New Mexico
New Mexico State Auditor orders special audit of Doña Ana County and Sheriff’s Office
The New Mexico Office of the State Auditor initiated a special audit of Doña Ana County and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office as the relationship between the two entities has frayed in recent months.
“The apparent lack of trust amongst County departments and staff is highly disconcerting to me and the situation appears to be at an impasse,” read a letter from the office of State Auditor Joseph Maestas.
“Consequently, all allegations of potential waste and abuse of public resources and funds, including any potential violations of laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures in connection with the operation of the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, to include DASO’s interactions with other County departments, elected County officials, County administrative leadership, and County staff must be fully examined and reported without any delay or avoidance,” an April 14, 2025, designation letter from the OSA to county leadership read.
In February 2025, the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners approved an external audit of DASO that was prompted by a petition filed by the county against Sheriff Kim Stewart, who refused to commission recent academy graduates as deputies.
The State Auditor’s office will provide oversight of the audit, at the request of both Stewart and the county, according to Maestas.
In an email sent Feb. 11, Stewart said she would not commission the cadets because she lacked the power to decommission, according to emails obtained by the Sun-News. In a Facebook post, Stewart recounted events from her perspective and also said the county’s human resources department informed her that several cadets did not pass their psychological exams.
In addition to the possibility of waste and abuse and a lack of communication and trust between the county and DASO, the designation letter also referenced a potential legal risk. There are several cases filed against the county and the sheriff for violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act, with the most recent filed by one of the deputies Stewart intended to decommission.
“After multiple requests, I was told the sheriff would not meet with anyone from county management, so I am left to put together the pieces of information that I have available,” County Attorney Cari Neill said during a presentation of legal proceedings of the writ in February. “And what appears to me to be happening is misdirection, smoke screens, confusion and deflection. Is it possible that HR got some pieces wrong? Of course. Is it also possible that the full blame is being placed on HR when HR was not fully to blame? Of course.”
While communication between the county and DASO appears to have broken down, Stewart seemingly agrees with an external audit in a March 13, 2025 letter to his office, but asking for oversight, “so that DASO and I may be treated fairly and equally.”
“Sheriff Stewart was first out of the shoot with a letter to us, basically outlining some of her areas of concern,” Maestas said. “She has issues with certain actions by human resources, and certain issues with the county legal counsel.
“She was very forceful in her letter. She did outline some of her concerns.”
Stewart did not respond to a request for comment by the Sun-News.
Maestas described the special audit as an opportunity to establish a pause in the trading of allegations between the involved parties.
“We are dealing with public safety here in a fairly large and significant county,” Maestas said. “I think it’s incumbent on all of the elected officials involved to demonstrate professionalism, tact and diplomacy in working together and establishing a good effective working relationship.
“If they don’t then the voters are going to take notice and say we elected folks that are just incapable of doing that. To avoid risking the wrath of voters, I’m confident in the county commission and administration, as well as the sheriff’s office will work together.”
The county also sent a letter to the auditor’s office requesting the state’s involvement, Maestas said.
“I’m looking forward to the audit and seeing what an auditor may find for opportunities for improvement and things where we have performed well,” District 5 Commissioner Manuel Sanchez said. “It will give us an opportunity to correct those issues and hopefully create a more productive relationship between county elected officials, the county administration and departments and DASO.
“My belief is that during an audit, they are trying to test and look at how strong our processes are and if you find something, it gives you a chance to get better and fix it. My concern is if you find the same issues year after year.”
The county will bear the cost of the audit and will be required to secure an independent public accountant from the state’s approved firm list to perform the audit.
Maestas said a special audit could normally take up to a year to complete, but he hopes to finish this particular audit sooner. The first meeting between the parties to determine to scope of the audit is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
“Part of the rebuilding of the bridge between Sheriff Stewart’s office and the county commission and county administration is jointly working on the scope of this audit,” Maestas said. “That way both sides are confident that their concerns will be addressed.”
New Mexico
Playoff-Race closing: New Mexico United takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks – New Mexico United
New Mexico United travels to Colorado Springs this Wednesday for a Western Conference showdown in the USL Championship playoff race.
The Black & Yellow currently sit fifth in the USL Championship, fighting for the postseason and will look to keep building momentum as the regular season winds down. With a few matches remaining, every point matters, and United will aim to deliver a strong midweek performance on the road.
Wednesday’s contest will be the third meeting between United and the Switchbacks FC this year. In their previous two encounters, United secured a home victory in June during the Jagermeister cup, and drew in the first encounter in June. This clash gives United a chance to claim the season series and strengthen their hold on a playoff spot.
Standout Performers: Archimède and Keller
Forward Luther Archimède continues to be a spark for United’s attack, bringing energy, pace, and aerial ability. His late equalizing goal against Monterey Bay highlighted his gift for delivering in clutch moments. The sixth man has contributed two goals in six games off the bench, proving his talent.
Defender Kipp Keller has been a rock at the back for United since arriving, with his calm composure, strength, and sharp defensive instincts. His leadership on the backline and ability to read the game have been crucial in keeping opponents on their toes. His presence will be needed to keep Colorado’s attackers in check.
Milestones in Sight: Tambakis
Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is on the verge of making USL Championship history, needing just one more clean sheet to become the league’s all-time leader. After recording his 58th career shutout recently—tying the current record held by Evan Newton—Tambakis will have the opportunity to stand alone at the top when United takes the field Wednesday night in Colorado.
About Colorado Springs
The Switchbacks have fought their way into playoff contention with their mix of grit and attacking ability. On the Attacking side Marco Micaletto has been getting it done, leading the team in goals with six. On the back line, Matthew Mahoney provides a physical and clinical presence, leading the Switchbacks in almost every defensive category this season.
Looking Ahead
Following Wednesday’s trip to Colorado, New Mexico United return home hosting Lexington SC on Sunday at 4 PM MT. With the postseason right around the corner, the Black & Yellow remain focused on collecting crucial points and carrying the momentum into October.
Get tickets HERE
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