Colorado Politics

Sex harassment case against New Mexico lawmaker dismissed

SANTA FE, N.M. – Sexual harassment charges based on allegations by a female former political lobbyist against New Mexico state Rep. Carl Trujillo have been dismissed after the woman decided not to testify to a House ethics subcommittee, according to an order published Wednesday.

Trujillo has vigorously denied accusations by former lobbyist Laura Bonar that he inappropriately touched and propositioned her as the two worked together on legislation in 2013 and 2014.

The three-term legislator lost his re-election bid in the June Democratic primary shortly after Bonar posted her accusations online and urged Trujillo to resign. No Republican ran in the general election in which Democratic nominee Andrea Romero beat out a write-in challenger.

Bonar and her attorney could not be reached immediately for comment. She has repeatedly declined interview requests through an attorney.

Trujillo said in a brief statement that he was thankful for the preliminary order that dismisses charges and is awaiting publication of a more detailed final order before commenting further.

He previously described the harassment allegations against him as a politically motivated effort to aid his primary election opponent.

An investigative House panel and outside counsel previously said there was credible evidence of sexual harassment on two occasions. The new order dismisses those charges based on further recommendation by outside counsel, noting that a House subcommittee “will issue a final order with reasons for and the effect of the dismissal after further consideration.”

The order was signed by Democratic Rep. Wonda Johnson of Church Rock and Republican Rep. Gail Armstrong of Magdalena.

An additional document from the proceedings shows that Bonar decided not to testify and recommends dismissal of the case.

Trujillo was the first lawmaker to face a formal investigation under the Legislature’s new anti-harassment policy, adopted in January amid efforts to make the Capitol work environment safer for women and less discriminatory.

In this 2014 file photo, New Mexico Democratic state Rep. Carl Trujillo, a Santa Fe Democrat, announces a lawsuit filed in the state Supreme Court in Santa Fe, N.M. A long-awaited public hearing on sexual harassment accusations against the New Mexico state lawmaker has been canceled after the accuser decided not to testify. A House subcommittee announced Nov. 28 the dismissal of charges against Trujillo.
(AP Photo/Barry Massey, File)

PREV

PREVIOUS

Mormons support GOP, but Trump approval lags

WASHINGTON – About two-thirds of Mormon voters nationwide favored Republicans in the midterm elections, but President Donald Trump’s approval rating among members of the faith lagged behind, according to a nationwide survey of midterm voters. And as Republican Sen. Mitt Romney prepares to join the new Congress in January, most voters in the predominantly Mormon […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

Colorado pushes for more snowplow drivers among shortage

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – Colorado is looking for more drivers to plow roads across the state as winter weather descends. The Steamboat Pilot and Today reports the state Department of Transportation has more than 100 open positions for snowplow drivers and highway maintenance employees. The department says it has increased the pay for temporary employees from […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests