New Mexico judge takes high-profile case after 7 recusals

SANTA FE (AP) – A district court judge for New Mexico is agreeing to hear criminal fraud charges against a former state senator after seven other judges recused themselves.
Santa Fe District Court documents on Monday show that Sen. Phil Griego is scheduled for a first appearance next week on charges including fraud, bribery, perjury and tampering with public records.
The case is assigned to Judge Sarah Singleton. She has been elected twice since her appointment to the bench in 2009.
Griego