Rio Rancho Police probe alleged bribe to councilor

From the Rio Rancho Observer - BY BRAD BUCK, Observer managing editor - Rio Rancho police are investigating an allegation from City Councilor Steve Shaw that someone offered him money for his re-election campaign if he would change his vote on a redistricting map.Shaw said he did not take any money and said Monday he contacted Deputy Police Chief Tonya Smith and City Manager James Jimenez about the situation. Smith has since assigned a detective to the case. Shaw said he expects he will be interviewed, along with the accused and a third party present during the alleged bribe. Shaw said he met a person - who he declined to identify -for coffee last Wednesday morning at 7:30 - the day the Governing Body was set to vote on the map outlining new council districts. Shaw said he wanted to talk to the person about redistricting. But during the conversation, the unidentified accused person offered Shaw money for his re-election campaign, if he changed his vote on the redistricting map, Shaw said. "It was very offensive to me, especially given my background," said the former deputy police chief. It made him wonder if this person has done this before and would he or she try to bribe someone else? Read more

Rio Rancho Police probe alleged bribe to councilor