By KRWG News
Columbus – A border town official accused of gun smuggling is refusing to resign.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Tuesday that jailed Columbus Trustee Blas "Woody" Gutierrez told his father he is innocent until proven guilty so he won't quit.
The board of trustees sought his resignation along with that of former Mayor Eddie Espinoza after they and police Chief Angelo Vega were indicted in a federal gun smuggling case.
Espinoza resigned after trustees agreed to pay him for April and May. The trustees say they will seek a court order to remove Gutierrez, who is paid $500 a month.
Federal authorities allege the three were part a ring that smuggled guns across the border. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.