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April 19 First News: FBI looking into ticket-fixing allegations in Española. (listen)

The FBI is reportedly looking into allegations that the sheriff's office in Rio Arriba County fixed traffic tickets in exchange for donations to a so-called sheriff's scholarship fund.  News reports say the FBI had a search warrant to enter the sheriff's office in Espanola.  The authorities are not confirming the ticket-fixing allegations but another county official says if there is a sheriff's scholarship fund, it was set up without approval by the county commission.  

Time magazine has named Gov. Susana Martinez one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Republican strategist Karl Rove wrote the magazine’s brief biography of Martinez, highlighting her gun ownership remarks at last year’s Republican National Convention. ***

The long-shuttered Jean Cocteau Cinema on Montezuma Street near the Railyard has a new owner in Santa Fean and "Game of Thrones" writer George R.R. Martin. Today's New Mexican reports that neither Martin nor his wife have confirmed the purchase but will issue a statement soon.  Santa Fe County documents indicate the deal closed in late February.

A federal jury in Albuquerque has convicted two Mexican foreign nationals legally residing here on multiple counts of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The case began back in 2011 when the FBI obtained information that the pair planned to smuggle an alien from El Paso, Texas to Denver, Colorado.  Payment for the action was by way of a wire-transfer conducted at a Duke City Wal-Mart store.  Law enforcement apprehended all parties as they were en route to Denver.  The two now face sentencing of up to 10 years in federal prison.

Eric LaMalle, longtime owner of Santa Fe's Ristra restaurant has been found dead in an apparent suicide. The 50-year-old was discovered earlier this week at his Tesuque home.  Law enforcement is investigating but has said LaMalle's death does not appear to be suspicious.

Weather for Santa Fe – Sunny today and through the weekend.  Temperatures on the rebound with today’s highs in the mid 50s and mid 60s by Sunday.  Overnight lows tonight right around the freezing mark and from the mid-to-upper 30s Saturday and Sunday.