of the June 7 primary Election Day to determine the Republican nominee for governor and Democratic nominees for attorney general and other statewide offices.
Cowboys for Trump co-founder charged with campaign violation
March 19, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico elected official was charged Friday with a misdemeanor campaign finance violation for refusing to register his political group Cowboys for Trump, the state's attorney general announced.
Man extradited from Mexico to face trial in Roswell killing
March 9, 2022 GMTROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — A man sought in the 2020 strangulation killing of a New Mexico woman has been extradited to the United States after being arrested in Mexico, officials said Wednesday.
Jorge Rico-Ruvira, 34, will stand trial in state District Court in Roswell in the killing of Isela Sanchez, the 27-year-old mother of his young son, state and district prosecutors said in a statement.
New Mexico Democrats pick top contenders for June 7 primary
March 4, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Democrats are deciding which candidates to put at the top of their primary election ballot in June as the party strives to retain control of every statewide office and challenge a Republican incumbent in Congress.
New Mexico regulators refute attorney general’s claims
March 4, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico utility regulators are refuting allegations by state Attorney General Hector Balderas that the Public Regulation Commission isn’t pursuing the public interest.
Hobbs woman accused of throwing baby away faces more charges
March 1, 2022 GMTHOBBS, N.M. (AP) — State prosecutors on Monday filed charges of attempted first-degree murder and child abuse against an 18-year-old Hobbs woman accused of throwing her newborn baby into a trash container two months ago.
Ex-Las Vegas school guard pleads guilty to student sex abuse
February 22, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A former Las Vegas, New Mexico, school security guard has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a female student.
Offices dismiss ethics complaints against attorney general
November 27, 2021 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Three state watchdog offices have dismissed a nonprofit group's complaints accusing New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas of ethics violations in connection with a proposed merger involving the state's largest utility company.
New Mexico recoups $24 million in mortgage-crisis settlement
November 23, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's public pension and investment funds will receive $24 million from several major financial institutions to resolve a lawsuit over mortgage-backed securities and the financial crisis more than a decade ago, state prosecutors said.
New Mexico Ethics Commission dismiss complaint vs legislator
September 19, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Ethics Commission has dismissed a complaint against a state lawmaker that accused him of violating the Governmental Conduct Act.
In its ruling, the commission said the allegations of misconduct lacked factual support.
Ex-mayor convicted in corruption case ordered to apologize
August 7, 2021 GMTLAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A former northern New Mexico mayor has been ordered to apologize to Las Vegas city officials and contractors as part of her sentence in a corruption case.
District Judge Abigail Aragon on Friday ordered ex-Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron to publicly apologize and write letters of apology to city employees and contractors impacted by her interfering in city contracts to benefit her boyfriend.
Lawmaker questions New Mexico AG’s handling of solar case
July 23, 2021 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas’ handling of a now-settled case involving a large solar installation company has spurred a request from a state lawmaker for an investigation.
New Mexico GOP seeks legal intervention on $1.75B budget row
July 9, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in New Mexico are asking the state attorney general to weigh in on a spending dispute over $1.75 billion in federal pandemic relief aid.
GOP leadership in a letter sent Thursday asked New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, a Democrat, to issue a legal opinion declaring the funds must be allocated by the Legislature to protect the body's fiscal authority.
Noisy protest disrupts governor’s 1st reelection rally
June 4, 2021 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham revved up her campaign for reelection in 2022 with an opening rally at an outdoor museum amphitheater, where the sound of protesters just outside threatened to drown out a series of public speakers.
District Attorney Raúl Torrez to run for attorney general
May 17, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The district attorney for New Mexico's largest metro area is seeking the Democratic nomination for state attorney general in the 2022 election, emphasizing his hands-on experience in Albuquerque as the city grapples with stubborn rates of violent crime.
New Mexico Auditor Colón to run for state attorney general
May 13, 2021 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Auditor Brian Colón announced his candidacy Thursday for the office of state attorney general.
The Democrat wants to follow in the footsteps of friend Hector Balderas, who is wrapping up his second term as New Mexico's top prosecutor and consumer advocate.
New Mexico AG reviewing practices of child welfare workers
April 28, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas said Wednesday he is “highly concerned” about government employees potentially deleting public information after questions were raised about the communication practices of the state agency that oversees foster children, juvenile justice and child welfare...
US judge dismisses New Mexico privacy claims against Google
September 28, 2020 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A U.S. district judge has dismissed New Mexico’s privacy claims against Google over privacy concerns, but New Mexico's top prosecutor vowed Monday to continue the legal fight to protect child privacy rights...
Ex-New Mexico officer facing murder charge over chokehold
July 17, 2020 GMTRIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — A former police officer in New Mexico was charged Thursday with second-degree murder after authorities said he killed a Latino detainee he had placed in a chokehold...
New Mexico sues Google over collection of children’s data
February 20, 2020 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's attorney general sued Google Thursday over allegations the tech company is illegally collecting personal data generated by children in violation of federal and state laws...
New Mexico stays out of opioids settlement with Purdue
September 12, 2019 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is declining to join a tentative settlement agreement over the role OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma played in the nation's opioid addiction crisis...
New Mexico AG wants new sex offender law amid Epstein probe
July 12, 2019 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's attorney general wants to change a law that allowed billionaire businessman Jeffrey Epstein to avoid registering as a sex offender in the state, where authorities say they are interviewing possible victims that visited his sprawling, secluded ranch south of Santa Fe.
Interior secretary to meet in New Mexico
July 24, 2018 GMTU.S. Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke is scheduled to attend an annual meeting Tuesday of the Conference of Western Attorneys General at Santa Ana Pueblo.
A schedule of the day’s proceedings lists the former Montana congressman as participating in a “fireside chat” with North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem at 11 a.m.
The Latest: Attorneys general demand family separation stop
June 19, 2018 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the controversy over child and parent separations at the U.S.-Mexico border (all times local):...
Democratic attorneys general urge end to border separations
June 19, 2018 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A coalition of Democratic attorneys general demanded Tuesday that the Trump administration end a "zero tolerance" policy that has resulted in children being separated from their parents at the U...
Albuquerque school board member resigns amid scandal
October 12, 2017 GMTAlbuquerque Public Schools board member Analee Maestas resigned Tuesday amid an embezzlement scandal at a state charter school she founded.
“It has been an honor to serve on the Board with each of you,” Maestas wrote in a two-sentence letter submitted to the Board of Education via email.
Lujan Grisham raises over $892K for gov. campaign
April 11, 2017 GMTU.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham began her campaign for governor by raising sharply more in political contributions than some potential rivals.
Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who is giving up a safe congressional seat to run for governor in the 2018 election, reported Monday that she had raised $892,744 in cash contributions.
AG Balderas calls on Trump to back Clean Power Plan in court
December 30, 2016 GMTNew Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, other state attorneys general and mayors from around the country have appealed to President-elect Donald Trump to defend the Clean Power Plan in court, saying the federal rules are crucial to protecting states from pollution and climate change.