A judge has dismissed corruption charges against former New Mexico Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron because of repeated delays in her case that violated her speedy trial rights. A 2nd Judicial District judge dismissed the case filed against Vigil-Giron in 2009 late Wednesday. Judge Reed Sheppard ruled she did nothing to cause the delay other than one motion asking the state attorney general's office to be disqualified.
Vigil-Giron issued a statement saying she felt vindicated by the ruling and plans a return to the public arena. She served two terms as secretary of state and left office in 2006.
She and three co-defendants were indicted after an investigation into the spending of federal voter-education funds.
Prosecutor Joseph Campbell says he will consider appealing the ruling.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.