Portales, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney, Quentin Ray, announced that on June 26, 2024, Steven Butler, age 56, of Dora, NM, was sentenced to 3 years in the Department of Corrections for 6 counts involving unfair biding practices with the Dora Schools.
The New Mexico Office of the State Auditor conducted an audit of the Dora School System. The irregularities discovered were reported to investigators with the 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office who reached out to the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office (now the New Mexico Justice Department) for assistance. Special Agent Christopher Kohler was called in and uncovered the illegal practices taking place.
According to evidence presented, Butler was working as head of maintenance for Dora Schools and used that position to gain favorable bids for his own company to provide cleaning supplies and services to the school. The practices allowed him to obtain multiple contracts and benefits at taxpayers’ expense.
The Honorable Donna J. Mowrer presided over the sentencing hearing and sentenced Butler to 3 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised probation. Butler was taken into custody with an appeal bond set at $10,000.00.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Andrew Coffing with assistance from District Attorney, Quentin Ray and Deputy District Attorney, Brian Stover. Steven Butler was represented by criminal defense attorney, Chris Christensen of Portales, NM.
For more information, please contact the Office of the District Attorney, at 575-769-2246.
