Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Attorneys prepare for opening of New Mexico corruption trial

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Attorneys are preparing for opening arguments in a corruption trial against a former New Mexico state senator accused of using his elected position to profit from the sale of a state-owned building. Opening arguments were scheduled for Tuesday morning in the trial of ex-Sen. Phil Griego on charges that include bribery, fraud, perjury, unlawful interest in a public contract and violation of ethical principles of service. A jury was selected Monday. The 69-year-old former Santa Fe city councilman denies wrongdoing. Prosecutors at the state attorney general's office say Griego used his former position as a lawmaker to arrange a $50,000 commission on the sale of a downtown building in Santa Fe. The attorney general's office plans to call on legislative staff and a former Cabinet secretary as initial witnesses.