Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez announced a joint civil and criminal investigation into a wave of potentially fraudulent public comments submitted for the YGI Microgrid air‑quality construction permit, a key step for Project Jupiter in southern New Mexico.

Massive volume of duplicate comments uncovered

Torrez’s office sent a letter to New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Cabinet Secretary James Kenney revealing that more than 10,000 comments were filed using only 9,000 email addresses. Most of the submissions expressed support for the permit, but the data show a clear pattern of duplication.

Further analysis traced 22 filings—some using the names of public officials, local governments and organizations—to a single computer. Several of those named confirmed they never submitted the comments.

Elected officials say their identities were misused

In July, Target 7 reported that city councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and state representative Cristina Parajón discovered comments posted under their names and government email addresses without consent. “I was surprised and then I was pretty darn angry,” Fiebelkorn said. Parajón added, “We’re frankly very upset that someone had used our governmental email address to submit a comment on our behalf.”

Attorney General’s response

“We believe that there are potentially thousands of fraudulent comments included in the public record,” Torrez said. He confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that the DOJ has opened a criminal probe, which could lead to arrests and indictments if violations are found.

“We have opened a criminal investigation into the matter and are pursuing both a civil investigation and a criminal investigation to determine whether there has been a violation of law,” Torrez added.

NMED and Oracle cooperate

NMED spokesman Drew Goretzka said Secretary Kenney appreciates the Attorney General’s efforts and that the department will preserve records to support the DOJ’s inquiry. He noted that NMED has already strengthened security measures on its public comment system.

Oracle, the technology firm involved in Project Jupiter, issued a statement saying it “fully cooperated with the Attorney General’s investigation and continues to provide all possible assistance to facilitate its execution.” The company added that any improper conduct should not “overshadow or undermine the thousands of residents who have participated honestly and in accordance with the public comment process.”

What’s next?

The DOJ and NMED will continue to review the comment submissions, preserve evidence, and work with law‑enforcement partners to identify any individuals or entities responsible for the alleged fraud. The outcome could affect the permitting timeline for the YGI Microgrid project.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.