The state auditor is suspending an audit into the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission and calling for the Department of Finance Administration to take over the panel's day-to-day financial operations as its executive director faces accusations of possible fraud and embezzlement.
New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller sent a letter Monday to commission chairwoman Karen Montoya, saying the move to involve DFA is necessary for the commission's small remaining staff.
The commission promotes diversity and organizes events around Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
State Attorney General Hector Balderas confirmed his office was investigating the commission last week, the same day agents were seen moving documents and computers from the commission's office in Albuquerque.
A day later, search warrants detailed checks issued to executive director Kimberly Greene and what's believed to be a forged invoice for more than $51,000.
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