Relda Martinez, Federal Program Fraud, New Mexico 2021

Relda Martinez, 57, of Prewitt, New Mexico, has been sentenced to five years of probation and 50 hours of community service for federal program fraud. Martinez pleaded guilty to the charges on July 14, 2021.

A federal grand jury indicted Martinez on October 16, 2020. According to the indictment and other court records, from 2014 through 2016, Martinez was employed as the Community Service Coordinator at the White Horse Lake Chapter House (WHLCH) on the Navajo Nation, which afforded her access to the WHLCH financial accounting system. Martinez used her access to issue numerous checks to other parties ostensibly as payments for legitimate work, but were issued in amounts greater than the actual cost of the work or for work that was not performed. Martinez admitted that the money went to herself, her family members and her friends.

Among the checks issued by Martinez were 12 checks issued to a person identified in court records as ‘A.K.’ Martinez listed the purpose of the checks as for archeological surveys, which are required for any land development on the Navajo Nation. However, Martinez knew that A.K. was not a licensed archeologist and that A.K. did not perform any surveys.

Martinez must pay $26,885.55 in restitution, either in full immediately or in monthly installments of $250.00 or 10 percent of her monthly income, whichever is greater.

Martinez’s sentencing is a result of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation Durango Office and the Department of the Interior Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Gerson prosecuted the case.

The prosecution and sentencing of Martinez serves as a deterrent to others who contemplate stealing federal funds for their own personal gain. IRS Special Agent Andy Tsui stated, ‘We will vigorously pursue individuals who take advantage of their positions and misappropriate government funds for their own financial gain.’

Relda Martinez, 57, of Prewitt, New Mexico, was sentenced to five years of probation and 50 hours of community service for federal program fraud. She must pay $26,885.55 in restitution. The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Durango Office and the Department of the Interior Office of the Inspector General.

Relda Martinez pleaded guilty to federal program fraud on July 14, 2021. A federal grand jury indicted her on October 16, 2020. Martinez must serve her probation, complete her community service, and pay restitution. The case is a reminder that the government will pursue individuals who misappropriate funds and take advantage of their positions.

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