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Settlement averts trial against governor's security detail

Office of the Governor

  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Plaintiffs in a defamation lawsuit against the state police security detail for New Mexico Gov. Susan Martinez say the litigation is being settled outside of court.

Scott and Colette Chandler run a ranch program for troubled youth in southern New Mexico and alleged in state district court that their reputation was damaged when they were removed from a campaign event for Martinez at a Deming motel in 2014.

Scott Chandler said Friday that a trial has been canceled after a settlement agreement was outlined. He said terms of the settlement prohibit him from discussing its details.

Though not a defendant, Martinez was ordered in February to answer questions under oath.

The Chandler's Tierra Blanca Ranch has been dogged by allegations of abuse and neglect since a 2013 law enforcement raid.