Thomas Dunagan to Face Charges in Court

Las Animas Police Officer Thomas Dunagan and Prowers County Coroner is on unpaid admin leave with the LAPD following charges filed in the 16th Judicial District. He is set to be in court Monday, September 21st at 10:30.

The following is a news release from the Bent County Sheriff's Office

On September 9, 2026, formal charges were filed in Bent County District Court against Las Animas Police Department Officer Thomas Dunagan following an investigation conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Dunagan has been charged with:

Two counts of Criminal Extortion (Class 4 Felony – C.R.S. § 18-3-207)

One count of First-Degree Official Misconduct (Class 1 Misdemeanor – C.R.S. § 18-8-404)

This remains an active criminal proceeding and open investigation.

All inquiries regarding the case, court proceedings, or underlying allegations should be directed to the District Attorney’s Office for the 16th Judicial District. 

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court law.

(this is the official news release from the City of Las Animas, Police Department)

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