New Mexico’s secretary of state resigns, pleads guilty to embezzlement, other fraud charges
New Mexico’s secretary of state pleaded guilty to embezzlement and other fraud charges on Friday, Oct. 23.
Dianna Duran resigned on Oct. 22.
She was accused of funneling money from her election account and withdrawing the money at casinos around the state.
In a federal court in Santa Fe, she pleaded guilty to felony embezzlement charges and four misdemeanors.
She had previously pleaded not guilty.
The plea deal doesn’t include any prison time and calls for her to pay $14,000 in restitution.
She would also get counseling for gambling addiction.
Sentencing is set for Dec. 14 and if a judge sentences her to prison, she can withdraw her guilty plea.