
The investigation stems from the 2017 discovery of possible embezzlement of student fees and other monies over several years at DHS.
According to a statement from the school district, since the discovery, DPS has done extensive work to improve policies, procedures and internal controls to prevent similar actions from taking place again.
DPS Superintendent Dr. Arsenio Romero said, “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement to hold those responsible for the embezzlement accountable, this is not something we are moving on from without some kind of justice for our students and the taxpayers of Luna County.”
DPS recently received a check for $130,000 from the New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority to help account for the over $140,000 stolen from the district.
While law enforcement cannot release details about the ongoing investigation, they assured the community that they are taking the matter seriously. Deming Police Chief Bobby Orosco said that investigators have sent the case to a forensic auditing firm for analysis.
The case is currently fourth on a waiting list. Once the analysis is complete, a determination will be made on how to proceed with the case.