Former New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran received 30 days of 7.5-year sentence Monday for embezzlement. Duran siphoned money from her election account to fuel her gambling addiction.
In October, Duran pleaded guilty to a felony embezzlement charge and four misdemeanor counts while resigning from office. It was part of an agreement with state prosecutors that allowed her to avoid jail time. Now, Duran's lawyer has been given until noon Wednesday to decide whether to withdraw her plea because the sentence did include jail time.
Duran has also been ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution and serve five years of probation. She sought leniency in court filings, citing undisclosed personal hardships and a worsening gambling disorder.
A mental health assessment was submitted to the court and has been kept under seal.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
