Las Animas officer, Prowers County coroner charged following CBI investigation

BENT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Las Animas police officer who also serves as the Prowers County coroner is facing criminal charges.

The Las Animas Police Department announced Friday that Officer Thomas Dunagan has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending further proceedings.

According to the Bent County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), Dunagan was charged following an investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Dunagan was charged with the following, according to BCSO:

• Two counts of criminal extortion
• One count of first-degree official misconduct

CBI confirmed to KRDO13 Investigates that the charges filed against Dunagan are connected to his position as a police officer.

KRDO13 Investigates reached out to Dunagan for comment. He referred questions to his attorney. However, court records did not show an attorney appointed to represent him when this article was published.

Previous KRDO13 Investigates report

In a previous investigation, KRDO13 Investigates reported on concerns surrounding Dunagan's response to a death investigation while serving as the county's part-time coroner.

In 2024, EMS crews in Prowers County said they contacted Dunagan about a death investigation and were told he could not respond because he had reached his allotted hours for the week and would not be back on the clock until the following day.

Dunagan eventually agreed to respond, but only if county commissioners held a meeting to discuss his part-time employment.

During that meeting, Dunagan argued that the county needed a full-time coroner. County commissioners disagreed, saying the relatively small number of deaths in the county did not justify a full-time position.

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