AG: New Mexico Press Releases

New Mexico AG Sues Over $1.6M Medicaid Fraud and Identity Theft

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit against two operators of a nonprofit afterschool program, Kids in Need of Support Services (KISS), for allegedly defrauding Medicaid of over $1.6 million and committing identity theft. The lawsuit details 91 counts of fraud and identity theft, including the fraudulent submission of claims for services never rendered and the misuse of children's social security numbers.

New Mexico AG Warns Flood Victims of Potential Scams

The New Mexico Attorney General's Office issued a media alert warning Ruidoso flood victims of potential scams, including insurance fraud, price gouging, and fraudulent charities. The alert provides tips for consumers to avoid becoming victims and information on how to report suspicious activity.

New Mexico AG Sues Feds Over $45M School Funding Freeze

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget to stop the unlawful withholding of over $45 million in federal education funding for New Mexico schools. The lawsuit challenges the freeze on funds critical for programs supporting English language learners, teacher development, and afterschool initiatives.

New Mexico v. Air Force - PFAS Contamination Access Dispute

New Mexico is seeking a court order to compel the Air Force to allow state inspectors access to Cannon Air Force Base to test for toxic PFAS contamination. The state alleges the Air Force is violating state law by denying access for environmental sampling, which is crucial for assessing and addressing contamination that has already impacted local agriculture and public health.

Attorneys General Urge Instagram to Protect User Privacy

Attorneys General from New Mexico, Georgia, and 35 other states have sent a letter to Instagram urging the platform to protect user privacy regarding its new location-sharing feature. The letter expresses concerns about potential risks to children and survivors of domestic violence, requesting specific safeguards.

New Mexico AG Warns of RECA Scams Following Program Extension

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is warning residents about potential scams related to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program. Following the program's recent extension and expansion, fraudulent organizations and attorneys are soliciting individuals to file claims for a fee, despite official processes not yet being established for New Mexico residents.

NMED and NMDOJ Sue Air Force Over PFAS Contamination at Cannon AFB

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and Department of Justice (NMDOJ) have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Air Force to compel cleanup of PFAS contamination at Cannon Air Force Base. The lawsuit leverages new state authority granted by House Bill 140, which explicitly designates PFAS-containing firefighting foams as hazardous waste.

New Mexico AG Secures $350,000 Settlement for Spa Consumers

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced a $350,000 settlement with Santa Fe Spa Center (Voupre Spa) for alleged violations of the Unfair Practices Act. The settlement aims to provide restitution to consumers who were subjected to deceptive and aggressive sales tactics and charged prices significantly higher than verbally agreed upon. The spa is also required to implement clearer pricing and return policies.

Anthony Maestas Sentenced for Child Abuse and CSAM Possession

A New Mexico man, Anthony Maestas, has been sentenced to 30.5 years in prison for child abuse and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The sentence, handed down by a 13th District Judicial Court judge, is the maximum possible under his plea agreement. The investigation was initiated by a cybertip received by the NMDOJ's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.

Coalition Wins Court Order Stopping AmeriCorps Dismantling

A coalition of 25 attorneys general and two governors secured a court order to stop the Trump administration from dismantling AmeriCorps. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted a preliminary injunction, restoring terminated programs and reinstating over 750 National Civilian Community Corps members.