Marc Saavedra, the UNM lobbyist arrested on charges of aggravated DWI last week, volunteered to be put on unpaid leave after he was arrested, according to a statement
from David Harris, acting UNM president."The University is very committed to assisting him [Saavedra] in his rehabilitation efforts," Harris said in the statement. "That being said, as a public employer, the University is very serious about its accountability to the citizens of New Mexico and intends to take appropriate action in this matter."
UNM's standard response to similar situations is to help the employee with rehabilitation, including random drug and alcohol testing and a structured disciplinary
process, according to the statement.An employee who fails to complete the program may be terminated from employment, according
to the statement.Saavedra was arrested on charges of aggravated DWI on Aug. 30, after failing field sobriety tests and refusing a blood-alcohol test, according to a criminal complaint. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 14, according to court documents.
