Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
An anonymous reader sent a letter last week reprimanding the newspaper because it “refuses to publish” an important story. “There is a big cover up,” the letter read.
Our reader is referencing a lawsuit settled in February by the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department.
The lawsuit alleged improper handling of a 2020 case in which a Clovis child was placed in her father’s home after her mother died. The father, Juan Lerma, subsequently killed the child, Samantha Rubino, and left her body in a garbage can.
Our newspaper reported on the child’s death when it happened, but until now we have not reported anything on the lawsuit. That’s because we didn’t know about it, not because we tried to cover it up.
The Santa Fe New Mexican did report on the lawsuit last month and its story is on our website now.
Samantha’s family specifically named Clovis CYFD workers Vickie Hobbs and Tony Bustos in the lawsuit.
Bustos did not respond to my attempt to reach him for comment. Hobbs initially agreed to an interview, but then ended communication.
About all I know about the case is what’s alleged in the lawsuit and what I read in the New Mexican story, which reflects the lawsuit contentions. I do know that 2010 child-abuse allegations against Lerma were dismissed in court and I wonder if that played a role in the decision to send Samantha to live with her dad 10 years later.
Then again, CYFD must have felt some responsibility for the girl’s death … it did give the family $5.5 million.
I don’t know why Hobbs changed her mind about talking to our newspaper. I’ll guess that decision involved a lawyer or 12.
Anyway, the newspaper “cover up” has concluded.
• • •
Annaleigh Kent wrote to express concern about the Portales city manager recently being placed on paid leave.
“I am not sure why (Sarah) Austin is on leave, but I know a large amount of issues she has inherited were a product of the previous administration’s actions,” her letter read in part.
“Keep a skeptical mind on what the City claims the reason for their actions are and an open eye to who benefits the most from these actions.”
Done.
• • •
Another recent letter came from Stephen Burke.
He writes, and I quote:
“As a American Citizen I agree with state of Texas, close the borders and make our government stop these illegal Mexicans crossing the border.
“We as Republicans are tired of Illegals taking American jobs from American people. These illegals are taking our freedom and rights of American citizens away from us, we deserve to get American jobs because we are citizens of USA.
“I and others like if the Illegal immigrants are not stopped the New Mexico border will fight and make it stop, its time New Mexico get involved joining Texas to stop illegal immigration into the United States of America.”
I’ll disagree with Burke’s contention that “illegals are taking our freedom and rights.” And I am not aware of Americans being unable to find jobs because they’re all going to “illegals.”
But as it says right above this opinion column, we give voice to all.
David Stevens is editor and publisher of Clovis Media Inc. Email him at: