SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's attorney general is stepping up pressure on administrative staff at the Legislature to turn over subpoenaed documents in a criminal corruption investigation of former Sen. Phil Griego.
The attorney general's office filed a rebuttal Thursday to the continued refusal to release records by the Legislative Council Service. The council service helps lawmakers draft legislation and says it is duty-bound to protect correspondence with legislators and other documents to preserve the integrity of the legislative process.
Griego has pleaded guilty to charges including fraud and bribery. Prosecutors allege he used his role as a senator to arrange a $51,000 commission on the sale of a state-owned building in downtown Santa Fe.
The tussle over access to legislative records is taking place at the outset of the court case.