STATE OF NEW MEXICO OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
HECTOR H. BALDERAS ATTORNEY GENERAL July 11, 2017 President Chaouki Abdallah Office of the President MSCOS 3300 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 Dear President Abdallah, Public educational institutions such as the University of New Mexico (“UNM”) must be accountable and responsible in ensuring that amounts due are collected in a timely, efficient, and complete manner. I was concerned to learn that the UNM may have failed to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in connection with suites at the University Arena (“the Pit”), with some unpaid accounts dating back as far as the 2010-2011 basketball season. As chief law enforcement officer for the state of New Mexico, I have the duty to protect the legal rights of New Mexicans and to ensure that public entities are accountable to the taxpayers who support them. Therefore, as part of my review of allegations related to the UNM Athletic Department, I am formally requesting that you provide the following documents:
All contracts and any other agreements with suite holders from the 2010-2011 season until the present. All invoices sent to suite holders during the same time period. Any records related to the uses of revenue from suites, including any pledges to debt service or other obligations. Any other documents that will assist the Office of the Attorney General in its review.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely,
Hector H. Balderas Attorney General State of New Mexico TOLL FREE 1-844-255-9210 TELEPHONE: (505)490-4060 FAX: (505)490-4883 www.nmag.gov MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. DRAWER 1508 - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508 STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREET - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501
Correspondence to President Abdallah University of New Mexico July 11, 2017 Page 2 of 2
Cc: Hon. Timothy Keller, New Mexico State Auditor Janice Ruggiero, Athletic Director, University of New Mexico Board of Regents, University of New Mexico
TOLL FREE 1-844-255-9210 TELEPHONE: (505)490-4060 FAX: (505)490-4883 www.nmag.gov MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. DRAWER 1508 - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508 STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREET - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501