Archdiocese Records Released

Hundreds of documents show the church's involvement

October 19, 2017

1:43 PM

Priestly abuse files opened

Albuquerque judge Alan Malott ordered the release of hundreds of pages of internal church records yesterday in the ongoing abuse cases of three priests from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The records show the church knew what it had on its hands long before leaders acted to remove them from the priesthood or separate them from children. The archdiocese fought the release of the records, saying it wished to protect the victims and survivors of child sex abuse by priests. The records were released after KOB-TV filed a court motion to intervene in a case and release the documents. The station initially asked for records relating to seven priests, but eventually whittled that request to three priests. Such documents exist for more than 70 credibly accused priests who have worked for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

A step toward standards

The education community in New Mexico welcomed the announcement that Secretary Designate Christopher Ruszkowski plans to reincorporate into new science standards some discussion of evolution, the age of the Earth and some aspects of the causes of climate change. But it wasn't bowled over. The Public Education Department has released few details of Ruszkowski's proposed changes, and promises of more in-depth alternations didn't materialize yesterday. The PED's proposal has been roundly criticized by the scientific community.

No get out of jail free card for Martinez’ bail proposal

Gov. Susana Martinez has called for the repeal of a constitutional amendment that New Mexico voters passed just last year. It allows judges to keep some accused criminals in jail without bail if they're deemed dangerous to the community, but it also lets judges release others so they can go back to their lives and jobs while they await trial. Some have worried that amendment and accompanying rules from the Supreme Court are too permissive. Martinez blames it for part of the crime wave breaking across some areas of the state. Andrew Oxford at the New Mexican reports it's not likely lawmakers will repeal the amendment and override the will of the voters.

Labeling loophole for medicinal marijuana

New Mexico’s law governing the medical cannabis program in the state requires products to be labeled if they contain pesticides. It says use of pesticides should be limited. But it doesn’t require testing to make sure producers are abiding by those rules. A legislative committee is examining the loophole and the Department of Health says it’s working with the Department of Agriculture to set guidelines for testing.

Gallery owner pleads guilty to selling fake Native art

Nael Ali, who owned two galleries in Albuquerque’s Old Town, pleaded guilty yesterday to violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. He sold fake art, passing it off as having been made by specific Navajo and Zuni artists when in fact it was cheaply crafted in the Philippines. Ali and others are also involved in another federal case with similar implications.

Arts college gives notice, asks for break on rent

The Santa Fe University of Art and Design put a definitive date on its closure, telling the city it wants out of its lease on June 30, 2018. The school also asked for a drop in its rent, given the fact that it anticipates just 94 students remaining on campus for the spring semester. The city is furiously working to come up with a plan to use the campus, which it purchased in 2009 with high hopes to keep a college there.

Topes burger brainstorm up for award

Seems people were pretty impressed with the Albuquerque Isotopes’ promotion that renamed the team the Green Chile Cheeseburgers for a few games last year. The team is up for an award honoring the year’s best promotion in Minor League Baseball. The team is trying to rally votes for its effort.

Write again

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