Colo. DA Barred from Office After Arrest on Sex, Indecent Exposure Charges
The district attorney for a large part of western Colorado has been banned from returning to his office after his arrest on charges of unlawful sexual contact, official misconduct and indecent exposure.
Details of the case against Myrl Serra are murky because the arrest affidavit was sealed, according to the Daily Sentinel, the Denver Post and the Denver Westword’s Latest Word blog. The unlawful sexual contact charge is a felony; the full charge is unlawful sexual contact without consent and with force or threats.
A special prosecutor is handling the case. A protection order bans Serra from his office and from the courthouse, except in the criminal case against him, the Sentinel says. Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien said in a statement that the allegations against Serra stem partly from actions taken while performing official duties.
The Montrose County sheriff was told of allegations against Serra on Sept. 17 and referred the matter to state investigators. A woman sought a restraining order against Serra on Sept. 20, but it’s unclear if it is connected to the criminal case, the Denver Post says.
Serra spent one hour in jail before posting $5,000 bail.
