The New Mexico State Ethics Commission has filed a civil complaint against the former president of Western New Mexico University, alleging misuse of public funds.
According to the commission, Dr. Joseph Shepard redirected a publicly funded construction project meant to improve accessibility on campus.
He instead allegedly used the money to build an extended patio that was completed just before his daughter’s wedding.
The project, originally planned to create an ADA-compliant ramp, was altered under Shepard’s direction.
The patio ended up costing more than $177,000.
That money came from legislative funds intended to support faculty and instruction at the university.
State law bars public officials from using taxpayer resources for personal gain.
The Ethics Commission says Shepard’s actions violate the Governmental Conduct Act, which requires that officials use public funds only for their lawful and intended purposes.
The complaint was filed in district court and seeks financial penalties against Shepard. It also calls for the return of the public money spent on the patio.
Shepard and WNMU have faced heavy scrutiny since ethics and spending issues first came to light in 2023 after Searchlight New Mexico began a series of reports.
Shepard resigned in December after a state audit revealed more than $360,000 in improper spending.
Despite the findings, WNMU regents gave Shepard a $1.9 million severance and a high-paying faculty job, and later also resigned after the deal became public.
Jeremy Farris, executive director of the State Ethics Commission, said the misuse of public resources weakens public confidence in government.
The case will now move through the civil court system.
The University named a new interim president last week.
No word yet from on the timeline for hiring a permanent president.