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Writer's pictureAnne Boswell Taylor

Man Accused of Arson in Ft. Lyon Fire Back in Court Monday

(Las Animas, CO) -- Charles Gregory Champney goes before the 16th Judicial Court in Las Animas Monday at 1:30 for a pre-trial conference. That's when the court will hear pre-trial motions and both sides will try and resolve the case.



Champney is the code enforcement officer for the City of Las Animas.

Champney turned himself into the Bent County Sheriff's office in May after a warrant was written for his arrest in connection with the Fort Lyon fire that started April 12, 2022.


The charges filed are as follows from documents we obtained:



  • Charges Arson 1 5/16/2022 --Status Arrest Only Charge Statute 18-4-102(1) Class F3 (Class 3 Felony) Offense Date From 04/12/2022

  • Charges Arson 2-damage $100k-$1m Reads 18-4-103 Status Arrest Only Charge Statute 18-4-103(1),(2)(g) Class F3 (Class 3 Felony) Offense Date From 04/12/2022

  • Charges Arson 4-property $100k-$1m Endangered Reads 18-4-105(2) Status Arrest Only Charge Statute 18-4-105(1),(3)(g) Class F3 (Class 3 Felony) Offense Date From 04/12/2022

  • Charges Firing Woods/prairie-set Fire Reads 18-13-109 Status Arrest Only Charge Statute 18-13-109(1) Class PO (Unclassified Petty Offense) Offense Date From 04/12/2022

  • Charges Reckless Endangerment Status Arrest Only Charge Statute 18-3-208 Class M2 (Class 2 Misdemeanor) Offense Date From 04/12/2022

The Fort Lyon fire destroyed two homes near Ft. Lyon and burned nearly 3,000 acres. Multiple agencies were deployed for mutual aid and the state of Colorado deployed a unit to help with relief.


The animal rights group PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had asked the District Attorney to consider adding animal cruelty charges to the list above. As of this time, we do not know if they were added and will hopefully learn more soon after Monday's court appearance.




CNYW will be in the courtroom and will have an update on this case.

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