Two former Cibola County officials face criminal charges accusing them of ethics violations and using their positions for personal gain.
The Gallup Independent reports that the charges against former County Manager Jimmy Scott Vinson and former Commissioner Antonio Gallegos resulted from a citizens petition that sought the convening of a grand jury.
Charges against Vinson include an embezzlement count accusing him of using a county credit card for personal expenses, while charges against Gallegos stem from the county's purchase of property.
Gallegos did not immediately return a request for comment but Vinson's attorney said his client was innocent.
Vinson defense attorney Jim Foy also said Vinson acted in the county's best interest and that he and Vinson look forward to trying the case in front of a jury.
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