"Godfather" of Corruption in New Mexico

Yesterday Manny Aragon was sentenced to prison time for his corruption crimes. See coverage here.






In the video below, I asked Aragon if he would like to apologize...he remained silent:



One thing I didn't have time to mention during yesterday's coverage was an interesting meeting Aragon allegedly had with three other defendants at Paul's Monterey Inn, a restaurant in Albuquerque's northeast heights.

During the sentencing hearing, an FBI agent testified saying thirty-thousand dollars in cash was given to Aragon at this restaurant (presumably, literally under the table). The agent said the meeting between Aragon was held because "he was unhappy with how much he was receiving."

Outside the courthouse, U.S. Attorney Greg Fouratt (left photo) had some really good quotes about Aragon too that I didn't have time to squeeze in:

"He threw his considerable support behind legislation that he knew was going to contain millions of dollars that he intended to steal. That is one of the low points in the history of our state government."

and...

"You shouldn't weep for Mr. Aragon, because he could write a check today for that amount...and perhaps what is more important is that in 60 days he's going to start a 67 month prison sentence...and based on the treachery and contempt he showed for New Mexico taxpayers, particularly those for whom he was a role model and a beacon of hope, prison is exactly where he belongs."

Fouratt also referred to Aragon as the "Godfather" of corruption in New Mexico.

Aragon has requested to spend his prison time within the minimum-security wing at the federal prison in Florence, Colorado.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com