GALLUP — State Public Regulation Commissioner Carol Sloan won't be able to seek re-election after being found guilty Thursday of two felonies — aggravated battery and aggravated burglary — stemming from a fit of jealous rage.

Though Sloan, who faces up to 12 years in prison, can serve out her current term unless she is impeached, officials from both parties on Wednesday called on her to resign.

"Ms. Sloan's actions are appalling, unacceptable and will not be tolerated by Democrats or anyone else in New Mexico," said Democratic Party Chairman Javier Gonzales. "The Democratic Party of New Mexico expects all elected officials to abide by a higher standard and work to move our state forward."

Republican Party Chairman Harvey Yates also called for Sloan's resignation. "Out of respect for the office she holds and the constituents she was elected to serve, Carol Sloan should resign immediately. Unfortunately, New Mexicans have grown accustomed to learning that too many of our state's Democrat leaders conduct themselves in a manner which tarnishes the state's reputation and undermines their ability to lead."

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, who is running for governor as a Democrat, said, "Public office is a public trust and Ms. Sloan has violated that trust. Therefore, I call on her to immediately resign her seat on the Public Regulation Commission."

Sloan, a Democrat, was seeking re-election to the five-member PRC in the June primary, but state law says no one convicted of a felony can be elected to public office. She had attracted four primary opponents for the seat, which represents much of northwestern New Mexico and stretches into Santa Fe County.

Prosecutors said Sloan attacked another woman, Brenda Yazzie, with a rock July 14, accusing Yazzie of having an affair with her husband.

"I was devastated because of the fact I was betrayed," Sloan testified Wednesday.

Yazzie was left bruised and bloodied from a head wound, but Sloan told jurors she never struck Yazzie with a rock and had no knowledge of the woman's injuries.

During cross examination, prosecutor Jim Bierley asked Sloan what would happen to her PRC job, which pays $90,000 a year, if she was convicted. Sloan replied that she wouldn't be able to keep her seat.

Sloan's attorney said he plans to appeal the convictions.

Jurors found Sloan not guilty of criminal damage to property.

The lead prosecutor, Lyndy Bennett, said the jury listened closely throughout the four-day trial and carefully crafted a verdict. He said there was no single factor that led to the outcome.

"It was the entire case that we put together, the testimony and physical evidence," Bennett said. "It was consistent evidence. It corroborated the victim's story."

State District Judge Louis DePauli scheduled sentencing for May 20. Democrats who filed to run in the primary against Sloan include Santa Fe homeless advocate Hank Hughes; Theresa Becenti-Aguilar; George James Galanis; and Albuquerque accountant Andrew Leo Lopez. The winner of the primary will run against Republican Gary Montoya.

Sloan isn't the only PRC member facing felony charges. Jerome Block Jr., whose district includes most of Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico, is facing charges of embezzlement, conspiracy and tampering with evidence connected to a false campaign contribution report he filed. Block admitted he lied about a $2,500 campaign expense in 2008.

The New Mexican contributed to this report.



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