Auges’ deal
Belen brothers get probation in embezzlement case
LOS LUNAS — Belen brothers and auto dealers Ed and Robert Auge have been placed on probation for embezzlement and conspiracy after paying back more than $180,000 to their employees retirement plan.
District Judge William Sanchez accepted a plea last Friday in which Ed Auge, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement over $20,000, a second-degree felony; and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering and embezzlement, a fourth-degree felony. In return, the prosecution dismissed one count of racketeering and seven other counts of embezzlement.
He was sentenced to five years’ probation, starting from the time the indictment was filed Nov. 19, 2010. Sanchez ordered that he be placed on supervised probation for one year, with the remaining time unsupervised.
The judge also granted him a conditional discharge, meaning if and when Ed Auge completes probation, the charges will be dismissed.
Robert Auge, 61, has entered into a pre-prosecution program, in which he admits guilt, but charges will be dismissed if he successfully completes his pre-prosecution probation, which can last up to a year. He was indicted on one count of embezzlement over $20,000 and one count of conspiracy.
The brothers, who own Auge’s Sales and Service dealership in Belen, were indicted after an investigation showed they took $206,017 from their employees pension fund, and put it into the company account.
Auge’s defense attorney, Michael Sanchez, told the judge his clients reached a deal with the Department of Labor, and repaid the retirement plan $187,000.