A high-profile state representative on the investigative committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein resigned from the New Mexico legislature today after a federal judge ruled she could not serve as both a legislator and contracted state prosecutor.
In September, Republicans in the state called for Rep. Andrea Romero, a Democrat who also serves as a member of the inquiry, to resign after she took a paid position with the First District Attorney’s Office in Santa Fe. In that matter, State Attorney General Raúl Torrez warned that legislators could not benefit from funds they appropriated, but left the door open for them to serve in a limited capacity as a special prosecutor but not a regular staff attorney.
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On Wednesday, a federal judge closed that door, as well. State Rep. Andrea Reeb, a Republican from Clovis who was a former elected district attorney herself, had built a private law practice as a contract prosecutor, including as a special prosecutor in the manslaughter trial Alec Baldwin. Reeb resigned from that case mid-trial after defense attorneys raised similar concerns about her dual role overseeing and funding district attorneys while also working for them. That question ultimately landed before federal district court judge who ruled Wednesday that Reeb’s dual role violated the separation of powers principal.
Reeb submitted her resignation on Thursday. She was running uncontested for reelection to her legislative seat. By law, county commissioners in her State House District 64 will recommend a replacement to fill out her term to the governor and the vacancy in the new term.
