Ex-manager admits role in lap-dance extortion

Associated Press

Updated: Dec 29, 2012 4:58 PM

LAS CRUCES (AP) — A former Sunland Park city manager faces five years of supervised probation for his role in a political scandal that involved a secretly recorded video of a mayoral candidate getting a topless lap dance .

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports 62-year-old Jaime Aguilera has pleaded guilty to extortion and evidence-tampering charges related to the attempted blackmail of Gerardo Hernandez.

He acknowledged his role in the creation of the video and a photograph that showed Hernandez receiving the lap dance.

As part of a plea agreement, Aguilera will also testify in 16 other Sunland Park corruption cases that are pending.

That list of cases includes four against Daniel Salinas, the former Sunland Park mayor-elect and election rival of Hernandez.

Salinas is facing nearly three dozen charges that include extortion, bribery, fraud and illegal kickbacks. Salinas has pleaded not guilty.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.