New Mexico House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton, a Democrat, resigned Friday amid a criminal probe involving allegations that include money laundering and racketeering, according to reports.
While no charges have been filed against Stapleton, authorities are investigating her for possible racketeering, money laundering, kickbacks, and violations of a law governing the conduct of state lawmakers, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Stapleton's attorney, Ahmad Assed, told the Albuquerque Journal on Wednesday that it's too early to comment on the investigation.
As part of that investigation, the Attorney General's Office on Wednesday executed search warrants at Stapleton's home and businesses, and at Albuquerque Public Schools, where Stapleton oversees career technical education, according to documents featured in The Paper's report.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a statement that she is "Deeply, deeply troubled by the reports this morning about a law enforcement investigation into Rep. Stapleton," adding that "Public confidence in government is seriously damaged by even the appearance of impropriety, or illegal activity, which is why public officials must always hold themselves to the highest possible standard of behavior."
"Given the weight of the allegations against Rep. Stapleton and the ongoing investigation, her resignation from the House is appropriate and in the best interest of the Legislature and the state," they said.
Commenting on the probe, New Mexico Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce called it "a sad day in New Mexico politics."
Sunday, August 1, 2021
New Mexico House Democrat Resigns Amid Criminal Probe Into Racketeering, Money-Laundering
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