Eastern New Mexico University Rodeo Coach Faces Legal Troubles
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) rodeo coach Albert Flinn has been placed on administrative leave following serious criminal allegations of embezzlement and animal cruelty. An affidavit filed on November 4 in Roosevelt County Magistrate Court has charged the 83-year-old Flinn with two counts of embezzlement under $20,000 and one count of cruelty to animals.
District Attorney Quentin Ray confirmed that Flinn is scheduled for arraignment on November 22, where he could face up to seven years in prison and a $16,000 fine if convicted. ENMU spokesperson John Houser noted that the university is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and that placing Flinn on administrative leave is standard procedure in such cases. However, he did not clarify whether Flinn is receiving pay during this period.
The investigation, led by ENMU Police Chief Bradley Mauldin, centers around allegations that Flinn had university property at his personal residence. Flinn claims he was merely storing this property due to lack of space at the university, while other items in his possession were destined for disposal. Additionally, records indicate he allegedly received cash from a recycling operation, which should have been directed to the university.
The animal cruelty charges are particularly alarming, with reports citing numerous dead calves and goats that were reportedly neglected. These incidents are said to have occurred between July 1 and October 16 of this year. Flinn has served as the head rodeo coach at ENMU for 18 seasons and was once a member of the university’s rodeo team in the 1960s. Further updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.
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Photo credit www.easternnewmexiconews.com
