SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A jury in New Mexico is weighing whether to convict a former state senator on corruption charges for his role in the sale of a state-owned building.
Jury deliberations began Thursday at a state district court in Santa Fe in the trial against ex-Sen. Phil Griego.
State prosecutors say Griego used his position as a Senator to help authorize the 2014 sale of a State Parks building in downtown Santa Fe without properly disclosing his business relationship with the buyer. Griego earned a $50,000 commission on the sale as a real estate agent for the owners of a luxury inn.
Griego says he broke no laws. Testifying in court, he expressed regret for not announcing his personal financial involvement in the sale. Prosecutors say he pressured witnesses during the trial.