With energy demands and a desire for energy independence increasing globally, investments in traditional and alternative energy resources are being promoted more often and are becoming attractive to investors.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Los Lunas contractor and a Texas mortgage broker have been indicted on securities fraud and conspiracy charges for stealing nearly $500,000 from at least four Bernalillo County residents in a real estate investment scam, State Regulation and Licensing Department Supt. J. Dee Dennis Jr. announced today.

SANTA FE – A Santa Fe jury today convicted two brothers on felony charges for stealing $440,000 in life savings from an elderly Edgewood couple in a real estate investment scheme.

Santa Fe - In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Securities Division, today reminded investors of the importance of understanding the distinctions between the various types of financial professionals.

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Court of Appeals has issued an Order on April 23, 2013 for Rehearing in the case of Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, et al v. The New Mexico Construction Industries Commission and the New Mexico Construction Industries Division. Previously, the New Mexico Court of Appeals issued a Memorandum Opinion in this matter on April 4, 2013. The Court’s order for a Rehearing has the effect of suspending the opinion of the court until its final determination.

The State of New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) is requesting proposals for an Independent Public Accountant (IPA) Firm interested in conducting financial and compliance audits of RLD for Fiscal Years ending June 30, 2013 and 2014.

On April 4, 2013, the NM Court of Appeals issued a Memorandum Opinion respecting the Southwest Energy case involving the New Mexico Construction Industries Commission and the adoption of the revised New Mexico Energy Conservation Codes that impact building codes and standards in New Mexico.

SANTA FE - In advance of a federal rule to allow advertising of high-risk and potentially fraudulent private placement offerings, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Superintendent J. Dee Dennis Jr. warned investors about the risks these offerings carry.

SANTA FE – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Superintendent J. Dee Dennis Jr. issued an investor alert to all New Mexico citizens regarding possible securities fraud linked to the attempted sale of unregistered investment contracts being offered by a Birmingham, England-based company known as “Profitable Sunrise.”

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department approved a settlement agreement on Tuesday that shutdown the House of Booze tavern in Santa Fe for serving alcohol to intoxicated persons and a minor in violation of the Liquor Control Act.

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Securities Division today encouraged military members and their families to shore up their defenses against investment fraud during Military Saves Week (February 25 - March 2).

SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez announced today that the State will make available to New Mexico workers and small business owners the opportunity to participate in a free on-line financial education program.

SANTA FE - The State Regulation and Licensing Department’s Securities Division today announced that it obtained a $50,000 grant to educate members of New Mexico pueblos and tribes against falling victim to financial and investment fraud.

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/out-of-state-company-racks-up-hefty-fine

SANTA FE - New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Superintendent J. Dee Dennis Jr. announced today that Governor Susana Martinez has appointed Jennifer M. Anderson, an Albuquerque regulatory attorney, as the new Director of the Division of Alcohol and Gaming.

SANTA FE – State Regulation and Licensing Department will hold a meeting to discuss the status of customer accounts and claims handling process involving the now closed Mimbres Valley Escrow Services in Deming. The Department has entered a contract with Mountain States Escrow in Las Cruces to manage the transfer of customer files from Mimbres Valley Escrow Services to different escrow companies. Former customers of Mimbres Valley Escrow Services, especially those who have not received correspondence from Mountain States Escrow are encouraged to attend the meeting to inquire about the claims handling process. The Department has found hundreds of bad addresses for customers and needs customers’ assistance in order to transfer these accounts.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department has shutdown Fairview Liquor Store and Bar in Espanola for serving alcohol to minors, while also warning all alcohol establishments in New Mexico to follow the law and be vigilant to stop serving liquor to minors and intoxicated individuals this Holiday Season.

The Bernalillo County Grand Jury returned an indictment on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 against Alfred D. Sanchez II, charging him with 19 felony counts, including securities fraud, money laundering, racketeering and other securities violations.

SANTA FE – The former controller for the New Mexico Finance Authority has been indicted in connection with submitting a forged audit for the fiscal year 2011 and circulating that audit to bond investors. A Santa Fe Grand Jury on Thursday returned an indictment against Gregory M. Campbell, the former controller for the NMFA, on eight counts of securities fraud and four counts of forgery.

ALBUQUERQUE – This afternoon in Santa Fe, N.M., Chief United States District Judge Bruce D. Black sentenced Douglas F. Vaughan, 64, of Albuquerque, to 12 years in federal prison for wire and mail fraud charges that involved a “Ponzi” scheme in which Vaughan fraudulently obtained more than $74 million from approximately 600 investors who were promised extraordinary returns. Vaughan will be on supervised release for six years after he completes his prison sentence.

SANTA FE – The former controller and the current chief operating officer for the New Mexico Finance Authority have been arrested today in connection with submitting a forged audit and misrepresenting financial statements for the fiscal year 2011.

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Securities Division today imposed $375,000 in civil penalties against two owners and an operator of Savoy Travel Center and Fuel 4 Less, a truck stop and fuel company, in Deming, alleging the unlawful sale of securities. The Savoy Travel Center and Fuel 4 Less are located off Interstate 10 west of Deming, NM.

SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez today unveiled a state-of-the-art electronic plan review system that will expedite the approval of construction, design, and architectural plans by the state’s Construction Industries Division. Currently, all plans are required to be sent by mail or hand delivered for manual reviews and approvals at CID offices in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces. The new system will allow businesses to submit their proposals online for a faster review process that will save both time and money.

SANTA FE – State Regulation and Licensing Superintendent J. Dee Dennis Jr. announced that the Securities Division, working with the State Auditor, began an investigation into the alleged fraudulent 2011 financial reports submitted by the New Mexico Finance Authority.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department will hold a community outreach meeting with local elected officials, business and community leaders on Wednesday in Las Cruces. The meeting will be held at Dona Ana Community College at the New Mexico State University, 3400 S. Espina St., in Las Cruces from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department is warning customers of Mimbres Valley Escrow Services, Inc. in Deming not to make any payments to the escrow company, any individuals, or any other company representing themselves as the holder of the Mimbres Valley real estate contracts.