16-07-2025
McKinley County District Attorney told to give up control of office's finances
MCKINLEY COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico district attorney has lost her fight to keep control of her office's budget. It's been an issue KRQE News 13 first told you about in a KRQE Investigation this week. This move comes after years of concerns and complaints from the community and police about criminals not being held accountable — and the McKinley County DA creating a hostile work environment.
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Lawmakers gave Bernadine Martin's budget to the neighboring DA in San Juan County. Jack Fortner took control of it Tuesday when the fiscal year began. But when he showed up at her office, she requested he hold off for two more weeks, citing her pending request to the New Mexico Supreme Court to weigh in on the budget move.
The justices' decision on Wednesday means Martin must let Fortner take over. If she doesn't, she could be removed.
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