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January 7, 2004

State Official Resigns Amid Allegations Of DWI Crash

The Associated Press
   SANTA FE   —   State Transportation Deputy Secretary Rick Chavez resigned Wednesday after state police alleged he was drunk when he wrecked his vehicle in northern New Mexico.
    Chavez, 48, of Ranchos de Taos, was driving his vehicle northbound on N.M. 68 Tuesday night about three miles north of Velarde "when he lost control and overturned," said state police Lt. Robert San Roman.
    "Mr. Chavez was interviewed at the scene and was found to exhibit signs of intoxication," San Roman said.
    Chavez was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos and was later taken to the Taos County Detention Center, where he was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and careless driving, San Roman said.
    Results of a blood-alcohol test are pending, San Roman said.
    "This is a very unfortunate incident and I am grateful that no one was seriously injured in this accident," Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught said. She declined further comment.
    Robert Ortiz, an operations engineer at the agency, has been appointed acting deputy secretary of operations.
    Chavez was a 25-year veteran of the Department of Transportation who was appointed deputy secretary in January 2003, said S.U. Mahesh, agency spokesman.