Thomas Dunagan, Prowers County Coroner and Las Animas Police Officer, facing felony charges following CBI investigation

The following is a September 11, 2026 press 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).  (EDITOR’S NOTE: Dunagan is also the Prowers County Coroner).

Dunagan has been charged with: 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).

This remains and 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 of law.