Roberta Vigil was convicted of two felonies today for misusing public money in her former role as head of the West Las Vegas Public Schools’ bilingual education program.
Vigil was convicted of fraud over $2,500, a third-degree felony, and conspiracy to commit fraud over $2,500, a fourth-degree felony, according to a news release from the attorney general. She faces a maximum of 4.5 years in prison.
The AG’s office, according to the release, “is pleased with this morning’s verdict. It sends a message that misuse of public monies will be prosecuted by this office and that this type of behavior will not be tolerated by the people of New Mexico.”
Vigil was accused of misspending state and federal money on a number of items, including an annual, invitation-only party — one that took place late at night and included an expensive band — under the guise of a staff training event.
Vigil is the wife of state Rep. Richard Vigil, whose brother, former state Treasurer Robert Vigil, is currently in prison for his role in the scandal that rocked that office.
Roberta Vigil had originally been charged with a number of felonies, including conspiracy to commit fraud over $20,000 and fraud over $20,000.
Sam Bregman, Vigil’s attorney, was quoted by the Albuquerque Journal as saying he will file a motion to have her conviction tossed out, arguing no reasonable jury could have reached the verdict that led to today’s conviction. He’ll also object to the judge allowing the jury to convict Vigil of the fraud over $2,500 charge instead of the fraud over $20,000 charge.
A similar argument, the Journal article states, led to the dismissal earlier this week of charges against another defendant in the case, former school board member Ralph Garcia.