Those who testified in federal court last month against former state Treasurer Robert Vigil, including Vigil’s predecessor Michael Montoya, were indicted on a host of state charges Friday.
The indictments were based on their testimony. None received immunity from Attorney General Patricia Madrid before testifying, according to a news release.
“From the sworn testimony of Michael Montoya, Kent Nelson, Angelo Garcia and Leo Sandoval, we see a history of complete disregard for the public trust and a lack of professional responsibility,” Attorney General Patricia Madrid said. “In his testimony, Michael Montoya described soliciting and accepting bribes from those who wanted to do business with the state. The actions of Montoya, Nelson, Garcia, and Sandoval erode public confidence in our state government, and they should therefore be held accountable by the state for their numerous violations of state law.”
Madrid also pledged to seek restitution from those indicted.
This will certainly be spun by some as a political move. Madrid is trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M. this year, and has been plagued during the campaign by allegations that she failed to investigate the treasurer’s office and stop the corruption there years ago.
But one source defended Madrid and told me that it was stupid of the attorneys for those indicted today to not insist on state and federal immunity in exchange for their testimony in federal court.
“Shame on the lawyer for Montoya,” the source said.
Vigil was not indicted on state charges in the massive public corruption investigation. He is currently awaiting a second federal trial after the first ended with a hung jury last month.
Montoya has been indicted on 16 counts:
• Seven counts of demanding or receiving a bribe by a public officer or public employee. Each count is a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of three years and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
• Seven counts of soliciting or receiving illegal kickback. Each count is a fourth-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 18 months and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
• One count of racketeering, a second-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 9 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• One count of contracts, agreements, combinations or conspiracies in restraint of trade, a fourth-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 18 months and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
Nelson, a former investment advisor, has been indicted on 39 counts:
• Nine counts of bribery of public officer or public employee.
• 14 counts of offering or paying illegal kickback. Each count is a fourth-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 18 months and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
• 14 counts of money laundering. Each count is a fourth-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 18 months and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
• One count of racketeering.
• One count of contracts, agreements, combinations or conspiracies in restraint of trade.
Bagman Garcia has been indicted on 39 counts:
• Seven counts of bribery of public officer or public employee.
• 15 counts of offering or paying illegal kickback.
• 15 counts of money laundering.
• One count of contracts, agreements, combinations or conspiracies in restraint of trade.
• One count of racketeering.
Sandoval, a former treasurer’s office employee, has been indicted on 31 counts:
• Seven counts of bribery of public officer or public employee.
• Seven counts of offering or paying illegal kickback.
• Seven counts of money laundering.
• Four counts of demanding or receiving bribe by public officer or public employee.
• Four counts of soliciting or receiving illegal kickback.
• One count of racketeering.
• One count of contracts, agreements, combinations or conspiracies in restraint of trade.