By KRWG News
Las Cruces – A Las Cruces judge indicted in a judicial corruption case with alleged ties to former Gov. Bill Richardson has been arrested again.
Special prosecutor Matthew Chandler says District Judge Michael Murphy was arrested Thursday for allegedly bribing another judge in exchange for a tie-breaking vote in a chief judge's election.
After being booked, Murphy was released on a $10,000 bond.
Murphy already faced bribery and intimidation charges for allegedly telling a potential judicial candidate that she needed to make payments to Dona Ana County Democratic activist Edgar Lopez if she wanted to be considered for a seat on the bench in 2007.
A report from Chandler implied the practice was common in the district and that the payments were funneled to Richardson.
Murphy has pleaded not guilty in that case.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.