Former New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran resigned then entered a guilty plea to two felony embezzlement counts and four misdemeanor charges.
Two months earlier, New Mexico's attorney general laid out criminal charges against the former secretary of state, stating that Duran used campaign funds for her personal use at a casino. The plea agreement she entered includes a suspended sentence and a probation of up to five years. The agreements will be achieved as long as she meets the necessary conditions, such as return of the campaign donors' money and counseling for her addiction to gambling, according to court documents, according to the Wall Street Journal.
"This was a decision she made for her family and the state of New Mexico," Duran's lawyer, Erlinda Johnson, the Wall Street Journal reported. "She truly regrets her poor choices and wants to make sure that people know she never touched taxpayer money. This was the result of some poor personal decisions and she has accepted responsibility."
The sentencing is scheduled on Dec. 14, but the judge also ruled that Duran can withdraw her pleas if a definite prison time is presented.
"I now realize some of my choices were not healthy and I will be seeking the appropriate professional help," Duran said outside the courtroom, according to ABC News. "I want it to be completely clear to all New Mexicans that at no time did I ever do anything in my official capacity as secretary of state that would jeopardize the integrity of the office."
Temporarily, Deputy Secretary of State Mary Quintana will be seated as an action secretary of state until New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez assigns another person to take the position, according to the New York Times.
