SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Staff attorneys and advisers to the New Mexico Legislature are standing by their refusal to turn over documents to prosecutors in the criminal investigation of former state Sen. Phil Griego.
The Legislative Council Service said Wednesday in court filings it is duty-bound to protect privileged communications between lawmakers including Griego and aides who help draft legislation.
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas alleges that Greigo used his role as a senator to profit from the sale of a state owned building, and has subpoenaed background files on a legislative initiative that paved the way for the sale. Prosecutors also are seeking records from a Senate ethics committee that investigated the matter. That investigation prompted Griego's resignation in March 2015.
Griego has pleaded not guilty to fraud, bribery and other charges.