U.S. 22nd Judicial District

Education

Judge tosses Cortez superintendent’s defamation suit, orders Burris to pay fees

says Lewis is protected under anti-SLAPP law and immunity after reporting allegations of abuse

November 21, 2025

Courts and Crime

Two suspects in Cortez slaying to appear in court in December

man dies in beating in Veterans Park; two others injured

October 8, 2025

Local News

Montezuma County judge could face removal over court hearing involving school superintendent

Complaint alleges Ian MacLaren scheduled proceeding to publicly criticize defendant

September 9, 2025

The Durango Herald

Two arrested on suspicion of killing man in Cortez park

reportedly died from blunt-force trauma; two others injured

August 21, 2025

Courts and Crime

Cortez man sentenced to 21 years for shooting father in the hand

Reinfeld allegedly said his father was watching too much TV

August 16, 2025

Courts and Crime

Cortez man gets 15 years for sexual exploitation of a child, other charges

Anthony Mizell faces multiple felony counts after discovery of explicit content on seized phone

May 25, 2025

The Durango Herald

Plea hearing for Cortez theft suspect rescheduled

Chowen arrested on suspicion of theft, identity theft, contributing to the delinquency of a minor

March 20, 2025

Courts and Crime

Man suspected in a Cortez car chase that injured an officer, woman and child

pursuit, officer hits car containing three people

March 18, 2025

Local News

Judge calls diversion deal for Cortez school superintendent a ‘slap on the wrist’

Burris was accused of failing to report an alleged sexual encounter between student and teacher

February 26, 2025

Local News

Blood draw warrant for former Montezuma DA ‘illegal,’ defense attorney says

files motion to suppress evidence in DWI case

February 24, 2025

Courts and Crime

DA’s office announces diversion agreement with Cortez Superintendent Burris

Agreement says Burris must receive training on mandatory reporting law and create a safety plan

February 6, 2025

The Durango Herald

Sheriff’s office violating open records law in Cortez DA’s alleged DUI case, watchdog says

Records of warrant, draft documents and videos in crash being withheld

December 16, 2024

Courts and Crime

Cortez man is sentenced to 60 days in cowboy menacing case

Frederick was found guilty of pointing a gun at another man

November 27, 2024

Courts and Crime

Isaac Sanchez held on bond in 22nd Judicial District; next court date set

Sanchez allegedly violated a restraining order and assaulted a woman

November 22, 2024

Local News

Ian MacLaren sworn into Montezuma County Court

fills the vacancy Judge JenniLynn Lawrence left

November 18, 2024

Courts and Crime

Trinadie Lopez sentenced to six years for 2023 street shooting

determines that while Lopez didn’t fire the gun, he provided it

November 8, 2024

Local News

Candidate for 6th Judicial District DA says more programs needed for low-level offenders

Improved communication between prosecutors’ offices would help keep serious criminals off streets, says Jason Eley

August 6, 2023

Local News

Colorado governor selects Matthew Margeson to be Dolores County judge

District attorney served as prosecutor for nine years; Polis will name new DA

February 8, 2023

Local News

Newly named county court judge will instead serve on District Court bench in Durango

Anthony Baca applied for two positions; Polis apparently liked him for both

January 6, 2023

Local News

Furse appointed judge for 22nd Judicial District Court

Gov. Polis chooses former DA to replace retiring Judge Doug Walker

September 1, 2022

Local News

Two candidates nominated to fill judge vacancy for 22nd Judicial District

Gov. Polis will decide between former District Attorney William Furse and current Montezuma County Judge JenniLynn Lawrence

August 20, 2022

Local News

22nd Judicial District in Cortez seeking applicants for new judge

Judge Douglas Walker to retire; Gov. Jared Polis will make appointment

June 24, 2022

Local News

Towaoc man sentenced to 14 years in prison for vehicular homicide

Passenger Robin Frost died in car crash south of Cortez

June 23, 2022

Local News

Jury convicts Cortez man for drug distribution

DeJesus sentenced to 16 years in prison

April 6, 2022