SANTA FE, N.M. — Senator Crystal Diamond Brantley (R-District 35) is calling for an expanded and strengthened audit of New Mexico's SNAP program after a KRQE News 13 investigation revealed that SNAP EBT cards were traded for fentanyl in Sierra County.

The investigation uncovered text messages showing a local man offering $500–$700 in SNAP benefits in exchange for fentanyl pills. Sierra County Sheriff Josh Baker—who represents the same communities Brantley serves—led the case that ultimately connected the fraudulent SNAP exchange to the overdose death of a 26-year-old father. Deputies were able to confirm EBT transactions on store surveillance video, leading to multiple charges.

"This happened in Sierra County—my home. Reading that SNAP benefits were being traded for fentanyl right here, in our own backyard, was absolutely gut wrenching. My first priority is feeding hungry New Mexicans—not fueling addiction."

"I have spent my entire time in public service fighting hunger: directing tens of thousands of dollars to food banks, earning Roadrunner Food Bank's Legislator of the Year award, and crossing party lines to vote for universal school meals. Because feeding families is fundamental to me, it deeply bothers me that HB 1 did not include stronger protections to ensure our tax dollars go to hungry children and seniors—not to waste, fraud, abuse, and in this case, fentanyl."

In a letter delivered today, Sen. Brantley asked the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) to expand the scope of its HB 1 mandated evaluation of SNAP administration. Her request includes new directives that directly respond to the Sierra County case:

Solicit information from all state and local law-enforcement agencies—including Sierra County—regarding any ongoing or recently adjudicated investigations involving SNAP misuse or trafficking.Coordinate closely with the Department of Public Safety to ensure any criminal activity uncovered during the evaluation is referred for investigation and prosecution.Document all findings of fraud, waste, abuse, or criminal conduct in both the preliminary and final reports.Recommend statutory changes if prosecutors lack authority to use audit data or SNAP transaction records in criminal cases.

Sen. Brantley also requested that the completed audit be formally transmitted to Brooke L. Rollins, the 33rd United States Secretary of Agriculture, who recently urged states to strengthen SNAP transparency and oversight in coordination with USDA.

"Secretary Rollins has made the need for accountability very clear," Brantley said. "New Mexico should step forward with transparency. The families in my district—and across our entire state—deserve to know that every SNAP dollar is going where it's intended: to feed people in need, not to fuel the fentanyl crisis."

The LFC is required to provide preliminary findings on January 20, 2026, and a comprehensive final report by July 1, 2026.

The full letter to the LFC can be found in the attachment.