Logan mayor resigns

LOGAN — Following reports of his association with an alleged scam artist, Logan Mayor David Babb resigned on Monday.

John Harley is accused of swindling more than $20,000 from Quay County residents. Criminal charges against him stem from the alleged illegal installation of heaters at residences and businesses in Quay County.

As a licensed electrician, Babb allegedly purchased the heaters that he gave to Harley for installation.

“Questions have arisen concerning my involvement with John Harley, an individual I thought was my friend, who turns out to be a crook,” Babb said in a written statement. “It has always been my intention to treat people fairly in my business as an electrician and as mayor of the village of Logan. It is now clear that Harley took advantage of not only me but numerous residents in eastern New Mexico in providing them heating and cooling services.

“Not only am I devastated by the financial losses suffered by Harley’s victims but the shadow this is casting on the village of Logan where I have served as mayor for the past 11 years.

“To avoid any further concerns by village residents about whether it is appropriate for me to continue in my position as mayor, I have decided to resign as mayor effective immediately.

“I will continue to cooperate in every way possible with state officials in hopes of bringing Harley to justice and making his victims whole.”

Babb entered into a plea agreement on April 25, 2016, in the Quay County Magistrate Court to the charge of violation of the Liquefied Petroleum Gases and Compressed Natural Gases Act. He pleaded guilty and has since met all the obligations of his plea agreement.

Bench warrants have been issued for Harley, who remains at large.