La Plata County Jail

La Plata County Colorado

La Plata County officials tour jail

Commissioners briefed on detention center upgrades, new armored vehicle

February 4, 2023 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Assault (general)

Rising tensions lead Durango baker to attack roommate with a rolling pin

A dispute about television volume underscored by unfinished household chores boils over

January 10, 2023 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Animas River

Fisherman attacked in Animas River by hammer-wielding man in Durango

Alleged attacker told police he wanted to hurt or kill someone

January 3, 2023 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Budgets and budgeting

La Plata County adopts 2023 budget with 22% increase in spending

spending items include health department, jail fence and law enforcement firearms

December 13, 2022 • Reuben M. Schafir — Herald Staff Writer

6th Judicial District

Bayfield man who killed three dogs and burned their bodies sentenced to jail

earlier plea agreement calling for no jail time was rejected

December 6, 2022 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Crime

FBI fugitive captured during escape attempt in Durango area

was in custody two days before making a break for it during hospital visit

November 9, 2022 • Garret Jaros — Herald Staff Writer

Education

First female inmate graduates from GED program at La Plata County Jail

Durango Adult Education Center has helped prisoners finish their degrees for past 15 years

September 10, 2022 • Megan K. Olsen — Herald Staff Writer

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Former employee sues health care provider at La Plata County Jail

Southern Health Partners allegedly violated Colorado’s whistleblower law

June 6, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Assault (general)

Durango man suspected of escape, shooting officer faces federal charge, then state offense

Buck faces 10 years in prison for weapons violation

April 14, 2022 • Shane Benjamin — Herald Staff Writer

Courts

Man accused of burglary, jail escape and animal abuse sentenced to prison

Barrett-Lesko was refused entry into a community corrections program

March 25, 2022 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Arts

Art contests brighten walls, engage inmates at La Plata County Jail

‘It's amazing what they can do with just a pen or colored pencils’

March 21, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Arrest

Man with ‘metal spikes’ suspected of threatening Sheriff’s Office staff

Suspect was apparently upset his vehicle had been towed

March 19, 2022 • Shane Benjamin — Herald Staff Writer

Arrest

Woman suspected of careless driving causing death faces bail bond violation

Virginia Cundiff placed in jail on $10,000 bail

March 12, 2022 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Durango

When he’s not behind bars, longtime jail cook is forging them

Rodri hopes to focus more on his blacksmithing, with retirement a few years away

February 21, 2022 • Nicholas A. Johnson — Herald Staff Writer

Assault (general)

Durango man suspected of jail escape, shooting police officer appears in court

Buck waives right to hearing, will be held without bail

February 18, 2022 • Shane Benjamin — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Colorado

What is La Plata County Jail doing to prevent more escapes?

Sheriff’s Office says tougher protocols, a new fence and an updated surveillance system will help

January 24, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Coronavirus (COVID-19)