People following Maketa’s case react to grand jury indictment

People following former Sheriff Terry Maketa’s case called the indictment “long overdue” after charges were announced Wednesday.

Maketa and former Undersheriff Paula Presley face nine charges including extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, tampering with a witness of victim and first degree official misconduct. Maketa, Presley and former commander John San Agustin also face second degree kidnapping and false imprisonment charges.

Erin Jensen represents several people involved in the case. He told El Paso County commissioners almost two years ago about the allegations his clients were making against Maketa.

“Quite frankly, we knew we were right from the beginning. It was just a question of getting the right people’s attention and getting them to stand up and do the right thing,” said Jensen.

Jensen said pursing charges hasn’t been easy.

“It’s been a very long and frustrating process for a very long time. We felt from the very beginning that changes should have been made from the get-go. It took a lot longer for that to happen but we are glad they finally did and we look forward to that process working itself out,” said Jensen.

El Paso County commissioner Peggy Littleton called for Maketa’s resignation two years ago after the allegations surfaced.

“We knew there was something terribly wrong afoot. When you look at what the office of the sheriff is supposed to be — honesty, unity, integrity — we knew that that wasn’t happening at that point in time,” said Littleton.

She said the legal bills and the cost of the investigation run by the county has not been cheap. She said it’s time taxpayers see results.

“I am glad. I am glad that the taxpayers have some answers, one step closer to knowing that this isn’t going to be dropped, that no one is getting off scot-free,” said Littleton.

She said she hopes the indictment restores people’s trust in government.