STATE AUDITOR BRIAN COLON HAS LAUNCHED A SPECIAL AUDIT TO LOOK INTO 1.7 MILLION DOLLARS IN SECRET PAYOUTS MADE TO SIX STATE EMPLOYEES AT THE END OF THE MARTINEZ ADMINISTRATION. COLON SAYS IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW THE GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HANDLED THE PAYOUTS. HE SAYS THE TRANSACTIONS TO BRING ABOUT THE 1-POINT-7 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT CAUSED CONCERN AND A LOSS OF TRUST FOR THE GOVERNMENT BY NEW MEXICANS.
COLON SAYS HE HOPES TO WRAP UP THE AUDIT IN 60-90 DAYS. AND IF WRONG-DOING IS FOUND, THE MATTER WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE FOR POSSIBLE PROSECUTION.
