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Enhanced Fines Sought Against New Mexico Secretary Of State

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas

Embattled New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran could face stiffer fines if convicted in a campaign finance fraud case.

The state attorney general's office filed a motion in district court late Friday seeking a penalty enhancement since Duran is a public official and the allegations are related to her duties as New Mexico's top elections official.

If Duran were to be convicted and a judge were to approve the motion, her sentence could be increased by an additional fine amounting to pay and fringe benefits she has since 2010, or close to $500,000.

Duran has pleaded not guilty to the charges and her attorney has sought to have the attorney general's office disqualified from prosecuting the case.

The office said in another filing Friday that state law doesn't permit "prosecutor shopping."

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