Formal charges were filed last week in Bent County District Court against Las Animas Police Department Officer Thomas Dunagan following an investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Dunagan faces two counts of Criminal Extortion, a Class 4 Felony under C.R.S. § 18-3-207, and one count of First-Degree Official Misconduct, a Class 1 Misdemeanor under C.R.S. § 18-8-404.

The case 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.