Arthur Allison, a member of the Navajo Nation who serves as Secretary of Indian Affairs for New Mexico, is selling tax-free cigarettes at one of his businesses, the Associated Press reports.

Allison owns the Star Ranch Store near Farmington. The AP said it was able to purchase the Seneca brand of cigarettes without paying state taxes.

Attorney General Gary King says the brand is not certified for sale in New Mexico. Allison's store is located in Indian Country.

Allison said he has turned over operations of the store to his son and he said he hasn't received any money since he joined the Cabinet of Gov. Susana Martinez (R). She told him not to sell cigarettes without a state tax stamp, the AP reported.

When Martinez nominated Allison, she cited his record as a business owner who "knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing Native Americans in New Mexico."

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