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New Mexico County Eyes Removing Convicted Sheriff

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Officials in a northern New Mexico county are expected to replace a convicted sheriff who is refusing to resign.

Rio Arriba County commissioners are scheduled Thursday to vote on naming a replacement for Sheriff Thomas Rodella, who was convicted last week in what prosecutors called a road rage traffic stop.

Authorities say Rodella in plain clothes pulled a gun on a motorist and violated the man's civil rights.

Rodella's attorney says the lawman won't resign. But District Attorney Angela "Spence" Pacheco this week asked a state district court to declare Rodella's position automatically vacant upon his conviction.

Officials are expected to appoint former deputy James Lujan to fill out the remainder of Rodella's term.

Lujan defeated Rodella in the June Democratic primary for sheriff by 200 votes. Lujan was a deputy Rodella once fired.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.