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Key people involved in the indictment

By Michael Gisick, Susie Gran, Maggie Shepard
Thursday, March 29, 2007

In a federal fraud case filed this afternoon, the U.S. Attorney's Office alleges the following crimes during the construction of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court:

Raul Parra received inflated bids from his wife and a business associate who acted as sub-contractors for audio and visual equipment. He then gave them to Metro Court Administrator Toby Martinez and received a portion of the excess money.

Who he is: Electrical engineer and former business partner in the now-dormant P2RS Group Inc. and Technologies West Limited

Background: In 2002, Parra's former partner Harvey Peel, sued Parra and others, claiming they were involved in racketeering activities, including illegal kickbacks.

Marc E. Schiff ultimately approved the inflated bids forwarded to him and his architecture firm by Metro Court Administrator Toby Martinez and paid money to lobbyist and former Albuquerque Mayor Ken Schultz and political powerhouse Manny Aragon.

Losses attributable to him: $400,000 to $1 million.

Who he is: President DCSW Architects, designer of the Metropolitan Court.

Background: When the courthouse opened in 2004, Schiff said, "This new building is all about order, symmetry, dignity and service to the public."

Schiff's company also designed the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and other local projects.

Manny Aragon

Manny Aragon used his position as Senate president and Finance Committee boss to secure taxpayer money for Metro Court construction costs, including the fraudulent costs, in exchange for a portion of the illegal gains.

What he received: $700,000

Who he is: Retired from the Senate in 2004 to take the presidency of New Mexico Highlands University. Under pressure from University regents and faculty, he took a $200,000 buyout to leave in 2006.

Background: Served as Senate president and Finance Committee boss during his 30-year career in the Legislature, where he represented the South Valley.

Toby Martinez knowingly approved inflated bids from companies run by Raul Parra and Manuel Guara.

What he and his wife received: $2.05 million

Who he is: Worked from April 2005 until January of 2006 at the state Department of Transportation as general manager for special projects. As Metro Court administrator, it was his job to sign off all bids submitted during the construction project.

Background: Fired as Metro Court administrators in June 2003 after being indicted on felony domestic violence charges. The charges later were dropped on a technicality.

Ken Schultz

Ken Schultz received payment from DCSW Architects for influence in receiving state funds for court construction.

What he received: approximately $50,000.

Who he is: Registered lobbyist for seven groups, including Comcast Cablevision of New Mexico.

Background: Albuquerque mayor from 1985-89. Former car dealer.

Manuel Guara inflated bids on technology installations as a subcontractor with Raul Parra's company, P2RS, and received kick-backs.

What he received: $70,000 to $120,000.

Who he is: Worked for electrical consulting and contracting company, P2RS, later serving on its corporate board.

Background: In a lawsuit from a former stock-holder and P2RS owner, the company is alleged to have participated in kickbacks on the building of state District Court by charging for phantom services allegedly performed by communication system subcontractors.

Sandra Martinez also known as Sandra Mata, wife of Toby Martinez, created a company to funnel payments to her and her husband.

Who she is: President of Smart Solutions, a company providing information software consulting, which was based in her home.

What she and her husband received: $2.05 million.