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Articles written by Daniel Chacon The Santa Fe New Mexican


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  • CYFD agrees to pay $5.5 million settlement in Clovis girl's death

    Daniel Chacon The Santa Fe New Mexican, Syndicated content|Updated Apr 2, 2024

    Samantha Rubino clammed up and didn't say a word. After the unexpected death of her mother in April 2020, the 7-year-old put her head down on her knees when asked whether she wanted to go live with Juan Lerma, a man believed to be her father whom she hadn't seen in years. A few months later, Samantha never would speak again — her lifeless body discovered in a garbage bag in a trash can. The case, which resulted in the state of New Mexico agreeing to pay a $5.5 million settlement last month, should send a resounding message t...

  • Legislative roundup: Jan. 18

    Daniel Chacon The Santa Fe New Mexican, Syndicated content|Updated Jan 18, 2024

    Days remaining in session: 28 Eyebrow-raising introductions: It's customary for lawmakers to introduce their loved ones to the public on opening day of the Legislature. Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, raised eyebrows Tuesday when he introduced his. Pirtle, who is in the midst of a divorce from the mother of his three young children, showed up with a new baby and a former legislative staffer he introduced as his partner. In the final days of last year's legislative session, Pirtle was thrust into an embarrassing scandal when...