Nine New Felony Charges For Ex-Mayor-Elect In Sunland Park

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Another round of charges has been filed against officials in the troubled border town of Sunland Park.  Ex-Mayor-elect Daniel Salinas has been charged with nine new felonies, bringing to 33 the total number of charges he now faces in four criminal cases.

The newest charges accuse Salinas of fraud and kickbacks to use taxpayer funds to pay the man who is alleged to have arranged a blackmail video against Salinas's opponent in the March mayoral race. A city lobbyist was also charged in the latest case.

Salinas waived his right to appear in court to face the latest charges.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Information from the Las Cruces Sun News.