Lawsuit filed by the State Ethics Commission against ex-president of Western New Mexico University, Joseph Shepard.
In a significant development, the New Mexico State Ethics Commission has filed a lawsuit against Joseph Shepard, the former president of Western New Mexico University (WNMU), alleging that he diverted public funds intended for accessibility improvements to personal use.
The allegations centre around the construction of a patio extension and walkway, which Shepard claims was not related to his daughter's wedding. However, the lawsuit suggests that over $177,000 of the funding allocated for the project was used to expand a patio and connect it to his campus residence for the wedding in May 2023.
The Albuquerque Journal reported on the matter, with Southern New Mexico correspondent Algernon D'Ammassa contributing to the report. The article also highlighted that a 2024 audit by the New Mexico State Auditor's Office uncovered more than $363,000 in questionable spending during Shepard’s tenure, raising concerns about improper use of university funds under his leadership.
Shepard has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that construction on the WNMU patio began in 2019 for university functions. He also claims that changes to the project were not to avoid oversight but because an alternative solution for ADA-compliant access to buildings was found, reducing the cost of the project.
The lawsuit, which was published by the Albuquerque Journal, also accuses Shepard of micromanaging construction decisions, leading to increased costs and university workers having to repair sewer lines. It further alleges that Shepard used funds meant for a walkway and handicap-accessible ramp to expand an existing patio for his daughter's wedding.
Shepard plans to fight the lawsuit, calling it unjust and highly unethical for the Ethics Commission to use their power to pursue the allegations. He intends to teach a course at WNMU in the next academic year, focusing on business statistics and business ethics. Interestingly, his course will take place online.
The funds for the project were pulled from appropriations meant for faculty salaries, materials, and capital projects improving classrooms. The lawsuit presents design drawings, purchase orders, and correspondence, as well as sworn statements from former university employees.
The New Mexico State Ethics Commission argues that Shepard violated New Mexico's Governmental Conduct Act and seeks civil penalties and restitution of funds. The case is expected to generate significant interest, given the seriousness of the allegations and Shepard's high-profile position in the education sector.
[1] Source: Albuquerque Journal, "Ethics Commission sues former WNMU president Shepard over alleged misuse of public funds"
- The Albuquerque Journal published a report about the lawsuit filed by the New Mexico State Ethics Commission against Joseph Shepard, who served as the president of Western New Mexico University (WNMU).
- The lawsuit alleges that Joseph Shepard misused public funds intended for accessibility improvements, using them to expand a patio for his daughter's wedding in May 2023.
- The case involves over $177,000 and an additional $363,000 in questionable spending during Shepard’s tenure, as uncovered by the New Mexico State Auditor's Office in a 2024 audit.
- The New Mexico State Ethics Commission argues that Shepard violated New Mexico's Governmental Conduct Act and seeks civil penalties and restitution of funds, making this case a significant development in policy-and-legislation and general-news.
