Facebook Twitter Email
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2003

Rafael Gutierrez, one of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's appointees, was sanctioned by the state board he now works for, The Albuquerque Journal reports.

Gutierrez sits on the Gaming Control Board. He serves as the board's liaison to tribal casinos.

But he didn't disclose work with two gaming firms that resulted in penalizing activity before the board, the paper reports.

Gutierrez was vice-president of Lobo Gaming, a firm that supplied Class III gaming machines to a California tribe that was operating without a tribal-state compact. The firm's president was indicted and ended up pleading no contest to two felonies.

In February 2002, the board prevented Gutierrez from engaging in any future business with Lobo Gaming. He said he was never paid by the company.

Gutierrez was also associated with a company called FamJam. The board made the firm pay a $25,000 fine up front before granting it a license. Again, he said he was was never paid.

Gutierrez was a former president of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, owned by New Mexico's 19 Pueblo tribes.

Get the Story:
Gov.'s Gaming Pick Says Slot Firms Didn't Pay Him (The Albuquerque Journal 4/23) (works only in Internet Explorer)
Alternate Link: Gov.'s Gaming Pick Says Slot Firms Didn't Pay Him (The Albuquerque Journal 4/23) (paid account required)

Relevant Documents:
Minutes: NEW MEXICO GAMING CONTROL BOARD Regular Board Meeting (February 18, 2002)