Former Tucumcari Finance Chief Files Complaint Against City Clerk

Rachelle Arias accuses Angelica Gray of not fulfilling public records requests

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

A former finance director of the City of Tucumcari has filed a complaint against the current city clerk, Angelica Gray, accusing her of not fulfilling multiple open-records requests made in April 2025. The complaint states that Arias submitted requests for various financial documents and reports, but has not received the requested information despite Gray acknowledging receipt of the requests.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of government transparency and the public's right to access public records. The failure to fulfill open-records requests in a timely manner can undermine public trust in local government and raise concerns about potential mismanagement or cover-up of financial information.

The details

Rachelle Arias, who was the finance chief for the City of Tucumcari until 2023, filed the complaint on February 20 in Tucumcari district court against City Clerk Angelica Gray. The complaint states that Arias submitted multiple Inspection of Public Records requests by email in April 2025, seeking various financial documents and reports, but has not received the requested information. The complaint alleges that Gray did not provide a written denial within 15 days as required by law.

  • Arias submitted the public records requests in April 2025.
  • Arias filed the complaint against Gray on February 20, 2026.

The players

Rachelle Arias

Former finance director for the City of Tucumcari until 2023, who is now the finance director for Mesalands Community College.

Angelica Gray

Current city clerk for the City of Tucumcari.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Defendant's failure to provide a timely written denial was unreasonable”

— Rachelle Arias, Former finance director (The Eastern New Mexico News)

What’s next

The judge will need to decide whether to order the city clerk to produce the requested documents and whether to award damages, fees, and costs to Arias.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of government transparency and the public's right to access public records. The failure to fulfill open-records requests in a timely manner can undermine public trust in local government and raise concerns about potential mismanagement or cover-up of financial information.