Embattled state Rep. Monica Youngblood could face more legal woes, as Attorney General Hector Balderas’ office has found Youngblood used her elected position to try to influence police officers during her DWI arrest earlier this year.
Embattled state Rep. Monica Youngblood could face more legal woes, as Attorney General Hector Balderas’ office has found Youngblood used her elected position to try to influence police officers during her DWI arrest earlier this year.
Embattled state Rep. Monica Youngblood could face more legal woes, as Attorney General Hector Balderas’ office has found Youngblood used her elected position to try to influence police officers during her DWI arrest earlier this year.
STATE OF NEW MEXICO
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL,
HECTOR H. BALDERAS
ATTORNEY GENERAL,
September 26, 2018
VIA ELECTRON! S. POSTAL SERVICE
Representative Monica Youngblood
P.O. Box 67409
Albuquerque, NM 87193-7409
Email: monica@MyNMStateRep.com,
Dear Representative Youngblood:
‘The Office of the Attamey General (“OAG") has been closely following your conduct in
connection with your arrest for suspicion of aggravated DWI on May 20, 2018, On
September 25, 2018 the Bernalillo Metropoliten Court found you guilty of Aggravated
DWI. Based on your conviction, the OAG finds that you have unequivocally violated the
Governmental Conduct Act, NMSA. 1978, Sections 10-16-l to -18 (1967, as amended
through 2011) (GCA). Additionally, the OAG believes that your statements recorded on
the police lapel camera video on the night of your arrest show a clear intent to use your
Position asa lawmaker to improperly influence officers during your detainment and arrest,
land your use of excessive derogatory language towards law enforcement officials is
repugnant and another clear violation of the GCA and the House Rules of the New Mexico
Legislature.
‘The specific violations ofthe GCA stemming from your conduct ate: (1) Section 10-16-
3(A), a legislator shall use the powers and resources of public office only to advance the
public interest and not obtain personal benefits or pursue private interest, and; (2) Seetion
10-16-3(B), legslatr"shall conduct themselves in a manner that justifies the confidence
placed in them by the people, at all times maintaining the integrity... of publie service.”
In addition to the violations of the GCA, the OAG believes that you have violated the
following rules govern ng state legislators
(1). Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that justifies the confidence placed in
them by the people and maintain the intewity of, wid discharge ethically the high
responsibilities of, pubic service. See House Rule 26-1(A);
TELEPHONE (505)90 4060 FAX (505)50 488) wxenmae pe
[MAILING ADDRESS P.O BOX 108 SANTA FE, NEW NERTCO S738 1508
STREET ADDRESS 408 GALISTE STREET. SANTA FE NEW MEXICO S30‘Representative Monica Youngblood
September 26, 2018
Page 2
(@)_ Members shall not grant to, or obtain a special privilege or exemption fo, themselves
‘or others if the privilege or exemption isnot readily available to members ofthe general
‘community or class to which the beneficiary belongs. See House Rule 26-1(D)2);
@) The House of Representative Oath; and
(4) The New Mexico Legislature Code of Ethies
Considering how blatant the impropriety by invoking your position during your detainment
and arrest, interspersed with excessive disparaging language towards law enforcement
officials, and the fat that now you have been convicted of Aggravated DWI, the OAG is
simultaneously submitting this document as a formal complaint tothe Legislative Council
Service for consideration by an Interim Legislative Ethies Committee pursuant to NMSA.
1978, Section 2-15.9 (1993).
‘You were honored with the confidence of voters to uphold the laws you were elected to
create. However, conviction fora crime that endangers the public, may impair your fitness
‘to implement important public safety legislation
Sincerely,
Dylan K. Lange
‘Assistant Auomey General
cc: Paul Kennedy
TELEPHONE (52) 490 460 FAX (55)90 488) soe nmagg
MAILING ADDRESS PO HOR IS08 SANTA FE, NEW HIERICO E504 1508
STREET ADDRESS 408 GALISTEOSTREET SANTA FEINEW MEXICO S130)