To Be Continued...Defense Asks Judge for More Time in Dunagan Case

~Anne Boswell

If you were wanting to know more about Monday's pre-trial conference with Thomas Dunagan, you're not alone, we were too.

Las Animas Police Officer Thomas Dunagan appeared virtually along with his attorney to ask for more time for the defense to review evidence. This is referred to as "discovery" in court speak.

District Attorney Jim Bullock agreed to the ask, stating he realized there was quite a lot to comb through. Sixteenth Judicial District Judge Deni Eiring, however, wasn't comfortable with pushing the next hearing into next year and ordered a status conference for December 21st at 10am. This will be to ask, "where are we with moving forward?"

Another housekeeping issue that was brought up in court today was that Dunagan's address of record was incorrect. Judge Eiring asked defense counsel to enter into record Dunagan's current address so that the court may send him documents as needed.

Dunagan is charged with two counts of exortion, felony charges, and charges of official misconduct. According to the Las Animas Police Chief David Doughtery, Dunagan is on un-paid leave from the department. He is still listed on the website as a Las Animas Police Officer/investigator.

it's said "The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine." The saying has roots in Ancient Greece. While it seems the trial is moving slowly, we will continue to cover it and provide you with updates.

###