City Councilor Dan Lewis Makes Second Request of U.S. Attorney to Investigate Misuse of ARPA Funds

Albuquerque, NM – On May 6, 2025, Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis issued his second request to the US Attorney for New Mexico, this time addressing U.S. Attorney Ellison, to investigate potential misuse of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Child Care Stabilization Fund grant money. The City's Inspector General reportedly identified nearly $300,000 in premium pay disbursed in 2022 to 27 city employees who allegedly did not meet the legal criteria for receiving these funds.

“We are forwarding this matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in light of serious allegations that federal funds were misused or misappropriated by senior officials within the Keller administration," said Councilor Lewis, City Councilor for Albuquerque Council District 5. "These funds were designated specifically for early childhood initiatives for educators in the classroom. Instead, it appears they were diverted to provide cash bonuses to members of the Mayor’s staff."

The information is contained in a report completed by the City's Inspector General. In January, Councilor Lewis sent a letter to the former U.S. Attorney notifying the office of the Inspector General’s report and requesting the U.S. Attorney open an investigation into the findings. No one responded to that request.

Councilor Dan Lewis stresses the importance of public trust, urging the U.S. Attorney to act by launching a formal investigation for the people of Albuquerque.