Court censures judge, accepts resignation of another

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court says it has upheld a public censure against Dona Ana County Magistrate Court Judge Samantha Madrid, and has accepted the permanent resignation of Anthony Municipal Court Judge Nellie Soriano in lieu of further disciplinary proceedings.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that the court on Thursday made the announcement after the state Judicial Standards Commission requested the actions.

Soriano faced 18 counts alleging violations of standards, many involving abuse of power.

Soriano "expressly denies" the allegations made against her but agrees to resign her position and to never run for office in New Mexico again.