CABQ Seal ImageTwo of the individuals indicted along with former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron yesterday by the state were widely reported to be lobbyists for the City of Albuquerque.

While Joe and Elizabeth Kupfer are listed on the Secretary of State’s website as lobbyists for Albuquerque, it’s no longer the case, according to Deborah James, communications director for Mayor Martin Chavez.

In response to an inquiry by the Independent, James said the city has been downsizing its lobbying team and had already decided to not rehire the two:

The City of Albuquerque has been cutting back on lobbyists for the past three years and had already determined not to hire a lobbyist for the next legislative session.  The City has no contract with these individuals.

UPDATE: James later clarified with us that the decision to not renew the contract of the Kupfers was made last December and that their contract was up in June of this past year:

In the past the City did have a contract. The decision not to hire a lobbyist was made back in December and their contract ended in June of this past year.

Here are some of the charges against the two, reported yesterday by NMI’s Trip Jennings:

Fraud over $20,000 – four counts; or, in the alternative, embezzlement over $20,000

Money laundering over $100,000

Money laundering over $20,000

Attempts to evade or defeat tax

Making or permitting false public voucher

Soliciting or receiving illegal kickback – one count

Offering or paying illegal kickback – one count

Tampering with evidence – two counts

Conspiracy – one count