Officer Dunagan Heads to Court Monday on Extortion, Misconduct Charges

~Anne Boswell, September 19, 2026

Thomas Dunagan is just two days away from his court appearance in a Bent County courtroom. The court hearing is a "hearing on advisement." That's when the defendant will appear before the court for the first time after charges are filed. They are told the charges against them and informed of constitutional rights. The bond or bail conditions are usually set at this time. The defendant can waive having the charges read aloud in court. The hearing on advisement is also when the judge will ask if the defendant has an attorney or if they will be needing counsel from a public defender.

Dunagan is a police officer with the newly reformed Las Animas Police Department. The charges he will face are two counts of Criminal Extortion (Class 4 Felony – C.R.S. § 18-3-207) And one count of First-Degree Official Misconduct (Class 1 Misdemeanor – C.R.S. § 18-8-404)

Colorado News Your Way attempted to obtain the arrest affidavit and other court documents relating to this case but an order to limit public access to court recorded was filed.

The investigation has been turned over to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Las Animas Chief David Doughtery released a statement that Dunagan is on unpaid leave during this time and that his department is cooperating fully in the investigation.

Not related to these charges, Dunagan also serves as an elected official in Prowers County. He is the Prowers County Coroner.

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