Lawsuit filed over Spaceport corruption

As reported by the Piñon Post, a lawsuit has been filed  by the former Chief Financial Officer at Spaceport America against Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham over alleged fraud of $200 million.

The complaint names 21 individuals who participated in a conspiracy including leaders at the highest levels of state government including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Attorney General Hector Balderas, New Mexico State Auditor Brian Colón, Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keys, and current managers at Spaceport America.” 

“The complaint provides evidence of extortion, bribery, illegal drug use, sex discrimination, procurement fraud, securities fraud, and multiple violations of federal law. The complaint describes how after I left, the defendants proceeded to commit over $200 million in fraud when they issued bonds under false pretenses with disclosure documents containing fraudulent information.” 

At the Rio Grande Foundation we have long criticized taxpayer support of the Spaceport and we recently expressed concern over taxes that SHOULD be collected at the facility.

A serious, systemic issue in New Mexico is that the Spaceport and similiar taxpayer-funded “enterprises” and industries provide ample opportunity for the kind of corruption New Mexico is known for. This lawsuit is only the latest “boot” to drop. We continue to look into the facility and its finances.