After learning that a handful of sensitive documents had been "discarded" in a local dumpster, Socorro County and county housing authority officials launched an investigation into the matter.

In a joint agency press release — issued Monday, Sept. 28 — officials contend the files were not trashed by either agency.

"A joint Socorro County-Housing authority investigation has concluded that the files in question were never disposed of by the County or Housing Authority in the Otero Street dumpster," the release states. "Rather, it appears that the files were removed from County or Housing Authority storage then turned over to Channel 7 News."

When news of the dumped files first surfaced, it was believed the files were inadvertently placed in the dumpster during an ongoing document destruction project.

The investigation, however, suggests otherwise.

"Housing Authority Director Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez was able to account for all records involved with the project. County Manager Delilah Walsh also confirmed that the County had not disposed of any Housing Authority records," the release continues.

The story — which broke on Tuesday, Sept. 22 — was allegedly brought to light by a "concerned citizen" who found the documents in the dumpster, and then anonymously contacted the Albuquerque-based television station. Local officials now want to know who this concerned citizen is.

"We will be sending requests to Natalie Swaby of Channel 7 News to determine if the 'concerned citizen' who originally reported the story is actually involved with removal of these files," Walsh wrote in the release.

The release indicates that retaliation could be a factor in the incident.

"Both agencies have experienced personnel issues that may have resulted in retaliation and the unauthorized removal of the files," the release states.

To that end, officials say they will pursue legal remedy should it be determined that the files were unlawfully acquired.

"Any evidence of theft of County or Housing Authority property will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution," the release states.

Walsh wrote that if the files prove to have been inadvertently dumped, the county will take measures to ensure its information is safe and secure.

"However, if this was a malicious action against our agencies and our constituents, then it is our duty to our program participants and our taxpayers to pursue further action," she wrote.