A NOT GUILTY PLEA TUESDAY MORNING FROM NEW MEXICO SECRETARY OF STATE DIANNA DURAN IN DISTRICT COURT IN SANTA FE. SHE ARRIVED AT COURT AFTER BEING ABSENT FROM HER OFFICE FOR THE PAST 18 DAYS. DURAN IS CHARGED WITH FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT AND MONEY LAUNDERING. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE ACCUSES DURAN OF USING CAMPAIGN MONEY TO GAMBLE AT CASINOS AND PAY OFF GAMBLING DEBTS.
DURING TUESDAY’S COURT APPEARANCE, DURAN’S ATTORNEY TRIED TO HAVE PARTS OF THE CASE DISMISSED, BUT THE JUDGE REFUSED. DURAN WAS RELEASED ON HER OWN RECOGNIZANCE.
CALLS FOR DURAN TO RESIGN AS SECRETARY OF STATE HAVEN’T LET UP.
