New Mexico Highlands University is facing a criminal investigation for alleged fraud and forgery, launched by the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s office. The investigation is proceeding alongside a state auditor special audit and comes after controversy grew in May when the board placed then-president Neil Woolf on leave without explanation. The district attorney’s announcement ties the criminal inquiry to allegations that the university created or forged a men’s head basketball coach employment contract and falsified a federal immigration form I-20. The article notes Woolf is not accused under those specific allegations, though he sued the university shortly after the board’s actions. Since May 1, the institution reportedly terminated or placed on leave at least nine administrators and other employees, with former staff alleging board malfeasance. The university denies the board’s termination rationale and provided legal responses through general counsel. For higher education leaders, the case raises acute governance and compliance concerns—especially where international student documentation (I-20s) intersects with institutional integrity and accreditation risk.