Española Police officer Vince Crespin was issued a notice of termination Monday, according to Acting City Manager Veronica Albin.
Crespin has been on paid leave since June 5 after being among the city employees accused of being involved in an embezzlement scandal that allegedly involved over $100,000. Financial specialist Trudy Gallegos and fiance director Josie Lujan have already been fired for allegedly being involved in the scandal, in which some city employees received both direct deposit payments and paper checks, more than doubling their pay.
Crespin appealed his original notice of contemplated action and had a meeting with a hearing officer last week, Albin said. He can still appeal his firing by responding to the city by Friday, Albin said.
Crespin declined to comment except to say he will appeal the notice.
Albin said no other city employees besides officer Gabe Gonzales, who was put on administrative leave June 16, have been fired or put on leave in connection with the investigation. However, Human Resources Director Jeanie Brito said Española Police officer Marvin Armijo was put on leave July 1 pending the outcome of the investigation.
State Police Sgt. Chris Valdez, who is heading the investigation into the employees’ alleged embezzlement, said Armijo isn’t part of his investigation at this point. No arrests have been made or charges filed in the case.