ALBUQUERQUE – A shocking case of embezzlement has come to an end in New Mexico, with a 62-year-old Picuris Pueblo woman being sentenced to five years of probation for her role in the crime.
Norma Mermejo, a member and resident of Picuris Pueblo, was found guilty of embezzling approximately $132,000 belonging to her tribe between February 2008 and April 2010. At the time of her employment, Mermejo was a file clerk in the Pueblo’s accounting office.
According to court documents, Mermejo pleaded guilty to the embezzlement charge in October 2012 and was ordered to pay the full $132,000 in restitution to Picuris Pueblo.
The case against Mermejo was investigated by the FBI and the Northern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. Spiers leading the prosecution.
During her plea hearing, Mermejo admitted to embezzling an aggregate of $132,000 of funds belonging to Picuris Pueblo on 144 occasions during a two-year period. She claimed to have used the money to support her gambling habit and make ends meet for utility bills.
The sentence handed down to Mermejo is a slap on the wrist for those who feel the punishment does not fit the crime. However, it is a step in the right direction towards accountability and transparency in tribal governance.
Picuris Pueblo terminated Mermejo’s employment in April 2010, after learning of her unlawful activities. It is unclear what measures the Pueblo has taken to prevent similar cases of embezzlement in the future.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of good governance and financial transparency in tribal communities.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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