ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - State authorities have charged a former New Mexico sheriff with embezzlement amid accusations he spent thousands of dollars in taxpayer money on guns and other equipment for his own personal use.
Court documents filed by New Mexico State Police on Thursday show Heath White, of Torrance County, is facing felony charges that include embezzlement over $20,000, receiving stolen property and misusing public money.
White’s term as sheriff ended in December.
An investigation into White began earlier this year after authorities said items purchased by the sheriff’s department during his tenure could not be found.
Online court records did not immediately list an attorney for White.
A Torrance County magistrate court manager tells the Albuquerque Journal that White has been suspended from the Bench.
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