Dona Ana County selects new treasurer in wake of ethics case

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - Dona Ana County commissioners have voted unanimously to name Eric Rodriguez as the county treasurer.

Rodriguez took the oath of office immediately after Monday’s vote. He’ll fill the remainder of David Gutierrez’s term until he is sworn in at the end of the month to begin his own tenure as treasurer.

Rodriquez was previously the chief deputy clerk. He was elected to the post during the recent general election.

Gutierrez was removed from office earlier this month after he was convicted of an ethics violation for allegedly offering $2,000 to a female employee to have sex with him.

Gutierrez had testified during the civil trial that what he said to the employee was a compliment, not a sexual proposition.