Former Mayor of Las Vegas, New Mexico Submits Witness List for Upcoming Criminal Trial

After many months of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we at the Shining Light Press have an update on the criminal trial of former Las Vegas mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron.

According to the Las Vegas Optic, The attorney for former Las Vegas Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron entered a pair of expert witnesses into the court record last week as preparation for the trial in the criminal case against her continues.

Gurule-Giron’s attorney, JoHanna Cox, submitted the names of Craig Martin and Thomas Blog to the Fourth Judicial Court last Friday, both of whom will be called to the witness stand by the defense during the trial, which is expected to begin in May.

Martin, who resides in Las Vegas, is the owner of Martin’s Consulting, Instruction and Investigations.

According to court records, Martin will testify “about the police investigation, search warrants, investigation and techniques used by the State in developing the charges against Defendant.”

He is also expected to offer his opinion on the investigation completed by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.

Martin previously served for seven years as a member of New Mexico State Police prior to beginning his private investigations business.

Blog will testify about the “computer forensics investigations/understanding/preservation, digital data collection and review,” according to court records.

Blog is the founder of Forensic Analysis of Computer Technology, LLC and is also a lawyer.

As we've reported, Gurule-Giron faces felony charges of engaging in an official act for personal financial gain, violation of ethical principles of public service, soliciting or receiving an illegal kickback, conspiracy to commit making or permitting a false public voucher, unlawful interest in a public contract and demanding or receiving bribe by a public officer or employee.

The first five charges against Gurule-Giron carry the possibility of a 18-month jail sentence as fourth degree felonies. The final charge, a third-degree felony, would lead to a 2-3 year jail sentence if she is found guilty, according to court documents entered in late 2020.

As of writing this article, Gurule-Giron's criminal trial is set to begin in May 2021.

"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." (Luke 12:2 KJV)