STATE OF NEW MEXICO

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

HECTOR H. BALDERAS
ATTORNEY GENERAL

July 11, 2017

President Chaouki Abdallah

Office of the President
MSCOS 3300
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Dear President Abdallah,

Public educational institutions such as the University of New Mexico (UNM) must be
accountable and responsible in ensuring that amounts due are collected in a timely, efficient, and
complete manner. I was concerned to learn that the UNM may have failed to collect hundreds of
thousands of dollars in connection with suites at the University Arena (the Pit), with some
unpaid accounts dating back as far as the 2010-2011 basketball season.

As chief law enforcement officer for the state of New Mexico, I have the duty to protect the legal
rights of New Mexicans and to ensure that public entities are accountable to the taxpayers who
support them. Therefore, as part of my review of allegations related to the UNM Athletic
Department, I am formally requesting that you provide the following documents:

All contracts and any other agreements with suite holders from the 2010-2011 season
until the present.
All invoices sent to suite holders during the same time period.
Any records related to the uses of revenue from suites, including any pledges to debt
service or other obligations.
Any other documents that will assist the Office of the Attorney General in its review.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Hector H. Balderas
Attorney General
State of New Mexico

TOLL FREE 1-844-255-9210 TELEPHONE: (505)490-4060 FAX: (505)490-4883 www.nmag.gov

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. DRAWER 1508 - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508
STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREET - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501
Correspondence to President Abdallah
University of New Mexico
July 11, 2017
Page 2 of 2

Cc:
Hon. Timothy Keller, New Mexico State Auditor
Janice Ruggiero, Athletic Director, University of New Mexico
Board of Regents, University of New Mexico

TOLL FREE 1-844-255-9210 TELEPHONE: (505)490-4060 FAX: (505)490-4883 www.nmag.gov

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. DRAWER 1508 - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508
STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREET - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501