By KRWG News
Las Cruces – The New Mexico Supreme Court has declined to suspend a Las Cruces judge while bribery allegations against him are being investigated.
The court turned aside a recommendation for a temporary suspension of Judge Mike Murphy sought by the state Judicial Standards Commission.
District Attorney Matthew Chandler of Clovis is acting as a special prosecutor in the case. He is looking into allegations that Murphy paid kickbacks to a Las Cruces political figure for his appointment to the bench in 2006 by then-Gov. Bill Richardson.
Murphy's attorney says the allegations are baseless. Lawyer Michael Stout told the Las Cruces Sun-News that the accusations are 'unjust and improperly leaked' and says his client will continue on his job.
The Supreme Court did not explain its Monday ruling.
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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.