New Mexico's highest court has cleared the way for two lawsuits alleging political support for former Gov. Bill Richardson influenced state investment deals.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Supreme Court found Thursday that former chief state investment office Frank Foy can receive triple-damage awards if he can prove corruption was taking place.
The Court of Appeals and district judges ruled two years ago that triple-damage awards under the Fraud Against Taxpayer Act were unconstitutional because they were punitive.
But the Supreme Court says the act is constitutional.
Foy has filed two civil lawsuits on behalf of taxpayers.
He alleges a pay-to-play scheme that improperly shaped investment decisions by the Educational Retirement Board in favor of Richardson supporters.
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