Fraud

Crime

Man who fell for phone scam targeting La Plata County residents shares his story

Perry wants to warn others about fake deputies soliciting money over missed jury duty

February 16, 2023 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Crime

La Plata County Sheriff’s Office warns residents of yet another phone scam demanding money

give out any information or money, authorities advise; ‘Hang up the phone’

February 10, 2023 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Courts

Former owners of Ken & Sue’s restaurant in Durango sentenced to probation for tax evasion

Defense attorneys cite couple’s service to community in requesting leniency

February 7, 2023 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Durango Police Department

Latest scam is swindler posing as La Plata County Sheriff’s deputy

enforcement wants people to know they will never call or text asking for money or personal information

December 7, 2022 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Crime

Beware the unsolicited check that arrived in Durango mailbox – it is a scam

‘car wrap’ swindle comes via express mail, a scheme that has been around for years

November 30, 2022 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Candidates

Democratic state lawmaker charged for allegedly lying about her residence

Boulder County prosecutors accuse Colorado Rep. Tracey Bernett of felony and misdemeanor charges

November 7, 2022 • Jesse Paul — The Colorado Sun

business and finance

Former Durango restaurant owners plead guilty to cooking the books

and Sue Fusco face prison time after pleading guilty to federal income tax evasion

October 25, 2022 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Fraud

Whistleblowers say they falsified patient records at Western Slope mental health center

regulators have overlooked what former Mind Springs workers describe as a long pattern of fraud

May 16, 2022 • Susan Greene — Colorado News Collaborative

Bayfield

Bayfield Marshal’s Office investigates possible theft of thousands of dollars from Clover Meadows HOA

Residents ousted entire board of directors Monday night

April 19, 2022 • Melanie Mazur — Special to The Herald

Crime

Rec center bandit suspected of making $2,700 in fraudulent purchases

say woman stole car key, then gained access to a locked vehicle with purse inside

March 25, 2022 • Shane Benjamin — Herald Staff Writer

Civil

Here are Colorado’s top 10 consumer complaints in 2021

13,970 complaints and inquiries were filed last year

March 8, 2022 • Faith Miller — Colorado Newsline

Durango Police Department

Durango Police Department reminds businesses to be wary of scams

Bean Berry hit by intricate phone ploy, but losses avoided

November 1, 2021 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Crime

Durango police say fake gold bars being sold in region; suspect identified

Counterfeit bars listed for sale on Craigslist

June 28, 2021 • Shannon Mullane — Herald Staff Writer

Fraud

La Plata County Sheriff’s Office warns of computer hacking scam

So-called CenturyLink technician asks homeowners to download software

April 20, 2021 • Herald Staff Report

Durango City Council

Durango sets up whistleblower policy for staff, community

Massive fraud case highlighted need for avenues to report concerns

April 14, 2021 • Shannon Mullane — Herald Staff Writer

Fraud

Scam targets over 1 million, including La Plata County’s sheriff and top prosecutor

cases spike 400% during past year, according to Sheriff’s Office

March 11, 2021 • Patrick Armijo — Herald staff writer

Farmington

High fraud cases in New Mexico related to pandemic

shopping listed as one of most fraudulent means

January 9, 2021 • Morgan Mitchell

Durango city officials

Durango’s new finance director to strengthen internal controls

Improving systems is one top priority after embezzlement case

November 26, 2020 • Shannon Mullane — Herald Staff Writer

Durango City Council

Former Durango finance director pleads guilty to embezzlement

Sentencing set for January

November 13, 2020 • Shannon Mullane — Herald Staff Writer

Crime

Former Durango finance director plans to plead guilty to embezzlement

Brown faces up to 12 years in prison

November 7, 2020 • Shannon Mullane — Herald Staff Writer

Cortez

Former Cortez finance director pleads guilty to embezzlement

Katheryn Moss faces probation, restitution payment

September 11, 2020 • Emily Hayes

Crime

Former sheriff’s deputy who taught scam avoidance almost falls for phone scam

Southwest Colorado residents reminded not to provide personal information

July 22, 2020 • Emily Hayes

Breaking News

Durango’s former finance director turns herself in for embezzling about $700,000

Brown suspected of writing herself checks using taxpayer funds

July 9, 2020 • Jonathan Romeo — Staff reporter

Cortez

Former Cortez finance director faces embezzlement charge

Katheryn Moss faces two felony charges

July 9, 2020 • Erika Alvero — Special to The Journal