SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An Albuquerque developer has pleaded guilty to defrauding a federal program designed to steer work to businesses owned by disabled veterans. The U.S. Attorney's office says 63-year-old Max R. Tafoya entered his plea Tuesday in federal court in Albuquerque. A plea agreement says Tafoya will be required to serve 57 months in prison. His 41-year-old son-in-law also pleaded guilty to related charges and agreed to a 37 month term.
Prosecutors say Tafoya falsely claimed his Tafoya Construction Inc. was qualified to participate in the program. The company won $11 million in contracts, including at the Santa Fe National Cemetery and military cemeteries in Texas, Denver and Missouri.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports another Tafoya firm owns the vacant St. Catherine Indian School property in Santa Fe.
