Feds now probing Block Jr., associates

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Former State Public Regulation Commissioner Jerome Block Jr. may be in more trouble.

He's already facing jail time for his state crimes after botching his end of a plea deal that sent him to drug court instead of jail.

News 13 has now learned federal agents are now investigating Block and others including state employees.

Block, who admitted an addiction to prescription meds , already faces up to 4 1/2 years in prison for his state charges.  Those crimes included  running up more than $8,000 on his state issued gas card, not returning a used car he took for a test drive and pocketing campaign cash while running for the PRC.

News 13 has learned New Mexico State Police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating Block on other federal charges.

The feds confirm they've been investigating Block and his associates, including state employees, for the past six months for possible drug dealing.

The investigation centers around suspected buying and selling of prescription drugs while Block was on the PRC, News 13 has been told.

Block has reportedly hinted that he bought drugs from other PRC staffers. 

He resigned from the PRC in October after his guilty plea.

As part of the deal with the Attorney General's Office, Block could have avoided prison altogether if he'd succeeded in drug court, but a month ago he was booted from that , too, after failing to live up to its conditions.

DEA agents say they will take their findings to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which will decide if Block or anyone should face federal charges.

Meantime, Block's sentencing for his state crimes will take place in two weeks.

Block's attorney said she did not want to comment for this report.