Two high-ranking officials with a southern New Mexico governmental agency are facing felony drug charges stemming from a recent incident in Las Cruces.

Elizabeth Bernal, 50, of Truth or Consequences, and Jerry M. Kloeppel, 54, of Elephant Butte are facing fourth-degree felony charges of possession of cocaine and tampering with evidence. Kloeppel is also charged with conspiracy to commit possession of cocaine, also a fourth-degree felony.

Bernal is the director of the South Central Council of Governments, a lobbying force and fiscal agent for grants to local governments in Dona Ana, Sierra and Socorro counties. Kloeppel is the deputy director.

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