SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico mayoral candidate who's barred from city hall collected the most votes, even though he is accused of being involved in a plot to force an opponent from the race by secretly recording him getting a lap dance from a topless woman.
Sunland Park mayor pro tem Daniel Salinas, 28, was leading two other candidates in results from Tuesday night in the troubled border city of Sunland Park.
Dozens of Salinas supporters cheered and chanted near city hall when the results were disclosed.
Mayoral candidate Gerardo Hernandez, 59, who authorities said was the target of the extortion plot, said he planned on hiring an attorney to challenge the results of the election. Two other people have been arrested for investigation of fraud in connection with the race.
Unofficial results showed Salinas with 637 votes compared to 553 for Hernandez and 66 for Jose L. Hernandez.
"To me, it's very suspicious," Hernandez said. "Tuesday's election was under the supervision of official personnel, and I was winning three to one."
Assistant district attorney Scot Key said prosecutors continued to investigate voting irregularities and have filed a motion seeking possession of questionable absentee ballot boxes.
Salinas and two other city workers face charges in the extortion case. Under the conditions of his release from jail last week on $50,000 cash bond, Salinas was prohibited from entering city hall or contacting the workers.