Settlement averts trial against governor's security detail

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Plaintiffs in a defamation lawsuit against the state police security detail for New Mexico Gov. Susan Martinez say the litigation is being settled outside of court. Scott and Colette Chandler run a ranch program for troubled youth in southern New Mexico and alleged in state district court that their reputation was damaged when they were removed from a campaign event for Martinez at a Deming motel in 2014. Scott Chandler said Friday that a trial has been canceled after a settlement agreement was outlined. He said terms of the settlement prohibit him from discussing its details. Though not a defendant, Martinez was ordered in February to answer questions under oath. The Chandler's Tierra Blanca Ranch has been dogged by allegations of abuse and neglect since a 2013 law enforcement raid.