Dianna Duran investigation
Special committee will determine whether or not to try and impeach Sec. of State Duran
The Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives, Don Tripp, is creating a special committee to investigate embezzlement and fraud allegations levied against state Secretary of State Dianna Duran and determine whether or not to proceed in the impeachment process.
Tripp, a Republican from Socorro, sent letters to Attorney General Hector Balderas and Sen. Mary Kay Papen, the co-chair of the state Legislative Council, informing them the House will begin the process of determining whether the charges have enough merit to impeach Duran.
Tripp says the special committee will be made up of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats who Tripp will appoint after the Democratic Minority Floor Leader gives him recommendations.
Tripp’s letter to Sen. Papen asks she puts a question of funding for the committee on the agenda for the next committee meeting, scheduled for Sept. 15.
Tripp’s letter to Balderas asks him to share his case file with the special committee so they can review evidence.
NM secretary of state accused of embezzlement, money laundering involving campaign money
The office of New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas filed a complaint Thursday alleging Secretary of State Dianna Duran embezzled and laundered money intended for her campaign into a personal bank account of hers.
The 44-page complaint says AG’s office investigators conducted an investigation after receiving a confidential tip that numerous cash deposits had been made into Duran’s account that were inconsistent with her known sources of income. Continue reading