Prosecutors have announced that managers of a southeastern New Mexico livestock auction face charges in an alleged fraud scheme.
The 9th Judicial District Attorney's Office in Portales says the 139-count indictment alleges that Calvin Pareo and Darcie Pareo purchased cattle at the High Plains Livestock Auction at certain prices and then changed the prices after the auction.
According to the office, livestock inspectors estimate that over 13,000 sales tickets were altered, fraudulently depriving dairy owners and buyers of over $2 million.
An attorney representing the Pareos and other defendants in a related civil case did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the criminal charges.
The civil case involves a federal government lawsuit alleging fraud. A defense filing in that case contends its allegations are inaccurate and unsupported.
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