The latest on the sentencing of New Mexico's former secretary of state on embezzlement charges: A judge has sentenced New Mexico's former secretary of state to 30 days of a 7.5-year sentence for siphoning money from her election account to fuel a self-professed gambling addiction.
Dianna Duran pleaded guilty in October to a felony charge of embezzlement and four misdemeanors while resigning from office under an agreement with state prosecutors that allowed her to avoid jail time. District Judge T. Glenn Ellington handed down the final sentence Monday in a packed Santa Fe courtroom.
Duran's lawyer was given until noon Wednesday to decide whether to withdraw her plea because the sentence included jail time.
He also ordered her to pay restitution $14,000.
The 60-year-old former state senator from Tularosa had sought leniency in court filings, citing undisclosed personal hardships and a growing gambling disorder.
The charges against Duran have prompted legislative proposals to increase penalties for public officials convicted of corruption and expand campaign finance disclosures and oversight.
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9:55 a.m.
Former New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran made an emotional plea for forgiveness and leniency during her sentencing in a campaign finance scandal.
The disgraced former elected official went before state District Judge T. Glenn Ellington on Monday and apologized to New Mexicans, as well as her family and friends.
Choking back tears, Duran said she's truly sorry. She also referred to statements she made in a private letter to the court.
Duran resigned in October and pleaded guilty to charges that she siphoned campaign donations to fuel a gambling addiction.
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9:45 a.m.
A legislator has asked a judge to be lenient as New Mexico's former secretary of state faces sentencing in a campaign finance scandal.
State Sen. Bill Sharer said during Monday's hearing that Dianna Duran cared about her constituents during her time as secretary of state and that she didn't take taxpayer money.
The Republican lawmaker says Duran already has paid a high price by losing her reputation and her dream of being a public servant.
Duran resigned in October and pleaded guilty to charges that she siphoned campaign donations to fuel a gambling addiction.
Duran could face prison time, but prosecutors recommended five years of supervised probation if she pays restitution and gets treatment for her addiction.
Duran's attorney also read statements from supporters and told the judge that tragedy sparked Duran's gambling addiction.
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9:10 a.m.
New Mexico's former secretary of state has arrived at a courthouse in Santa Fe to be sentenced for funneling campaign donations to personal accounts to fuel a gambling addiction.
Dianna Duran resigned in October and pleaded guilty to felony embezzlement and four misdemeanor counts under a plea bargain reached with prosecutors.
Duran could face prison time, but prosecutors with the state attorney general's office recommended five years of supervised probation as long as Duran pays restitution and gets treatment for her gambling addiction.
It will be up to Judge T. Glenn Ellington on whether to impose any prison time. If he does, Duran can withdraw her guilty pleas.
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