New Mexico state Dem leader resigns amid racketeering, money-laundering probe

New Mexico House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton resigned on Friday amid a criminal investigation involving alleged racketeering and money laundering.

"This is a decision that weighs heavily on me, and which I have made after a tremendous amount of consideration of the best interest of the people," she wrote. "In short, because I must devote a significant amount of time and energy to fully defend against these allegations, I believe it is in the best interest of this state and the House of Representatives that my position as both a member of the House of Representatives and Majority Floor Leader be replaced with a representative who can fully and competently resume the tasks and duties that are necessary to continue serving this great state." "Corruption by public officials has long plagued our state and we must send a message that no person, regardless of title or status, is above the law."  Her decision was supported by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Democratic leaders in the Statehouse.  "These are incredibly serious and significant allegations," Grisham said Friday. "I anticipate a rigorous and thorough law enforcement investigation."