Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Unfair Bidding Practices with Dora Consolidated School District

ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NM (KFDA) – A Dora man has been sentenced to three years in prison on six counts involving unfair bidding practices with Dora schools.

Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announced Wednesday, June 26, that Steven Butler, 56, was sentenced to three years in prison on six counts involving unfair business practices with Dora schools.

Authorities say the New Mexico State Auditor’s Office conducted an audit of the Dora school system.

Authorities said the findings were reported to investigators with the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, who contacted the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office – now the New Mexico Department of Justice – for assistance.

Authorities say Special Agent Christopher Kohler was called in and discovered the illegal practices taking place.

Authorities say evidence suggests Butler worked as a maintenance manager for Dora Schools and used the position to secure favorable deals for his own company to provide cleaning supplies and services to the school.

According to the authorities, these practices allowed him to obtain multiple contracts and advantages at taxpayers’ expense.

Donna J. Mowrer presided over the sentencing hearing and sentenced Butler to three years in prison followed by five years of supervised probation.

Butler was remanded in custody with bail set at $10,000.00.

For further information, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at (575) 769-2246.