Feds: Former pueblo governor embezzled $3.6M

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Federal investigators say it was a simple plan that simply flew under the radar.

Now that simple plan could have former governor of Santa Ana Pueblo, Bruce Sanchez, and Santa Fe based real estate broker, Thomas Keesing, in big trouble.

Sanchez, 58, and Keesing, 59, have each been federally indicted on 10 counts of Embezzlement and one count of Conspiracy. Sanchez also faces Tax Evasion charges.

According to a federal indictment, Sanchez was in charge  of the Indian Pueblo Federal Development Corporation from 2003 to 2010, a group formed by New Mexico's 19 Pueblos to develop the old Indian School property in Albuquerque. That group hired Keesing's company, New Mexico Real Estate Inc., to develop, consult and help find tenants.

Investigators say over the course of nearly five years, Sanchez signed off on $3.6 million of inflated and fraudulent invoices to Keesing's company.

In exchange, Keesing, a former regent at New Mexico Highlands University, paid Sanchez and his consulting company $1.7 million in kickbacks.

Both men were arrested Tuesday. Sanchez was arraigned Tuesday afternoon and pled not guilty.

In a statement, Santa Ana Pueblo said it does not condone the actions of either men and hopes justice is served in a timely manner.

Sanchez could get a sentence of up to 71 years in federal prison if convicted of all charges. Keesing could get as much as a 55 year sentence.