Ex-Dora Schools employee sentenced for ‘unfair bidding practices’

PORTALES, N.M. — The former head of maintenance for Dora Schools in Roosevelt County, Steven Butler, 56, was sentenced by a judge to three years in the Department of Corrections. He was previously found guilty of six counts involving “unfair bidding practices” with the schools.

According to a press release from the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor conducted an audit at the school system that revealed “irregularities” that were reported to investigators at the DA’s Office. The DA’s Office reached out to the New Mexico Justice Department, and Special Agent Christopher Kohler uncovered illegal practices.

Officials said evidence revealed Butler, as head of maintenance, used his position to gain “favorable bids” for his own company to provide cleaning supplies and services to the school.

“The practices allowed him to obtain multiple contracts and benefits at taxpayers’ expense,” the DA’s Office said.

Butler will have five years of supervised release after his sentence.

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