MORA COUNTY, N.M. – The state auditor said Mora County leaders failed to track millions in recovery money and referred forensic audit findings to the New Mexico Department of Justice.
4 Investigates reported the findings center on recovery money meant to help Mora County break the cycle of fires and floods.
The audit also focused on former Mora County Attorney Tina Cruz. The findings included unauthorized payments and questions about how she billed county taxpayers.
Commissioners opened the meeting with a 12-page letter from Cruz (available to read below) that the new county attorney read word for word. Cruz said the audit had inconsistencies and said auditors never interviewed her.
“The harm caused by publishing a Special Audit without having conducted a thorough investigation cannot be undone and is gravely concerning,” Cruz said.
Audit response
State Auditor Joseph Maestas said the county’s problems went back to before the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire and reflected broader failures in financial oversight.
“Mora County’s systems of financial oversight failed repeatedly, materially, and over extended periods of time. These failures were not isolated mistakes, but systemic,” Maestas said. “These breakdowns occurred under the authority and watch of the county commission.”
Maestas said he made referrals to the New Mexico Department of Justice, which would handle any criminal investigation and prosecution. Attorney General Raúl Torrez said his office received the referral and is looking into it.
At the end of the meeting, some people said the findings could mark a turning point for Mora County as leaders decide whether they will change course and finish permanent infrastructure projects.
The letter from Tina Cruz
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